WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SHOP...

 OK, Doing a spotty job on blogging. All the same, several projects are on the way: The 1957 Triumph Thunderbird project, the 1966 Honda CB160 cafe racer project, a 1980 Yamaha XS1100, and a few more just in the concept stage. 

The 1957 Triumph Thunderbird shortly after I got it. The Tank is from the '62 in the background. There were some Japanese forks and ape hanger bars on it. The lower tube of the backbone had been cut out of the frame, and some large 3/8" plate gussets were welded in. A rigid rear frame was welded on. Since this picture in 2013, a lot of work has been done: the absent frame tube was restored and the gussets were trimmed down, but not completely removed; the rear frame was shortened to raise the rear a couple inches and a mechanical union was formed to allow removal of the rear frame; a new front fork and wheel assembly using various Triumph and BSA components was put together; a rear rack/fender assembly was made; an exhaust system was assembled; and a tank and seat were started.

The 1966 CB160 is taking shape. Although the front fairing in these pics did not make the cut, the rest of the bike is entering the final stages of metal fabrication.

Tail light using a lens from a WW2 era naval aircraft, and bronze from a crash cymbal.

A 1980 Yamaha XS1100 has entered the herd.

Finishing up the "Morrison" project.

 After coming down from the Revival Cycles Handbuilt Show, it was time to get serious on this bike. Fabian Campos, the owner, had a vision for this bike that was a reflection the city of Denton, Texas, and some of the artists around here. The Morrison name and tank color were homage to one of the more well-known grain silos around here. A beautiful leather seat cover was made by Denton Artist Clint Wilkinson at his Bell and Oak studio. I got to spend the day watching him craft it, and it was really great. Fabian enlisted friends Triad finishes in Lewisville, Texas to do the paint and powdercoat, and Jon Carpenter to do the olive wood grips.

Just prior to the May 29, 2016 reveal.

 Pieces from a busted crash cymbal  were pounded into small brackets to mount the turn signals to the light bucket. 

A special dedication yoke was made using a technique called Shitame Repousee. Thin 22 gauge brass was worked in a bowl filled with pitch, using a small hammer and handmade punches.

This was the first time the completed bike was rolled out of the shop. The same crash cymbal metal was used to form a hood for the license plate light.

A motogadget m-Unit was used along with their m-button and bar controls, plus a new voltage regulator/rectifier, and  a lithium battery.

With the beautiful saddle cover fashioned by Bell and Oak Leather Studio, and the removable nature of the seat, a quality mounting system seemed in order. The usual washers and rivets were used along with some small welded brackets, to achieve a really clean look.

Back from the Revival Cycles Handbuilt Motorcycle Show.

What a month! The last month has seen a flurry of bike building. Finished the XR50 Stunter, and the CB50S AC-02, and repainted the body work on most of the Z50 Magnum. The CB500T is in the reassembly process, and not too far from done. Two days ago the B-man build was started in earnest. The Handbuilt Motorcycle show was the cherry on top. I could rattle on, but pictures do a better job...

Friday night, just before the show opened. The AC-02 is parked out front.

Max Hazan's "Musket" was the belle of the ball. The Z50 Magnum is in the background.

Famed motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter shooting the Magnum upon arrival

Flat track legend David Aldana and others hitting the track.

World Famous Wheelie-ing Elvi Brian Hunt pulling up the front of his new whip, the XR50 Stunter.

Z50 Magnum paint 2.0

The Magnum and AC-02 in the van headed to Austin.

Z50 Magnum at the Handbuilt show.

Cool old Indian used in the Wall of Death Show. So badass.