The beat goes on.

May 7, 2017

Been busy building a number of bikes: A 1993 Honda CB750 Nighthawk custom, a 1980 Suzuki GS750 custom, and a 1968 Honda CL350 restoration. All these bikes are nearing completion. A 1975 Honda Elsinore MT250 being converted to a tracker bike is in the middle of its build. A 1957 Triumph T6 Thunderbird custom that I have been slowly putting together since 2013 is getting closer. Some of the parts have been cadmium plated like the rear rack, headlight mount, tank rack, and fender stays.

The CB160 vintage racer dubbed "The 7" was revealed at the end of October, 2016 and was shown at The Progressive International Motorcycle show in Dallas, Texas in January, and at the event "Caffeine and Octane at the Beach" at Jekyl Island, Georgia in March. The 1977 Honda CT117 went to the Revival Cycles Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas in April 2017. In February 2017, a Ducati 748 was customized with a new rear sub-frame being fabricated, extensive wire harness and electronic component relocation and modification, and a body kit including a front fairing was mounted. I didn't paint this one, which ended up being the Vintage Gulf GT40 blue and orange.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SHOP...

September 7, 2016

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 gusset… — 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.

June 4, 2016

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.

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