What happened to my project?...off the deep end...

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ronboskz650sr · Thu Sep 29, 2005 5:23 pm

Yes, it's off the deep end...I made a second seatpan, this time with resin and glass mat only...three layers, and feather light. Very nice. The first pic is a mockup using cardboard, an oval bowl, and nylon stockings. This is the final shape, exactly as I envisioned it for a unique cafe' style piece. The longer, naked bike tail is on hold until this one is done so i can decide between the two for which one gets upholstered first. Once they are both done, I'll have three completely different looks for the bike. As you can see, I've started working the paint over as well. Just wanted to make it my very own.

Drool at will.

BuzZz · #2 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 7:51 pm

Your officially obsessed now, Ron. Does your wife know your stealing her intimates to dress up your bike yet? She's gonna love that.

I see you took off the stock fender..... good choice. It will be interesting to see both these units on the bike when done.

#3 Unread post by **Skier** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 8:20 pm

Quite impressive.

ronboskz650sr · Fri Sep 30, 2005 3:19 am

BuzZz wrote:Your officially obsessed now, Ron. Does your wife know your stealing her intimates to dress up your bike yet? She's gonna love that.

I see you took off the stock fender..... good choice. It will be interesting to see both these units on the bike when done.

I fabbed a bracket to put the taillight inside the tail. Then I modified it to try putting it outside the frame rail...high, low...didn't like it. Finally I used the bowl to enclose the light so it wouldn't affect the shape, and this way should look pretty sweet once the hole is cut for the light to peek through. It will be round to match the turn signals...sort of retro/modern.

Now I just need to glass it up, make a swingarm bracket for the tag...etc.

ronboskz650sr · Fri Sep 30, 2005 4:16 pm

Skier wrote:

Quite impressive.

Thanks! Here's a shot of the rough-in for the taillight lens. Everything is rough now...just a single thin smash of bondo in some of the low spots. The tail is one layer of fiberglass "cloth", one layer of "mat", and a reinforcing layer of fiberglass joint tape (for drywall). Lots of resin, and the thing still weighs 8 or nine pounds less than the old seat/fender combo. The taillight is all plastic, versus metal, so Who knows how much weight I'll save. I'll weigh up one of these days and report.

Aggroton · #6 Unread post by **Aggroton** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 10:28 am

ronboskz650sr · Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:14 am

Here's the first coat of black paint to cover the old silver sides...really makes the bike look bigger, and the tank more swoopy. I like it alot. Getting antsy about it, now. Although this part of the project is only parts of four days long, the whole thing started with some wire mesh quite some time ago. I really want it done, but time just keeps marching on while I crawl along behind it.

BuzZz · #8 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 1:10 pm

Seeing as how I normally don't care much for 2-tone paint, it's a bit strange that I already miss the silvery/gold on your bike..... but I also have issues with change, at first, then I come around a little later...

And you just can't beat basic black, now can you? No, you can't.

You going to keep the front fender? Once it's all done, I think it would look great without it, or with a very cut-down version of one.... more decisions, eh?

It's looking to be a dam nice machine when your done, anyway you slice it.

ronboskz650sr · Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:55 pm

Funny you should ask...I tried to take the front fender off today...going to need the wheel off to "persuade" one of the mounting bolts (gently, with lots of pen-oil). I'm seriously considering cutting the front of it back and to a soft point. Of course, the stripe is history, too

. I think you'll like the paint better whenI put the Kawasaki emblems back on. They are freshly painted and re-sanded to original perfection. The little bit of contrast will really doll it up. I think that's what I like the best about the black. I have just a few chrome highlights...shocks, mirrors (bars are black), chain gaurd, and turn signals. The engine is basic alloy, with polished covers, and stock looking forks. The overall effect is really stunning in person, with the side covers on, and even the original seat. Here's the new concept drawing with the actual tailpiece "painted" and a concept seat cushion.

Oops..forgot to put the side covers on, my bad...I quickly drew some in, forgive the hasty artwork..

Although I was expecting a visual illusion of a smaller bike, The opposite actually happened. The black blends so smoothly with the frame, that each piece appears larger than before. The effect on the tank is dramatic with the silver no longer drawing your eye to it. Now the top contour lines really show up, and the effect is one of a higher, beefier tank. Weird, but I like it....even thought I didn't expect it.

BuzZz · #10 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 9:57 pm

I'm quite sure the black is going to look great, no worries.

And there's just too much front fender there for the rest of the bike now. A major trim will help tons, but I like the nekkid frontend concept, myself.

BTW.... the last puppy you ran down is still wedged behind your fairing...... and someone dressed him funny.