Author Topic: If you could build a “special”  (Read 1769 times)

Online Huzo

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If you could build a “special”
« on: September 13, 2021, 06:45:51 AM »
What would it be ?
Realistically, I don’t have the knowlege to do a Guzzi, because getting everything right around the swingarm pivot front UJ can be problematic.
But my choice would be a mix of old and new such as...
A slimline Norton Featherbed frame
A donor engine, electrics and switchgear from a written off modern Indian
Ohlins front forks and rear units or a mono shock with rising rate linkages.
Wire wheels with twin front discs
Polished Aluminium tank/ single seat, by Mr Williams in Scotland
He does stuff like this..


(I went there once in 2015)
And a half sensible handlebar/ seat / foot peg relationship with compliant suspension, so you could actually ride it somewhere.
« Last Edit: September 13, 2021, 07:06:18 AM by Huzo »

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2021, 07:24:24 AM »
 Specials? My 79 Triumph T140D, modified original engine,Mikuni fflat slide carbs, 41mm late model Showa forks, gas rear shocks, V rated tires, fabricated rear set pegs and controls, 320mm Ducati brake disc and Brembo caliper...
  Or my recent 61 BSA A10 special....2001 Honda 600 CRF front forks, Koni adjustable rear shocks, fabricated exhaust,  Boyer digital ignition , kept the drum brakes for thrills.
 












Offline JJ

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2021, 07:32:02 AM »
Seen recently at an Antique Mall in Prescott, AZ... :thumb: :boozing: :cool: :wink: :smiley:

"Flat Track Special"







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Online cliffrod

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2021, 08:06:46 AM »
Mine is my 1967 V700 Corsa Record, based upon Tonti's 1969 World Record bikes. There's a whole build thread for anyone interested.   I've always wanted to design parts and bikes in clay, then do bucks and hand beaten bodywork.  Great to finally be doing it- just making what I want, period.  It's why I built my shops.

Driveline will be mostly stock (still deciding) but with different intakes and remote bowls on the original SS1 carbs, custom exhaust, significantly lightened.  Project has slowed lately as identifying & sourcing proper parts, gathering planned & bonus equipment in the shop and practice making parts has taken priority.  Getting ready to do more work on it this fall & winter.  hopefully i will have some tank pieces shaped by the first of October for an upcoming show.

Original Record bike in MG Museum





Mine in process









As practice doing the Metalshaping and new-to-me oxy/hydrogen gas welding, I've been building a seat for a friend's RD350 cafe bike. He brought the rolling chassis and a couple of pics of seat shapes that he likes.  I built a wooden buck to make him happy, then shaped the aluminum & finally welded it over the past few days.  Not done yet, but it's coming well. 





















The RD350 seat's rear hump is basically the same shape and assembly as the rear half of my planned Guzzi tank.  It's been a good exercise.   I now plan to make new seat and rear fender for my Guzzi as well now that i can do a better job.   

There's a few more bikes here for special builds should health, time and funds allow including another Loop, an iron Sportster and an early 250 Ducati narrowcase. 
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
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Carolina Sculpture Studio YuoTube Channel-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifz

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2021, 08:06:46 AM »

Online Chuck in Indiana

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2021, 08:11:32 AM »
Several years ago, I was seriously considering building a Nor Vin.. but fortunately had an attack of common sense.  :smiley:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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Offline Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2021, 08:35:52 AM »
When I was a lad of 15, I put the engine from a Jawa 90 Trail into a Rockford Taka 100.  :grin:
Charlie

Offline JJ

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #6 on: September 13, 2021, 08:57:41 AM »
When I was a lad of 15, I put the engine from a Jawa 90 Trail into a Rockford Taka 100.  :grin:

 :thumb: :boozing: :cool: :wink: :smiley:  (Had to look that one up!!) :wink: :thumb:



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jwinwi

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #7 on: September 13, 2021, 09:02:26 AM »
Several years ago, I was seriously considering building a Nor Vin.. but fortunately had an attack of common sense.  :smiley:




C'mon Chuck, how much would it cost?  :evil:
Recently visited the Moto Talbott Museum in Carmel Valley, CA and this was one of the only bikes without a placard explaining its history so I had to sit on it since no one was watching. This was in the basement. Turns out they probably saw me because there's lots of cameras everywhere.  :laugh:

Online Huzo

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #8 on: September 13, 2021, 09:06:11 AM »
Several years ago, I was seriously considering building a Nor Vin.. but fortunately had an attack of common sense.  :smiley:
They are great if they’re done right.

Online Old Jock

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #9 on: September 13, 2021, 09:11:22 AM »
Guareshci, but getting too old and don't want to get bogged down spending countless hours and dollars researching then building a bike I'd hardly ever ride, nice as the dream would be

Rehashed 2 Sfidas just have to make do with them


Offline blackcat

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #10 on: September 13, 2021, 09:54:12 AM »
Several years ago, I was seriously considering building a Nor Vin.. but fortunately had an attack of common sense.  :smiley:

Twenty some years ago I was going to take a similar path but with a Commando engine as I figured the Vincent would have been a bit too much in terms of budget.   I acquired a rolling Wideline Featherbed frame from a local British shop(Sixth St Specials), purchased all the plates needed for a Commando engine, found an aluminum Lyta tank and was looking for a late model engine but it all sort of fell by the wayside and the project stagnated. 

My friend Kenny who runs NYC Norton asked me about the frame and the timing was right as I didn't think I'd ever get it going and he converted the bike into his primary racer for many years. He eventually sold it when he converted to a Seeley framed racer and the bike was restored for street use and sold off to one of his happy customers. 
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Offline Mayor_of_BBQ

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #11 on: September 13, 2021, 10:33:24 AM »
Guareshci, but getting too old and don't want to get bogged down spending countless hours and dollars researching then building a bike I'd hardly ever ride, nice as the dream would be

Rehashed 2 Sfidas just have to make do with them



those are pretty dang 'SPECIAL' would love to own one! I wasnt the GRiSO 8v motor tho!
Chad (Shadrach) in Asheville NC
1979 LeMans CX-100 (battle axe)
2007 Breva 1100 (Sport 1200 tribute)

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #12 on: September 13, 2021, 11:19:36 AM »
 A rebuildable Vincent engine can be the cost of a new bike plus dealing with  machine work ,parts and cantankerous Vincent specialists,..Oy Vey
  Always wanted a JAP ohv engine for a special, Rough Superior.....Finall y found a good engine in the UK, $20k Oy Vey.
 So I figured to buy a good iron head Sportster engine for a few grand... Reprofile the cooling fins, cut away the rocker boxes to expose the valves springs, a magneto...I could do all the work but decided on  the BSA A10 instead..

Offline Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #13 on: September 13, 2021, 11:25:55 AM »
I'd like to put a Yamaha XT600E or later 660 engine into an XT500 chassis. Counter-balanced engine and e-start are the biggest things, but more power wouldn't hurt.  :wink: Loved the physical size of my old XT, but not the vibration or having to kickstart it all the time. It did start easily, but stalling at the front of a line of traffic was always a worry.
Charlie

Online Chuck in Indiana

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #14 on: September 13, 2021, 11:56:02 AM »
Quote
A rebuildable Vincent engine can be the cost of a new bike plus dealing with  machine work ,parts and cantankerous Vincent specialists,..Oy Vey

You could get a new one at the time.. and the google box says you still can. A little more expensive now, though. :shocked:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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Offline Shorty

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #15 on: September 13, 2021, 12:29:49 PM »
I want a Suzuki SV1000 engine in a frame with quality twin shocks, mid mounted foot controls, long flat seat, (28" seat height please) tall Triumph style handlebars,  5 gallon tank, and decent front forks. Or, a Suzuki TU with a DR650 mill.
2017 Suzuki DR650
2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Offline Turin

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #16 on: September 13, 2021, 11:32:07 PM »
Did a LeMans Special - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwCuJc_ToTw

Working on another and then I'm done. It's easier just to go and buy something new or slightly used.



« Last Edit: September 13, 2021, 11:36:57 PM by Turin »
1997 Daytona RS
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1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
1984 LeMans III
1985 Sidlow Guzzi
1974 850-T Sport
1969 A-series Ambassador
1996 Triumph Daytona 1200
1996 Triumph Daytona 900
1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE 3.0

Offline reidy

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #17 on: September 14, 2021, 02:35:03 AM »
Interesting question.

I have two specials I have thought about building. This would be after the 48 Chief Bobber I am working on.

The first would be an Egli small block. The frame would be a 100mm diameter round aluminum tube that runs down between the V. Essentially a spine small block with a mono spring up the center of the tube. Light weight mag wheels and upside down forks. Alloy bodywork to finish it of. It should achievable to built around 150 kg dry weight with a bit of work.

The second is a Claytons Superior. This bike is based on no particular bike or engine. It is a single cylinder, girder fork design with Strurmey Archer style gearbox. Bodywork is 1920 style sheet metal. The design concept is the bike would be a bitza like a Brough Superior but look like something from the 20's. It is to be as simple as possible yet remain functional. In short what a 1920's may have been but with an extra 100 years of manufacturing knowledge. It would be made to a mechanically high standard with function taking priority over form. I would like to make as much as possible myself. As an added twist I would like to be able to dissemble and reassemble most of it with one tool. 

If I was to do a third it would be an Indian Enfield based on the 1960 desert sled look. This one would have Enfield frame with an Indian Scout side valve motor coupled to a Enfield 5 speed gearbox. 

It is possible one of these will be attempted but I have a 1941 Chev truck that needs building.

Steve




Offline Muzz

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #18 on: September 14, 2021, 02:53:33 AM »
AjayMatraNortyBeezu mpHondUki.  Never got around to adding the Yamaha indicators or finishing the seat before I sold it.  Not fast :rolleyes: but wouuld nudge 700 miles on a tank of gas. :thumb:



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Offline reidy

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #19 on: September 14, 2021, 03:04:54 AM »
As I mentioned my Chief in the last post I thought I should expand as it is a special. It is 3/4 finished.

Starting from the front it has a 1970 Moto Guzzi front wheel with drum brake. A girder fork that is similar to the 1948 Chief design but my own build. The frame is standard unmolested 1948 Chief. It retains the rear plungers but with hydraulic damping built in. The rear wheel is a z1000 wheel with cush drive. Where the sprocket would mount I have adapted a 1960 Triumph drum with sprocket and an Indian Chief backing plate. This gives me a cush drive rear wheel.

The gearbox is an aftermarket Indian four speed overdrive full syncro box. The engine is based on a set of Kiwi Indian cases but with a one of stroker flywheel setup (Australian made), carillo rods made to a custom design. I am working on the cylinders at the moment. I was hoping for aluminum but there has been a few design issues with the castings. They may end up being cast iron. Compression is 8.5 to 1. It has a special oil pump and special cams. I cannot take credit for the engine as a friend who builds one off Chief motors is helping me. I have ridden his Chief that has a lot of the same parts. It goes very well.

The guards are based on Indian guards but with short skirts. The tanks are based on a set of Indian tanks but with no oil tank to give more range. The oil tank now lives where the battery did and the battery is much smaller than original. The seat has been hinged at the back of the tank and the base has been hand formed by me out of stainless and covered in leather. It has a Jockey shifter with a wood knob turned by my father out of Australian hardwood (Gidgee) with a 1948 Australian penny set in it. 

I have made an internal throttle setup with an inverted brake lever that has the cable running through the internal throttle.
There are hundreds of other one off bits I have made to my design.
I have built this to look like it may have been factory built and for someone who does not know Indians to think it could be a factory bike. 
No original Indian parts have been harmed. The guards for example were beat up and missing the skirts when I got them.

This bike has been designed to go distance with speed yet have the 40's style.

Steve


Online Huzo

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #20 on: September 14, 2021, 03:28:04 AM »
I reckon building a special, whether it be from the ground up or a bolt together bitsa, is a beaut canvas to express yourself creatively.
You can dive in as deep or shallow as you want and train your focus on the aspects that you are best at.
I don’t have any shots, but I did a Rob North framed BSA A 65 Spitfire about 20 years ago.
When I put it up for sale, the guy asked me to start it while I held the phone to the exhaust. He bought it sight unseen.

A few days later after I had it delivered to him, he phoned and said..
“Are you sure you sent the right bike.....” ?
It’s absolutely ******* sensational...”!
“Well yes...” said I
“Jeez mate”
Says the buyer
“I thought you’d want twice as much as you asked....”... :rolleyes:
I still got (slightly) more than it owed me, if you don’t count the hours...(which I don’t).
« Last Edit: September 14, 2021, 03:29:21 AM by Huzo »

Offline Mayor_of_BBQ

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #21 on: September 14, 2021, 05:47:36 AM »
As I mentioned my Chief in the last post I thought I should expand as it is a special. It is 3/4 finished.

Starting from the front it has a 1970 Moto Guzzi front wheel with drum brake. A girder fork that is similar to the 1948 Chief design but my own build. The frame is standard unmolested 1948 Chief. It retains the rear plungers but with hydraulic damping built in. The rear wheel is a z1000 wheel with cush drive. Where the sprocket would mount I have adapted a 1960 Triumph drum with sprocket and an Indian Chief backing plate. This gives me a cush drive rear wheel.

The gearbox is an aftermarket Indian four speed overdrive full syncro box. The engine is based on a set of Kiwi Indian cases but with a one of stroker flywheel setup (Australian made), carillo rods made to a custom design. I am working on the cylinders at the moment. I was hoping for aluminum but there has been a few design issues with the castings. They may end up being cast iron. Compression is 8.5 to 1. It has a special oil pump and special cams. I cannot take credit for the engine as a friend who builds one off Chief motors is helping me. I have ridden his Chief that has a lot of the same parts. It goes very well.

The guards are based on Indian guards but with short skirts. The tanks are based on a set of Indian tanks but with no oil tank to give more range. The oil tank now lives where the battery did and the battery is much smaller than original. The seat has been hinged at the back of the tank and the base has been hand formed by me out of stainless and covered in leather. It has a Jockey shifter with a wood knob turned by my father out of Australian hardwood (Gidgee) with a 1948 Australian penny set in it. 

I have made an internal throttle setup with an inverted brake lever that has the cable running through the internal throttle.
There are hundreds of other one off bits I have made to my design.
I have built this to look like it may have been factory built and for someone who does not know Indians to think it could be a factory bike. 
No original Indian parts have been harmed. The guards for example were beat up and missing the skirts when I got them.

This bike has been designed to go distance with speed yet have the 40's style.

Steve

you got any pictures of this beast in progress?
Chad (Shadrach) in Asheville NC
1979 LeMans CX-100 (battle axe)
2007 Breva 1100 (Sport 1200 tribute)

Offline reidy

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #22 on: September 14, 2021, 05:53:15 AM »
I will take a few in a couple of days.  Steve

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #23 on: September 14, 2021, 06:49:13 AM »
You could get a new one at the time.. and the google box says you still can. A little more expensive now, though. :shocked:
I meant the cost of a rebuildable Vincent engine is the cost of a new bike like a high end Ducati....

Online Rebochi

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #24 on: September 14, 2021, 11:44:13 AM »


  I have built several specials over the years, a Metrella with a 360 motor, a 650 Elefant with a 900SS motor w the 944 Kit, my present rides a 2008 1200S/ 2013 Griso daily ride with 38,000 miles of use, a 07 Griso with a 1200S engine, a Tohatsu 50/Yamaha 60 trail bike and my wifes Honda Twinstar with a rebel engine.
   When and if I can come up the the cash a Scura with a 4 valve engine will be in the works.
 I had a recent computer crash so I am still looking for photos. A picture of the Metrella and a picture of the Elefant, picture of the 1200S on 101





« Last Edit: September 14, 2021, 12:24:21 PM by Rebochi »
1200 GS
1200 Sport
1100 Griso
2003 Rosso Corsa
Ducati Multistrada
Indian FTR 1200

Offline ScepticalScotty

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #25 on: September 14, 2021, 12:39:47 PM »
It would be a TY175 set of running gear with uprated shocks and forks, and a 250cc w/c engine of some type for just pottering about the lanes in an unobtrusive manner.
Scotty

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Offline Alfetta

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #26 on: September 14, 2021, 01:39:27 PM »
humm....
perhaps an Alfa Romeo 4 cylinder coupled to a shaft drive tranny (Guzzi or BMW) with a leading link front end and a sliding block tail..
Nothing much better than a Tannat from the Salta region.

Offline Michael Moore

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #27 on: September 14, 2021, 02:53:16 PM »
After I was done racing it I put my 650 Cagiva back on the street.  I'd removed the motor mounts and moved the engine forward 1.5 inches, steepened the steering head, triangulated the frame, extended the swing arm, added big block Guzzi fork clamps, and made a hydroformed megaphone/muffler.  The previous owner was faster and complained about the front end wanting to push in the corners, and I fixed that with the modifications.




Offline lucky phil

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #28 on: September 15, 2021, 02:42:52 AM »
Built in the mid 80's. Motoplast frame, Kawasaki 900 engine, tank and bodywork designed and made by me as was the anti dive system and exhaust. Battery box under swingarm pivot.

Ciao









« Last Edit: September 15, 2021, 02:47:05 AM by lucky phil »
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up to much room.

Offline lucky phil

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Re: If you could build a “special”
« Reply #29 on: September 15, 2021, 02:55:12 AM »




C'mon Chuck, how much would it cost?  :evil:
Recently visited the Moto Talbott Museum in Carmel Valley, CA and this was one of the only bikes without a placard explaining its history so I had to sit on it since no one was watching. This was in the basement. Turns out they probably saw me because there's lots of cameras everywhere.  :laugh:

One that's ridden. With it's friend.








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« Last Edit: September 15, 2021, 02:56:32 AM by lucky phil »
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up to much room.

 

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