It has been a while since I updated on the Monster Project, though actually a lot has been going on. If you recall, the bike was transported in pieces to SDS via my Honda coupe. But prior to that, I tried to get myself a roller using only my limited tools and small garage space.
First thing, we needed to put the new cush drive rubbers into the painted wheel. Getting them out was difficult enough, I honestly expected this to stop us in our tracks early.
But with some of Shelby’s muscle, they were smashed into place.
Clean and grease up the steering bearings and whatnot, get the triples and forks into place…
Yay!
Brand spanking new axle bearings for the 748 front end…
Axle insertion commencing…
Shelby worked on reattaching the tank strap, which required carefully clearing the paint out of one of the bolt spaces.
Meanwhile I reattached the clip ons…
Which at this point I’ve probably done 20 times. At least.
Voila! It almost looks like a motorcycle.
At this point we realize we really are unable to reach rolling status because the swing arm attaches directly to the engine. So I sat on it and made vroom vroom noises for a sec.
Imagineering what this will actually look like when it’s finally done… I approve.
Shelby, who runs Reap What You Sew Custom Upholstery, helped me figure out the chop marks for the seat pan. He’ll be doing a fancy schmancy foam and cover set up. He does MAGICAL things with a sewing machine, I am telling you.
I had him stand in front of the part of the seat we’ll be chopping off for effect of how short that portion of the bike is now with the frame chop and all.
Observe the black line on the seat for where-ish it will be cut.
“Hey, can you hold that wheel in there?”
The retro pinstriping on a [somewhat] modern machine pleases me…
She sure will be pretty. Stay tuned, another post in the next couple days will cover actually getting it back together and the current state it’s in.
I have a projected release date. …but I’m not telling. You’ll have to check back!
Vasilisa Komarova took a dream motorcycle road trip. Camping in Bolivia she was attacked by three men with machetes, raped, and left for dead. “We have to stand up to the abuse and never lose hope.” Read the story and find out how to help.
Posted on April 12, 2013 in Blog by Alicia Mariah Elfving