I've considered a mono-shock but have not been able to get a concept of the swing arm that I like.  You really can't mess much with the swing arm pivot point unless you want to add a chain take-up and getting low frame lines that look good with that pivot position have so far not come to me.

So for now I'm thinking hardtail.  I'm thinking I will have many elements of a traditional frame; hardtail, downtube that loops under the engine, split tank with backbone exposed, and engine mount plates that sandwich the downtube under the engine.  The shape (at least in my mind) will be more of modern interpretation of board tracker.  I also plan to spring the seat with travel of 2-3 inches to protect my old back.

That's insane!

What type of tank are you thinking about????
You could go minimalist, a tiny peanut tank, or cruise forever with a retro Harley double tank!

Good inspiration!  I've had that Bonneville Customs (top photo) bookmarked for a while.  Not that I would ever build something that nice. I don't have the tools and my skills aren't that advanced.

Can you please take a pic of the bars while sitting on the bike ?

Ruttly wrote on 10/09/17 at 20:05:13:


From the riders point of view.  This is with the camera about where my head in a riding position.

Loving the progress.  Looks about done to me.   I mean the bungee cord is perfect.    

Love the cardboard engine. I know it's a PIA but if you cap the pipe at both ends weld a bung on one and fill it with water put at plug in bung your tight bends should be smoother as fluid can't be compressed just stay clear of plug while bending in case it decides to leave in a hurry !

Yeah it's hard to get it perfect. One side wrinkles while the other side flattens out. On a tight curve cut pie slices out and then bend and weld it up. Or buy a very expensive bender !