What size tire are you using? Should you wait to make this adjustment until you select a wheel and tire?

JB Weld curing in the sun!

I put masking tape around the piece while I tightened the plate down, and then scraped off the excess that oozed out with a screwdriver - then peeled up the tape once the JBWeld had stopped oozing.

Gary_in_NJ wrote on 02/27/21 at 11:39:34:


The front will be a 100/90=19, and I have a used  Dunlop tire and wheel that size on the bike right now.  I taped sections of a kitchen sponge to the tire to set the clearance when I marked the hole location.  I think there will be enough clearance even with a new tire - if I need more clearance I can slot the holes......I will be getting the bike all put together and running before I do the final paint.

For the rear tire I am planning on using a 130/90-16 tire - I am currently shopping for a cast wheel, and then I will buy a set of tires.  Initially I am going to buy a set of Shinko tires = no sense buying expensive tires to mount and let sit for a year or two as the bike is finished.  Having the rear shocks and correct size tire is what will determine the fender height and most likely the seat height as well.  Although spoked wheels will look more appropriate on this bike - I do want to be able to run tubeless so patching is easier when riding a long way from home.

I think the tank, seat and rear fender orientation is very important to making the bike look proper......so no permanent structure will be built until I have the rear wheel and tire, shocks, seat and tank all mocked up and I like the lines.  In making that decision I also need to consider how the tail light, turn signals and luggage fit onto the frame.  After that I believe the foot peg and handlebar choices will be made. Then I believe the work to determine how the air cleaner, battery and other electronics will be laid out.

badwolf:

Part of this is a balancing act between having a bike that looks like a vintage bike, and also having a bike that is comfortable to ride.

The gas tank I am using is right around 4 gallons - it is the same one I have on the Cafe' bike and has a range around 160 miles before reserve.  Having saddlebags and a windshield will likely cut that down a bit.

I have a Suzuki OEM windshield to try - it came along at a good price so I bought it a couple years ago.  There really won't be a lot of protection on this bike compared to a real touring or sport touring bike.  I am putting fenders on that will do a much better job than the tiny fenders on the Cafe' bike.....that is a horrid bike to ride on wet roads, as it throws water all over me.  I really try to avoid rainy days - but you know how often a sunny day can have a pop up shower that comes out of nowhere!

I was able to buy some very nice used GIVI hard saddlebags.  They are really nice as they have a small door that opens on the top - and they also open completely along a bottom hinge. I got them on Craigslist and the owner never used them!  If I need more luggage I will likely strap things to the seat behind me.....not sure is I will have any kind of a small luggage rack on top behind the seat.

I do have a rainsuit - but not a fantastic one.  The leg zipper is always a bit troublesome and gets that little piece of fabric in it that jams the zipper.  It is hard to be careful and precise about zipping it up when you are in a hurry!

Looks good Dave. A flap will give it a British look as well as period correct. I was trying my stock fender , looks ok but 19”” fenders just don’t look good with 18” wheel. Maybe I’ll just lower it and call it done

Ruttly:

Here is how I have cut the fender to work on the Cafe'.

It needs the front welded back on....and the mounts just need a horizontal bar welded on and the holes drilled.

Your fender lines up perfectly it looks good and low to tire , very nice. I’m looking for easy replacement cause it may never get it mounted on the tracker. Just want a decent steel fender handy just in case I need to do any serious road time. It’s lighter and faster without it. I’ll just lower it a little bit and then if I like it I’ll get it powder coated. Simple and cheap.