Meet Ol' Sparky

From basic novice to the hard core cutomizing. Sharing tips, tricks and knowledge. Feel
free to ask question or give us your "2 cents".

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HOTT
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#301

Post by HOTT »

sorry missed this...
Topwingnut wrote:Hey hott how long did this build take you ? I'm about 2 months into mine so far an everyday it seems like I find something else that has to be done ....
Nov. 16th 2010 to Oct. 12th 2011
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
Lucky #13 BOTY 2018
Topwingnut
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#302

Post by Topwingnut »

Ok thanks I don't feel so ba about being almost 2 months into mine now lol
1980 GL1100 Interstate naked
1982 GL1100 Interstate Bobber ( in progress )
1983 GL1100 Interstate Bagger
Gowing
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#303

Post by Gowing »

Just noticed hotts' build and top wing nuts' also,
Amazing talent from you both, and seems everyone else in club.
Here's hoping some of it rubs off, first resolution for 2014.
Dave

1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
Topwingnut
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#304

Post by Topwingnut »

Hey Dave thanks for the comment but I owe my inspiration to hott even though my build took on a totally different look than hott's without his build I wouldn't have known where to start ... I'm hoping to finish around spring ... I have rode it an its an awesome handling machine ...
1980 GL1100 Interstate naked
1982 GL1100 Interstate Bobber ( in progress )
1983 GL1100 Interstate Bagger
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rocketman
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#305

Post by rocketman »

I just love this build! The extreme function and minimalist style is the twain meeting with grace. Love the deco-like style with the western lilt. Simple and gorgeous!

The most attractive thing about this build to me is how the rear of the frame is chopped. I have read this post multiple times because since acquiring a freebie goldie I have it in my mind to chop the frame in the same place and this thread has really helped me get a grip on what that would entail doing so.

I love your work HOTT thanks for sharing your intricately tasteful build. TAySTEE and Boned up proper. HOTT DAMN fine work!
Topwingnut
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#306

Post by Topwingnut »

Well I can an will say this : do not try an cut any corners or take any short cuts as you will find yourself backed into a corner ... Everything , every detail you see was done for a reason .. I know 1st hand because I am building a bike like this as well an I attempted shortcuts an ended up having to back up only to redo what had already been done ... So good luck with your build an start a thread when you begin an take plenty of pics ...
1980 GL1100 Interstate naked
1982 GL1100 Interstate Bobber ( in progress )
1983 GL1100 Interstate Bagger
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HOTT
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#307

Post by HOTT »

rocketman wrote:I just love this build! The extreme function and minimalist style is the twain meeting with grace. Love the deco-like style with the western lilt. Simple and gorgeous!

The most attractive thing about this build to me is how the rear of the frame is chopped. I have read this post multiple times because since acquiring a freebie goldie I have it in my mind to chop the frame in the same place and this thread has really helped me get a grip on what that would entail doing so.

I love your work HOTT thanks for sharing your intricately tasteful build. TAySTEE and Boned up proper. HOTT DAMN fine work!
I blush.... Thanks for diggin' the details. I'll be watching for your build. :orange

HOTT
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
Lucky #13 BOTY 2018
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ianstaley
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#308

Post by ianstaley »

Hott, a question on handling, by changing the fork angle what effect has it had on the handling of the bike steering, wandering on the motorway, tendency for the front to fall over, like the old chopper with over extended forks. ?

Other than that I love both of your bikes and I am torn between the two. Ian :notworthy:
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HOTT
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#309

Post by HOTT »

Thanks Ian,
Handling on open road is just (to me) perfect.
No wandering, she has a very stable easy to control feel.
No tendency to shimmy on deceleration.
Handling on tight stuff is fine, but will never be confused
for a sport bike. LOL
Fork fall over or 'flop' is not a problem as long as you keep
your rake in the in the 30-34deg. area. Offset forks and springer
can go more. The forks on 'Sparky are stock length.


HOTT
(Shameless photo to follow)
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
Lucky #13 BOTY 2018
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ianstaley
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#310

Post by ianstaley »

Thanks for that I really like the bobber route, and sparky just looks so right, so I think I am going to do just what you did. I take it the aluminium tube under the seat is the gas tank? Ian man these two bikes Condor and Sparky have to be 11 outa 10 bikes.
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ianstaley
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#311

Post by ianstaley »

Just another comment, I have spent a couple of hours reading the full story, what an epic! I said I would love to do what you have done or near to it, but I think over here in the UK it wouldn't be allowed. Hopefully another UK biker/builder can straighten me out on that one. It strays too far off the manufacturers specs. especially the frame and shocks. So I can live in hope otherwise I will just dream.

My son love's it too, he has a pic I sent him on his bulkhead on his Boomer over here they are called Bombers. Ian
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HOTT
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#312

Post by HOTT »

ianstaley wrote: My son love's it too, he has a pic I sent him on his bulkhead on his Boomer over here they are called Bombers. Ian
Wow ! Thanks Ian. I really appreciate that! I'm honored
Image
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
Lucky #13 BOTY 2018
Topwingnut
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#313

Post by Topwingnut »

By taking your front end out have you had any clearance problems during turning on grades ? I've scraped my exhaust on the pavement a few times already an that was just a test run ... I've even shortened an tucked my manifolds as tight as I can get them any suggestions on a fix ? Is Lengthening the front forks an option ?
1980 GL1100 Interstate naked
1982 GL1100 Interstate Bobber ( in progress )
1983 GL1100 Interstate Bagger
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HOTT
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Joined: Sun Aug 02, 2009 6:48 pm
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Location: Spring,TX
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#314

Post by HOTT »

T-nut,
I haven't had any clearance issues. Quite the opposite (no centerstand).
The bottom frame rail measures the same as stock from the ground.
The head tube must be lowered to keep ride attitude the same.
(Remember 'Sparky uses stock length forks)
Longer fork upper tubes can level you out.
Frank left a link for his custom tubes http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/

HOTT
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
Lucky #13 BOTY 2018
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ericheath
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#315

Post by ericheath »

Looking at some of the pics from your build, topwingnut, it looks like yours is raked more than Hott's. Longer forks would help, but kick that front out even more. You can with Franks or go with a different front end. For all the work you've done, forks from Frank would probably be best. Sagebrush had some made, I think. Does yours want to flop?
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77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
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83 Wing, in pieces
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