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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Topwingnut
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#316

Post by Topwingnut »

No it handles great going down the road it only wants to flop sitting still ... I think I checked the rake on on it to be around 36 stock I think is 29
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

#317

Post by HOTT »

Topwingnut wrote:No it handles great going down the road it only wants to flop sitting still ... I think I checked the rake on on it to be around 36 stock I think is 29
I just gave a look at a pic of your ride. A little more of a full side view would help,
but I'm guessin' you would need to drop her an inch. Suggest slightly longer tubes.
It will still look bitchen'
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
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Topwingnut
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#318

Post by Topwingnut »

O was kinda hoping for some type of tube extensions ...
1980 GL1100 Interstate naked
1982 GL1100 Interstate Bobber ( in progress )
1983 GL1100 Interstate Bagger
Topwingnut
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#319

Post by Topwingnut »

Here's a side view Rick ...
topwingnut.jpg
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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

#320

Post by HOTT »

Topwingnut wrote:Here's a side view Rick ...
thanks,
I went back and reviewed your thread too.
2 things I noticed if I may;
the rear is slightly raised and the head tube
can be dropped more. The rear isn't a deal
breaker, but it amplifies the front end
situation. It's a game of small increments, yes? :orange
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

#321

Post by Topwingnut »

Can you explain what your talking about ?? The rear has to be raised otherwise the tire hits the fuel tank .. Head can be dropped more ?? Are you talking about taking it out more ??
1980 GL1100 Interstate naked
1982 GL1100 Interstate Bobber ( in progress )
1983 GL1100 Interstate Bagger
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ianstaley
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#322

Post by ianstaley »

Just out of interest I cant help wondering what the ally cylinder is under the seat, as in the first picture I can see the gas tank just where it is supposed to be. So why the cylinder. Ian
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HOTT
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#323

Post by HOTT »

Can you explain what your talking about ??
I'll try.
If the rear is where it needs to be, that is where we'll start.

..Because we intended to use a fixed (stock) length fork.
You must lower the head (or steer) tube as you kick the fork out.
The amount you lower increases rapidly for every inch or degree you rake.
i.e. my rake at 32deg. requires less lowering than your 35deg. of rake to keep
the bike level*.

The easy adjustment (IMHO) would be to slide your present forks down in the triple tree
to find ideal ride height. Look for a level or slightly passed level stance to the floor.
Now add the gap distance to the top clamp to your present fork, and you will know
the correct length to order for new tubes.

or... go back and read closely about cut #1 and using the jack to lower the head tube.

*Level also should take into account desired weight distribution. Longer forks may
need the CG a little higher.

Hope this helps.
HOTT
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
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HOTT
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#324

Post by HOTT »

ianstaley wrote:Just out of interest I cant help wondering what the ally cylinder is under the seat, as in the first picture I can see the gas tank just where it is supposed to be. So why the cylinder. Ian
Ian,
The al-U-mini-um tank is a fuel source. I tried to give it the look of an old style
'oil bag'. It shares plumbing with a section of the original fuel tank and is controlled by the
Honda petcock. http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic. ... 48#p324948 Total combined capacity, just under 3 gal. US.

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
Topwingnut
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#325

Post by Topwingnut »

You know I just realized something that could make a difference lol... I've got the airline off that goes from one tube to the other ... I don't know if it'll raise it any or just stiffen it ...
1980 GL1100 Interstate naked
1982 GL1100 Interstate Bobber ( in progress )
1983 GL1100 Interstate Bagger
Topwingnut
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Location: Jasper alabama

Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#326

Post by Topwingnut »

As far as raking it an dropping the head tube I did exactly what you did I followed ur directions to the T ... But I did rake mine out further by 5 degrees more than you so I'm sure that makes a difference ... I need sum manifolds that tuck really tight anyone got any ??
1980 GL1100 Interstate naked
1982 GL1100 Interstate Bobber ( in progress )
1983 GL1100 Interstate Bagger
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ianstaley
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#327

Post by ianstaley »

Long distance tank what a great idea. if you don't object I will also do that. Out of interest, as my bike is not registered in the UK I have to get the bike first MOT'd you need this every year after 3 years old as a sort of fit for the road certificate. So I would first have to get the bike on the road mot'd, imported, registered and then re strip and rebuild to make a bobber. I think I have found a better way, I have bought a British frame with all it's documentation, I think you call it a "title" in the states so I will just build that frame as I like so long as it is roadworthy no problem and I don't have to import the old frame.
I got the used frame for a £100 collected. So I will be able to take apart my own frame for future use. Ian
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HOTT
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#328

Post by HOTT »

...I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions about your build of Sparky. I read your post a couple of times. The pictures are gone where you did the rear suspension of the bike.

Wondering if you still had the pictures of what you did to the frame and if you could tell me the shocks you purchased for your build....
Sorry I thought I had rebuilt all the photos since Photojunkit dropped us all in the grease. I since went back and did some more fill ins.
FYI, I have plenty of shots of the build. Feel free to drop me a PM or better yet add a post, and let me know if I've missed anything.

thanks
HOTT (see you in Deadwood)
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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
jmott
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#329

Post by jmott »

Hey Ric I finally got back on the build. '78 frame trying to replicate what you built.

Question for you. On the rear end with the boards you have on. Is that still stock height?

I raked out right at 32 degrees. Just trying to figure out how high I should be on the rear.

I do think I have a bit of frame twist also. After I have the rear suspension done I will build a jig to see if the front and rear are aligned.

Jason
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ericheath
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Re: Meet Ol' Sparky

#330

Post by ericheath »

Cheaper than a jig is the string method

https://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/chass ... -3444.html

The diagrams are missing but if you google this title and author you’ll find it .

If you’re out a lot, you may need a jig then.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
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.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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