Much Much Build

The build diary in pictures:

The once neglected 1979 CB250T

Evaluation of stance: After striping the bike down I experimented with dropping the rear of the bike which gave a natural rotation to the motor and rake to the forks - but not enough! I then cut into the frame to further rake the forks and better centre the mass of the motor between the wheels.

Tank Modifications: the original flip-up tank cover was missing, I detail which I didn't much like anyway. The bayonet opening was cut out and moved to the new infill panel.

Details of some of the fabrication and modification:

Detail of some of the smaller components made: while the gear change and rear brake linkages look simple they took a long time to make, the brake in particular had to be set so that it didn't crash into the swingarm. The turnbuckle on the bottom right is the brace for the carburettors.

All in a days work - actually 55 days work.

Much Much to Post

People have been feverishly posting comments about Much Much Go on various sites, many of whom have missed the point. These two pictures are for them...

photos by craig

Much Much More....

Bike Exif have posted some amazing images of Much Much Go on their Facebook page.

Deus have also updated their gallery to include images of the entrants, their bikes and coverage of the day. Also, their coverage of the day in Flickr.

I just need to get my images of the build posted too.

Much Much Go...

Much Much Win!

I'm so excited to announce that I won both first prize and people's choice award at the inaugural Deus Boundless Enthusiasm Bike Buildoff yesterday.

More images to follow soon, I've only just driven back from Sydney....

Much much thanks to Shayne, Craig, Rob, Tim, Sam, MMSr, Simon, Pete and especially Esme for all your help, advice and patience.

And, much much thanks to Deus and Snap-on and all my friends who were there on the day!

(images by Deus)

or check out the coverage of the day as posted on Pipeburn

A false calm...

It's the end of week one and just 47 days remain until the deadline for the Deus Build Off. A plan has been laid out and the first week's progress has been good, though I still don't know if my bike runs... lucky I haven't entered yet...

The race is on....

With 54 days remaining until the deadline for the Deus Bike Build Off I've decided it's as good a time as any to start!

Model: Shayne.

Shayne is sporting this years latest fashion - the donated bike - much thanks!

Don't judge me by my welding

I've spent the weekend using some metal that's been leaning against the workshop wall to make a bike carrier for the Caddy. The big hoop of metal was already welded that way but I fabricated the two posts with the quick release axles. The whole thing hooks into the tie-downs at the back of the bed, anyway, the test will be if the bikes stay upright!

The perfect project...

The perfect project is the project that keeps on giving - a project that facilitates projects while being a project in itself... my new Volkswagen Caddy!

Neglectarino...

... anyone remember this?

I've been enjoying pulling this old bike out from behind the SR - it's been like meeting an old friend again.

I'm changing the front fender, the hoses and probably the plugs... then maybe it's time to let her go?

Any project is a good project

Bicycles are a great ongoing project - I've been buying new bits for this bike since 2005. I never liked the curved steel forks that came with the bike so straight carbon forks seemed like a good idea until I didn't have enough clearance to put my brakes back on.

Adam, this is how I fixed it:

Fuel Magazine

... and the T-shirts are done.... http://www.fuelzine.com/shop/

Drag Racer

Another painting... and a t-shirt for Fuel Magazine on its way.

Call to Auction...

Though someone once posted a comment that I should be building and not drawing I've been busy drawing and painting again!

These are for an art auction organised by work to raise money for juvenile diabetes research.

Scooter Girl - Oil on Stretched Canvas, 355mm x 455mm

'Ace' - Oil on Canvas Panel, 305mm x 406mmIndy Cafe Racer - Marker and Ink on Watercolour Paper, 420mm x 297mm

I have been working on the bike too - I'm about to tackle wiring in the dials and indicator lights.

Really, it all started here...

I have not given any time to the 'build' over the last few weeks but I don't want this stopping me from updating this blog! That's why I'm stepping back in time to make mention of where the Candy Rocket Specials really started.

This was the first project, a 1969 Honda CB175 K3. I purchased the bike about eight years ago and even though the bike was not running, and required some serious mechanical repair, it does still carry its original Candy Blue/Green paint. How could I not name her Candy?

Candy

The only modification is the replacement of the handlebars which now have a one inch rise instead of the original four inches. All damaged or lost parts on the bike where replaced with new-old-stock factory parts. The intention from the very beginning was to modify the bike and turn it into a nimble little cafe racer but it became to precious and I ended up restoring her instead.