I bought a speedometer from a Suzuki GZ250 and set it on Bultakenstein to see how it looks. It’s a bit on the large side, but the angle and placement are nice. … Speedometer mock-upRead more
Bultakenstein
A shadetree amateur’s attempt to create my own low-budget, scratch-built motorcycle, to find out whether I could do it.
Nearly 15 years later, I still don’t quite know the answer.
Progress photos
I rolled Bultakenstein outside for some progress shots, to keep me motivated. Chassis fabrication is basically complete; now it’s on to engine work, intake, and exhaust. There have been a lot of … Progress photosRead more
Revised steering complete
I got the front end back from my local welder, all nicely TIG’d up. I started working on a new steering stop adapter to fit the revised steering stem setup. Once the … Revised steering completeRead more
Steering stem progress
The revised steering stem setup is coming along nicely. The GS500E steering stem is a snug slip fit into the GS650L lower triple clamp. I mocked everything up, and I just needed … Steering stem progressRead more
Seat mounting clamps
I mounted the seat this morning. Nothing very high tech, but still a minor milestone. I was about to bend some stock steel bar into brackets to hold the seat, when a … Seat mounting clampsRead more
Revised steering stem
Examining the GS500 steering steam I had purchased for the Aermacchi-Ducati Special. I discovered that the GS steering stem is the proper length and diameter to fit the Bultaco frame without turning … Revised steering stemRead more
Seat upholstery complete
I finished upholstering the seat yesterday. My stitch lines are a bit haphazard and the fit is slightly wonky in spots, but I’m not too disappointed. It’ll be a perfectly serviceable part, … Seat upholstery completeRead more
Sewing the seat cover
I’ve made some progress sewing the seat cover; the front half is done. It looks okay, but the bottom of it is a bit wonky. I’m not completely sure where I mis-measured. … Sewing the seat coverRead more
Cobbler’s sewing machine
I’m working on upholstering the seat for Bultakenstein. For the foam padding, I am using 1-1/4” thick yoga mat I bought off Amazon. I also bought some pre-made diamond-tuck quilted vinyl for … Cobbler’s sewing machineRead more
Exhaust design
I’ve been chatting with some Bultaco experts about an expansion chamber designed to my Alpina cylinder. The short answer is that I can’t find evidence of one. Even when going with aftermarket … Exhaust designRead more