I’d like a bit more leeway in wheel/swingarm alignment. To do that, I want to modify the EX500 wheel’s sprocket carrier. Stock, the assembly looks like this: I plan to turn down … Sprocket bearing modificationRead more
Jackshaft idea
If you look at my earlier mockup of the frame and swingarm, you can see that that the output sprocket is rather far from the swingarm pivot. Furthermore, the swingarm is at … Jackshaft ideaRead more
Engine placement
For most Predator/GX200 conversions, builders are forced cut the downtubes off the donor frame and fabricate some sort of homebrew frame extension: I really hoped to avoid that, and it turns out … Engine placementRead more
Initial chassis setup
I got the rear rim alignment sorted. It all fits together without modification to the swingarm or the frame. However, with the YZ125C swingarm as far to the right as possible, there … Initial chassis setupRead more
Tire shopping
I bought tires for The Bride. I wanted something more scrambler-ish than racy, but still street-oriented. Heidenau K66s are primarily commuter scooter tires, available in either winter and year-round compounds. The sizes … Tire shoppingRead more
In the jig
The Bride’s SST frame is now bolted into my Chop Source frame jig. This jig has been overwhelmingly worth the investment.
Rear wheel & engine choices
I decided to give up on the Venture wheels altogether, and just keep both tires and wheels for some other project down the line. I scored a 17″ Ninja 500 three-spoke rear … Rear wheel & engine choicesRead more
A different front wheel
As far as a name, I’ve been referring to this bike in my own head lately as “The Bride” — as in The Bride Of Frankenstein. It fits, because I’m creating it … A different front wheelRead 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