Tanshanomi’s Bikes

I mis-cut both of the diagonal rear frame tubes, ruining them both. I was attempting to fishmouth them by hand with a hacksaw and a Dremel flex-shaft grinder. I picked up some … Tubing notcherRead more

I picked up a plastic tank from a ’77 Can-Am Qualifier that I’m toying with using. It fits the angular, late ’70s look I have in my head better than the more … Fuel tank #2Read more

I’m in another of those cascading-needs situations: I need to get the frame welded up to continue, but I have to figure out where my shock mounts will be in order to … Shocks, shocks everywhere, but…Read more

The Frontera 360 “bottom end” I bought arrived, and it’s much more complete that I had expected. It’s basically a complete motor, minus the barrel, head and clutch plates. It even came … A surprisingly complete engineRead more

Slowly making progress on the frame. Lots of measuring and nudging lately, not much fabrication. I did chuck up some aluminum in the lathe and made spacers that positively locate the swingarm … Gettin’ jiggyRead more

I am picking up some additional engine parts, in the form of this Model 143 Frontera 360 bottom end. It has the larger cylinder opening of the big bore (326–363cc) bikes, the … A larger engineRead more

I got the jig assembled yesterday, though I still need to attach the legs (the smaller tubing crossways under it). I have four threaded leveling feet (in the McMaster-Carr baggie). I also … Frame jig assembledRead more

I was down in the basement this morning and moved Bultakenstein’s rear wheel out of my way (yet again). I happened to check at the date stamp on my rear tire: 4310. … Use it or lose itRead more

I just ordered Chop Source’s “basic” frame jig kit. Essentially I’ll have what’s shown in the photo, minus the center cradle supports and transverse legs. The center part I really don’t need, … Frame jig on its wayRead more

My twin-shock swingarm arrived yesterday. It’s not quite the bolt-up replacement I was hoping it would be, but it will work if I decide to go that way.Compared side-by-side, the DT175 swingarm … Swingarm comparisonRead more