Feather Lite

While I've slowly been building Sore Thumb, I've also been collecting parts for my next project Feather Lite.  Once again, this project will be a combination of different bikes all mashed together to give it that perfect look.

I've been lusting for another inexpensive front end.  Ultimately though, I'm looking for a small super light bike.  ie CBR125r, CBR250r, Cagiva Moto, Honda MC18/21 (NSR250) or any other bike that's relatively light and easy enough to get parts for. If you know of any available, let me know!!

The heart of this project is a Honda CR80 motor in which I got a deal I couldn't pass up.  It was an ex shifter kart motor that won the Las Vegas SuperNationals a few years back.  Since then, it got a crank rebuild with bearings, new rod, along with a new piston, renikasiled cylinder, tumbled gearbox and completely ported engine. Along with it being pretty much a brand new motor that had never been fired since its rebuild, I also got an RCE pipe, M4 silencer, 3 stock CDI boxes, a Speed Programmable Ignition, V Force reed cage, coil, engine mount, pump around carb and fuel pump and an airbox.

The motor was prepped by Woltjer, with a claimed 38hp!!   I'll be taming it down to about 30 ish horsepower so the motor lasts a good length of time.

My eyes pretty much popped out of my head when I saw what I was getting for such a good deal. I had a smile from ear to ear that day.

Since buying the motor, I've been mocking up different ideas on Sore Thumb for a rough idea of what I could do in the future.  Don't mind the mess in my garage, I've been working on getting everything completely organized.
I'm going for the super skinny, sleek and small look.  I guess a cafe you might say.

The tank is what I'm styling the bike around. I found it 2 years ago on kijiji for $10. I had slight buyers remorse after I bought it since it sat on a shelf for quite a long time. Now though, I'm stoked that I held on to the tank.

It will need to take a visit to the Dent Doctor to get a few dents pulled, remove some slight surface rust inside, a new gas cap and it came with a petcock.  As you can see from the rear of Sore Thumb, it's super skinny.  I may even bite the bullet and mount the motor on the second GT380 chassis that I have. Unless of course I come across another chassis that gives me a tickle in my special spot!

Until next time, keep the rubber side down!

A New Year's update

Updates have been slow.  Progress has been similar.  I've slowly been amassing parts to complete the build.  I can see the end in sight... about 3 months from now.

Just before the New Year, the entire bike went off to Windmill Motorsports to have the swingarm machined down to be accepted into the chassis, along with a rebuild of the front forks to ensure everything will be perfect for her maiden voyage.
I had a long conversation with Kyle, the owner of Windmill Motorsports, who's a great guy and easy to talk to. He shared many insights into the racing world of Canada and the politics involved.  Interesting stuff... I'm glad I'm not involved!!

Moving over and above motorcycle chitchat, he gave me a great deal and seems to be in it for the love of the motorcycles and for that I am 1, grateful and 2, have great respect for him.

Parts are coming in in a steady stream. The rear caliper and master came in the other day and look solid.  One thing I have found though, is that no matter what you think if you have parts that are coming different bikes you likely are missing something!   Found this out several times.  Starting with the front end that I bought for a song, I was missing a few nuts from the top of the triple tree,  $100 later for 3 nuts, a washer and a rubber gasket!  Ouch!   Same thing appears to be happening with the RVF400 swingarm.  But, as the French say, C'est la vie!


A new-ish BMW S1000rr rear shock and cushion/link is in the mail. Apparently, the shock mates together quite nicely with the RVF400 swingarm. Hopefully I haven't been led astray... and if I have, well it's just money,  Right?!


Next on the list of things to do is to get the paperwork for the bike(s) in line to ensure I haven't gotten myself into a pickle.  I can't see there being an issue.  But in the mean time, I have reached out to my local bike community and once again Ren came to the rescue! 
Ren led me to DoTheTon (http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=2156.0) which has given me a perfect affidavit example.  You have to be signed up to get the file. 
I think I'll be able to get through the registration process and be on my way!

My next installment should have the bike back with the swingarm installed and a chain able to be fitted.

Peace.