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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
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Message started by longtucky on 04/15/12 at 11:35:33

Title: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 04/15/12 at 11:35:33

Hello everyone, I'm Matt & I've been lurking for a year or so out here in Colorado, thanks for all of the great tips and advice! Was very helpful in getting my engine and carb, and various other stuff worked out! Figured I'd register and account and share some photos of my bobber build thus far. I started it about 3 weeks ago and I'd say I'm about halfway done at this point. I can't decide if I want to paint it or do a vinyl graphic wrap, planning on deciding and executing on it this week! Anyway, thanks again for such a great forum here are some photos of the bike so far! I have a lot more photos so if anyone has any questions or wants to see more photos just let me know!

original state (although this is not my bike!) it's just exactly the same as mine was, color and all. I had a hard time locating a decent picture of it so I stole one from google!
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523138_3726804131609_1321081580_3537123_190658502_n.jpg

first thing to go, the stock handlebars. picked these up on ebay for around $20. Also added a tool bag since I no longer will have saddlebags on this bike!
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535567_3594235777483_1321081580_3468263_395678805_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542179_3594241577628_1321081580_3468275_515665480_n.jpg

supertrapp exhaust with open/close endcap. this is so I can stay on my neighbors good side when leaving early, but still have the option to exercise my right right to "save lives with loud pipes" if needed :-)
Also added some exhaust wrap on the header!
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/564853_3594300379098_1321081580_3468412_862383793_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522601_3633252792884_1321081580_3486819_1218181482_n.jpg

here she is all stripped down for paint. kinda sad looking :'(
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527855_3633183591154_1321081580_3486785_1407778605_n.jpg

definitely not the funnest part of the job but it has to be done! degrease and wash...
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522601_3633252872886_1321081580_3486821_2144356061_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522601_3633252952888_1321081580_3486822_1288337129_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522601_3633252992889_1321081580_3486823_669254105_n.jpg

Getting the decal off was a chore, but nothing a sander and some trusty "big orange" couldn't handle! You can see in this photo there are some pretty good dents in the tank. they will need some bondo and sanding. I went through 3 rounds of primer, bondo and sanding to get it perfect again. note that this is my first time working with bondo. Beer is necessary in this step of the process.
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/480932_3633262593129_1321081580_3486829_1429259230_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524361_3711664193120_1321081580_3528666_907181515_n.jpg

time for the first coat of primer
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292667_3677093608877_1321081580_3509725_506353780_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/551125_3677720304544_114886791_n.jpg

and now to chop the fenders. I used a compass to get the 90 degree angle from the top view of the fender once it was removed from the bike, then used a rubber band stretched around the fender to get a rough line for the cut, and then used masking tape to make my cut line. a jigsaw with a metal blade worked like a charm.
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522601_3633252832885_1321081580_3486820_2077814686_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/562157_3711657072942_1321081580_3528665_855925962_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/574622_3722926674675_1321081580_3534875_428711695_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/539964_3723083438594_1321081580_3535070_1785098387_n.jpg

scored these fork boot covers on ebay for around $15.
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525980_3671345945189_1321081580_3506770_1749753522_n.jpg

I couldn't help but slap the fenders and tires back on to get a peek. Pretty happy so far with the mods, but still much to be done! I'll check in as soon as the paint and/or vinyl decals have been applied! I need to do something about my seat too. Planning on blacking out all the chrome as well. Think I may go with turn signals either on the handlebars or the passenger foot pegs.
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523580_3726752970330_1321081580_3537112_1624828952_n.jpg
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552947_3726734369865_1321081580_3537106_1985301861_n.jpg

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by thumperclone on 04/15/12 at 13:39:37

nice build and love the pics!!

where in CO are you??

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 04/15/12 at 17:48:48

Thanks!

I'm in Longmont, or as most Denver/Boulderites call it, Longtucky. ;D

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by skeebo on 04/16/12 at 10:21:56

Nice...The bridgestones and supertrap are an aggressive look.

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by Halvor on 04/16/12 at 13:11:48

Nice work. I liked the rear fender solution. The first successfull mod on the original rear fender I have seen.

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by skeebo on 04/16/12 at 13:49:55

Chop...Chop..Here's a modded stock fender.

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by spacepirates on 04/16/12 at 19:50:25

253D33333439560 wrote:

Chop...Chop..Here's a modded stock fender.

looks like you have a taillight tucked under there and something around your rear brake hub? could I/we get a closer shot?

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by skeebo on 04/16/12 at 21:06:30

That's an old photo from last summer, I couldn't find any better ones of the brake light.
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/p480x480/422769_228674253887652_228669960554748_489591_1976784894_n.jpg

Here's how she sits today.
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/p480x480/425309_255837054504705_228669960554748_558563_480785410_n.jpg

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 04/16/12 at 21:29:55

7A626C6C6B66090 wrote:

Nice...The bridgestones and supertrap are an aggressive look.

I thought so too, I think when I get the supertrapp painted black it will really work out nice.

042D203A233E4C0 wrote:

Nice work. I liked the rear fender solution. The first successfull mod on the original rear fender I have seen.

Hey, Thanks! I like it too. Originally I was going to go for a circular cut but decided to go with the angled angle. I may take a shot at trying a different fender from a trailer as well. We'll see how this looks after I bondo the holes, mount a different tail light and paint it.

2A323C3C3B36590 wrote:

Chop...Chop..Here's a modded stock fender.

WOW. I really like what you did there, very nice! Did you drill holes in the air filter cover or create something custom? Funny, it's a very similar to look as what I had in mind for mine. I was planning on drilling some holes into the side and putting some rusty screen type material behind them, or wrapping them in vinyl with a digital representation of that look. Creative use of the mirror placement too. How about your seat? Did you make that custom? I dig the way it follows the contour of the frame.

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by skeebo on 04/17/12 at 08:45:47

Ya dude some screen or mesh behind the panels is the way to go. They're just flat sheetmetal, hardest part is just mounting tabs.

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by Halvor on 04/19/12 at 11:15:12

This rear fender leads me to thinking of building a speedway savage? Is it allready done?

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by skeebo on 04/19/12 at 15:34:35

RYCA is working on a ''Street Tracker", is that what you mean by speedway?

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 04/19/12 at 16:03:42

like an old school speedway racer?

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by skeebo on 04/19/12 at 16:25:04

Hardtail with dirt tires.......cool

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 04/19/12 at 22:11:50

Skeebo do you still have the seat from the black version of your bike? Any interest in selling it if so?

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 06/05/12 at 22:54:44

Finally had a chance to paint! In the process of finding some turn signals, tail lights, raising the bars, doing somethign about the seat, and doing some carb work. I picked up a cool little trailer hitch carrier for my Westfordia (Econoline/Westfalia Mutant Van) so I can bring her out with me while I travel for the summer. I have two weeks to get this thing finished up and on the road! I think I'm adding some stencil-effect type graphics to the gas tank too.

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/428472_4069793106119_1321081580_3672761_1719852005_n.jpg

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380333_4069796546205_553166161_n.jpg

Can't even see where the massive dent was! 8-)
http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/535731_4069799586281_1321081580_3672769_410158321_n.jpg

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/577485_4084188345991_2009647646_n.jpg

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546403_4084195586172_952912511_n.jpg

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555368_4084199866279_78112684_n.jpg

more updates soon!

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by lch2 on 06/06/12 at 08:44:20

Looking good! I love flat black, looks really good! keep it up

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 06/06/12 at 10:21:52

thanks, it's been a real fun project!

just can't decide if i want to leave it flat black or if i want to spray a stencil of a big mean looking skull on the side of the tank :-)

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by 2011suzukis40 on 06/06/12 at 11:04:00

What are you going to do with the saddle bags? Do you still have them? Your pictures didnt upload for some reason.

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 06/06/12 at 12:02:45

I still have the saddlebags, would be willing to part with them - make me an offer! I'd say they are in medium condition, hit me with your email if you'd like to see pictures.

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 06/18/12 at 18:29:51

Added some risers using the socket method, but it's not feeling super solid so I went ahead and ordered some 4" S40 risers. Also playing around with using this conduit on my cables..adds a pretty cool feel but need to get creative with tucking and positioning them to pull it off. I think blacking out the rest of the forks, etc will make this look cooler.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7392578574_20a38a9977_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7392580418_eb01006480_z.jpg

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by skeebo on 06/18/12 at 21:53:19

Chrome don't get ya home...but black always brings ya back.

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by Serowbot on 06/19/12 at 00:03:30

68707E7E79741B0 wrote:

Chrome don't get ya home...but black always brings ya back.

I like a balance of chrome and black,... but,.. that orange reflector's gotta' go...
...it's kinda' like wearing a pocket protector under yer' leathers... or a jock-strap under yer' boxers...:-[...

Skeebo...
Hey!... chrome does too, get me home!... :-?...

PSSSS... Hey, Longtucky... do you wave when you ride the Savage,.. but snub me, when you ride the Beemer?...
Do the secret Beemer society allow that?...
They're pretty strict, I think...:-?...

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by longtucky on 07/17/12 at 22:25:30

There's no time to wave when I'm on the GS.. mainly because I'm usually going over 100mph, it's almost impossible not to on that thing. Although technically it handles so well I could probably wave at you with both hands if I really wanted. ;D

Looks like some of my photos above of the risers are jacked, but I ended up buying a pair off ebay that ended up being even worse! I'm done ordering stuff online for this bike, it never works out well haha!

Anyway, added the BCB seat and turn signals, blacked out some of the engine components and other small pieces. Holding off on painting the engine because I've actually decided when fall rolls around to replace the entire thing. It's getting up on 30k and starting to have issues with the cam chain and valves and I'm not sure I want to mess around with those much. For now I'm loading this thing up on my trailer hitch hauler on my frankenstein camper van (https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/555368_4084199866279_78112684_n.jpg) tomorrow and heading out to the west coast for the rest of the summer. Can't wait to ride it up and down the 101!

Wouldn't call her done yet, but she's getting there and ready to blast around in some coastal towns and highways to grab supplies to head back to camp. I've actually added a few things since this photo but haven't uploaded them yet.

http://https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/576985_4157172170541_1345359761_n.jpg

http://https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/555482_4250586905851_254053645_n.jpg

http://https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/165888_4250589385913_1703993236_n.jpg

http://https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/554156_4255739874672_293194405_n.jpg

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by Cavi Mike on 07/18/12 at 04:38:39

How long is your seat, nose to tail?

Title: Re: Newbie here, check out my '96 Bobber build!
Post by Firetox on 07/18/12 at 06:55:37

hey skeebo what is that under your seat on the blue one? where the little side panels would go?