HHOTDI, congratulations on getting your project bike! Please keep us posted as you get it built. I'm looking forward to meeting you and seeing it in person at the Washington Cahallenge.
Electrictracer , Hang in there, we are all pulling for you! Definitely come to the Challenge and ride with us. Once you get bit by the bug it will strengthen your determination even more.
Right now the Ninja is undergoing major surgery on the tail section; hopefully it will emerge a stronger and more efficient performer. I have almost finished the framework. I'll need to modify some wiring for the turnsignals and taillight and finish skinning it. Then more testing. I'll post some pix soon.
best wishes, L&S
I just finished skinning my new tail section today. I used coroplast panels on the sides and plasticized sign papers for the rounded top. The coroplast is very easy to work with and pretty rigid in line with the tubes. I built my framework with 3/8" and 1/4" plywood bulkheads, light wood and sheetrock edging stringers. The coroplast is very light and provides additional stiffness to tailsection. The more I use coroplast the better I like it. The coroplast doesn't bend that well and is much better for straight panels. The sign paper is weather resistant, bends easily and is great for the curved portions of the structure. I used 1"x 3/4" wood lathe for some of the stringers as it is light , rigid, easy to attach with glue and screws. I also used some bamboo for x-bracing and just hot-glued it into place.
I tested the new tail today and it works great. The only modification I'll need to do is add another attachment from the tail structure to the MC frame as it has tipped downward slightly. I'll run another tank and see how much improvement there is with the new tail.
The Following User Says Thank You to low&slow For This Useful Post:
I like the plywood bulkheads. This is much easier than aluminum and is such a small part of the design, it will only add a little extra weight. If you make the floor/ mounting point of the storage area run all the way from side to side, the tail won't be able to tip. You will also want to catch it at the bottom of the front somewhere to keep it from tipping. Did you buy coated sign paper for the top or just use old signs? I can't seem to find a way to buy it yet. How wide is the tail across the front and across the middle bulkhead?
Thanks! Great suggestiion about extending the storage compartment floor from side to side and attaching it there.
The front bulkhead is 19" wide , the second is 12" wide, there is also a third bulhead I made from coroplast that is about 6.5 " wide before terminating at the point of the tail. The coated sign paper was scavenged from old signs. I would think you you could get it at a sign shop if you can get some for free like I did.
In looking at Craig's and Alan's bikes in person, the one glaring issue I see is that they are wider than they absolutely need to be. Hopefully if I can get mine optimized so I can use my smaller front section to good advantage. I wish I had the chance to weigh my completed tail so I could compare it the Vetter tail. Next Time I take it off, I'll do that.
Looking good! You might want to put something that won't melt near the end of the exhaust to protect the plastic. The sides are flatter so you will likely feel the cross wind a bit more than the Vetter design. Trim the center of the front fairing and line it with tubing to protect your neck. Next think about protecting your hands.
I reviewed the the whole thread and saw good looking hand covers in the older photos. I make my front fairings shoulder width to keep the arms covered.
Way to go L+S....Looks great and really coming along nicely! I like the plywood bulkhead idea too, good job. I also noticed the 104MPG taped on the side, congrats if that is a sign of whats to come! Hopefully you'll be able to make it up to the Lacey Washington Alt Fuel Fair on May 5th for an early run this year! :{)
Vic! I missed your post but this is coming along very nice. So far the best homegrown version of a full tail yet. You even remounted the taillight and license plate!
Geez I'm jealous of you guys being able to scrap together enough time to get these together. Keep up the good work!
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