VROD based chop - Page 4

Hot Bob · #46 (**permalink**) 01-23-2010, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAKO6

One thing to keep in mind on those motor mounts is ease of removing the motor from the frame once the mounts are all welded up. I am helping a buddy put a late model (rubber mount) Sportster motor in an early model rigid frame. We realized early on that the fabricated mounts would need to accomodate removal of the motor and built mounts that were bolted to welded bosses in the frame.

Keep the pictures comming, your project is cooler than hell..!!

Dude...Absolutely! I have had some projects where I was really impressed with my fabrication skills only to realize that my planning sucked. In this case, removing the front motor mount will allow the motor to slide forward out of the rear mount.

Bob

MAKO6 · #47 (**permalink**) 01-23-2010, 09:24 AM

Awesom project......I can't wait to see how you solve the plumbing.

Barefoot Choppa · #48 (**permalink**) 01-23-2010, 01:36 PM

Wow.....cool as hell project....and mad skills!!

vivisix · #49 (**permalink**) 01-23-2010, 09:10 PM

very cool build. I love watching the from scratch builds from guys with skills.

Trikeopath · #50 (**permalink**) 01-28-2010, 05:06 PM

Really enjoying this Thread mate.
I'm learning to build my own Frames at the moment so it's great to see how others do it.
Keep it coming bud

Hot Bob · #51 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 08:43 AM

So, I knocked out the rear axle and adjusters last week. Put the wheel back on with the belt so I could check clearance. Well....Crap!

As you can see in the last pic, the clearance is a little tight. I really thought I had enough space when I was fitting up the frame. I know I checked it several times.
So what to do now? I considered a smaller rear pulley but that is probably not going to happen considering this is the only 21mm pulley I know of that doesn't use a compensator. So my solution is to run an idler that will push the belt down.

This is what I came up with. Machined this out of aluminum. I ordered some double sealed bearings that will press into this. I.D. of the bearings is 1/2" and I will probably mount the assembly using a shoulder bolt.

I'm still trying to decide on location. I would like to mount it closer to the rear like the first pic but, I'm a little concerned that the torque of the belt combined with the leverage of being that close to the pulley may cause problems. The other option is to mount it more toward the middle as in the second pic. There would be less leverage working against it in that location but I don't know that I like the looks of it there. Opinions are welcome.

Bob

dr_doom2 · #52 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 05:39 PM

You're gonna snag your sack in that idler pulley....OUCH!!

Damn nice fab/machine skills. It'll be the quickest chopper on the streets!!

NickD · #53 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 06:58 PM

Looking forward to seeing what you do with the radiator.

And I'll bet there are several suits at the MOCO that are hanging on your every post for the same reason . . .

strprswpr · #54 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 07:03 PM

Your doin a bang up job on this one.....I'm really lookin forward to watching the progress. Very impressive on the fab end of this build so far.

Barefoot Choppa · #55 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 05:12 AM

Great build so far. Question about your axle adjusters, aren't they the wrong way? Do you not need to "push" the axle towards the back of the bike? Or are they sleeved as in a collar around the axle and "pulling" back on the axle with the wing nuts? One more thing, an idler pulley is a band aid at best and will be your weakest link in the final drive. I know some manufacturers use them (buell) but to me is a poor design as in an afterthought.

Force · #56 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 05:44 AM

Excellent thread
Keep the pics and info coming. This is the shit I love!

BTW, that is gonna be 1 cool ass ride.

MotoXcycle · #57 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barefoot Choppa

Great build so far. Question about your axle adjusters, aren't they the wrong way? Do you not need to "push" the axle towards the back of the bike? Or are they sleeved as in a collar around the axle and "pulling" back on the axle with the wing nuts? One more thing, an idler pulley is a band aid at best and will be your weakest link in the final drive. I know some manufacturers use them (buell) but to me is a poor design as in an afterthought.

I have to agree about that idler pulley-these are great when incorporated into chain tensioners but are a band-aid solution in this case.

It would be better to re-work the frame so the proper clearance is designed into the frame.

I know how it really sucks to have to take some of the frame apart in order to make things work. But in the end you will have a better motorcycle.

Great postings Bob-it great to see someone using the V-Rod motor to build a custom bike. Can't wait to see the finished bike!

Hot Bob · #58 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barefoot Choppa

Great build so far. Question about your axle adjusters, aren't they the wrong way? Do you not need to "push" the axle towards the back of the bike? Or are they sleeved as in a collar around the axle and "pulling" back on the axle with the wing nuts? One more thing, an idler pulley is a band aid at best and will be your weakest link in the final drive. I know some manufacturers use them (buell) but to me is a poor design as in an afterthought.

The axle adjusters are sleeved around the axle and pull the axle rearward. As for the idler, that was my point in posting this part up. I made a mistake and I figured I'd man up to it and show it. I could just skip over this in the thread but I think that would be kinda chicken shit. It happened and it's part of the build so I included it. I don't think it's bad enough for me to scrap the frame and start over (though I considered it) so I'm making the best of the situation and keeping my integrity intact. If you choose to call it poor design, that's your perogative. I did ask for opinions and I certainly respect yours. There will be plenty of things on this bike that people will hate and things people will love. The truth is, an idler is a perfectly acceptable solution and will actually fit into the theme of the bike.

Bob

Cowhunter · #59 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 06:11 AM

Thanks for being honest! Cool build! The idler should be OK or it's still not too late to convert to a chain.

Mike

Barefoot Choppa · #60 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 06:54 AM

Bob, don't take it the wrong way, you yourself said "crap" knowing that the clearance may be an issue. I'm just not a fan of idler pulleys or sprockets in the final drive. I have seen them literally rip off a bike (chain). I still believe it will be your weakest link in the final drive as there will be alot of tension on that bolt and the bearing. Here's a suggestion, replaceable teflon block bolted to that part of the frame for the occasional "slap". What you're doing here is awesome and I give you alot of credit. Perception of the significance and nature of events after they have occurred comes to mind. Keep up the great work as I will be following this till it's full fruition.