My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! - Page 3

Kcarvajal · 11-02-2011, 07:34 PM

You know, there's always that where I should have just spent the cash in getting a bigger or another bike. However, I'm in a similar boat where getting this first bike OK'd by my wife was difficult as it is. A little over 5 months ago, I never thought I'd actually own one, let alone a bike that I would literally tear apart and re-build.

I'm a new rider, but love the style of bobbers. If I had gotten a bigger, more expensive bike, I would not have had the guts to tear it apart and make it into what it is today. I spent very little on the bike... considering. Sure it's only a 250cc, but I don't really foresee myself being on the highway much to need a larger motor and speed. At least not right now as it seems plenty for me as it is. I just enjoy cruising around, and not so much holding on to dear life down a highway.

Anyway, the hardtail wasn't that bad. If I had known I can pull it off from the beginning and not relied on the fabricator, it would have only cost me around $250. The rest of the parts I bought were either through ebay, or Craigslist. As for the whole project, I'd say, do it a bit at a time.

I won't encourage you to tackle the welding portion though, if you don't feel comfortable. The deal here is to ensure you get enough penetration to the pieces. Practice as much as you can before doing it to your frame. This is my first real welding project, the first being a Z style handle bar. Came out great, but I don't think I will be using it. I like the drag bar better.

But based on riding for most of the day this past Saturday, I'd say I'm in good shape. It's rigid, that's for sure! So get a comfy solo seat!

I will take more pics after I finish the exhaust.

Ken

Peachy140 · 11-02-2011, 11:41 PM

Had a drag bar on both my Virago's and to be honest i didnt like it. I much prefer to be sat upright and in a comfortable relaxed cruising position.

I think re-chroming is definately a must on my marauder. My profile pic isnt great but you can see that the handle bars, forks and various other bits need some tlc.

Kcarvajal · 02-25-2012, 04:35 PM

I haven't been here in a while. Just wanted to share a few updates on my bike.

Since my last post, I have lowered the front forks by 3 inches, reduced the size of the battery box, installed a hexagon shaped pseudo oil tank that hides most of the electrical, moved my seat back a few inches, replaced the intake with a harley air cleaner/filter and installed a modified triumph exhaust pipes. Also installed inverted handlebars. Now I just wish I could ride the darn thing. Maybe tomorrow, upper 40's.

Still need to figure out how to properly place the ignition switch. Reading some of the posts, there's some sort of a security thing that prevents you from hot-wiring the bike. I wanted to run it to the oil tank, using a universal switch that I already purchased. Any suggestions on this, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Hope you guys like it. Any questions, let me know.

Thanks!
[attachment=0:3nncgggn]photo (15).JPG[/attachment:3nncgggn]

PimpS · 02-25-2012, 04:42 PM

Awesome work! Congrats Kcarvajal! Master piece and porn for bobber-likers!

Kcarvajal · 02-25-2012, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PimpS

Awesome work! Congrats Kcarvajal! Master piece and porn for bobber-likers!

Thanks for the kind words PimpS! I meant to add the rear lighting updates also. My tail lights function as marker, signal and brake. I used a trailer light module. I also added a 9 LED strip that I JBWelded under the fender to add more brake lights. Pic below is just a mock up of the strip which is just sitting on the tire, before making it permanent with the JBWeld.

Thanks again!
Ken

PimpS · 02-25-2012, 05:43 PM

Whew! Wicked man! Just wicked! Looks like a octopus is lurking in the back of the road...
I take down a back seat and saddle bags and pretend to have a bobber!

Creativity + technology = progress!

Kcarvajal · 02-25-2012, 10:27 PM

Yeah man. Need to be a little more visible at night besides just the tail lights I had. Can't wait for riding season. I plan to ride the heck out of it.

Ride safe!

Ken

bpdchief · 04-19-2012, 06:21 PM

Great job on the bike!! Congrats.

Kcarvajal · 05-08-2012, 12:28 PM

Just recently revisited and didn't see your post til now. Thanks bpdchief!

Here's the latest... I just can't leave this thing alone. First one is with the stock headlight, minus the edge on the DIY paint job. Second is from this past weekend ride, new smaller headlight. Just ran everything back tucked under the tank. Ignition key has been relocated to the fake oil tank.

Pardon the messy garage.

gypsyspit · 05-08-2012, 02:46 PM

Damn Kcarvajal! You keep on making your GZ better and better! Your an inspiration! Keep it up!

11-02-2011, 07:34 PM	#21
Kcarvajal Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 61	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! You know, there's always that where I should have just spent the cash in getting a bigger or another bike. However, I'm in a similar boat where getting this first bike OK'd by my wife was difficult as it is. A little over 5 months ago, I never thought I'd actually own one, let alone a bike that I would literally tear apart and re-build. I'm a new rider, but love the style of bobbers. If I had gotten a bigger, more expensive bike, I would not have had the guts to tear it apart and make it into what it is today. I spent very little on the bike... considering. Sure it's only a 250cc, but I don't really foresee myself being on the highway much to need a larger motor and speed. At least not right now as it seems plenty for me as it is. I just enjoy cruising around, and not so much holding on to dear life down a highway. Anyway, the hardtail wasn't that bad. If I had known I can pull it off from the beginning and not relied on the fabricator, it would have only cost me around $250. The rest of the parts I bought were either through ebay, or Craigslist. As for the whole project, I'd say, do it a bit at a time. I won't encourage you to tackle the welding portion though, if you don't feel comfortable. The deal here is to ensure you get enough penetration to the pieces. Practice as much as you can before doing it to your frame. This is my first real welding project, the first being a Z style handle bar. Came out great, but I don't think I will be using it. I like the drag bar better. But based on riding for most of the day this past Saturday, I'd say I'm in good shape. It's rigid, that's for sure! So get a comfy solo seat! I will take more pics after I finish the exhaust. Ken Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-02-2011, 11:41 PM	#22
Peachy140 Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Gibraltar Posts: 39	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! Had a drag bar on both my Virago's and to be honest i didnt like it. I much prefer to be sat upright and in a comfortable relaxed cruising position. I think re-chroming is definately a must on my marauder. My profile pic isnt great but you can see that the handle bars, forks and various other bits need some tlc. __________________ Of all the things Ive lost, I miss my 535 the most!
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02-25-2012, 04:35 PM	#23
Kcarvajal Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 61	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! I haven't been here in a while. Just wanted to share a few updates on my bike. Since my last post, I have lowered the front forks by 3 inches, reduced the size of the battery box, installed a hexagon shaped pseudo oil tank that hides most of the electrical, moved my seat back a few inches, replaced the intake with a harley air cleaner/filter and installed a modified triumph exhaust pipes. Also installed inverted handlebars. Now I just wish I could ride the darn thing. Maybe tomorrow, upper 40's. Still need to figure out how to properly place the ignition switch. Reading some of the posts, there's some sort of a security thing that prevents you from hot-wiring the bike. I wanted to run it to the oil tank, using a universal switch that I already purchased. Any suggestions on this, I'd greatly appreciate it. Hope you guys like it. Any questions, let me know. Thanks! [attachment=0:3nncgggn]photo (15).JPG[/attachment:3nncgggn] Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-25-2012, 04:42 PM	#24
PimpS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Slovenija Posts: 475	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! Awesome work! Congrats Kcarvajal! Master piece and porn for bobber-likers!
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02-25-2012, 05:43 PM	#26
PimpS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Slovenija Posts: 475	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! Whew! Wicked man! Just wicked! Looks like a octopus is lurking in the back of the road... I take down a back seat and saddle bags and pretend to have a bobber! Creativity + technology = progress!
	0

02-25-2012, 10:27 PM	#27
Kcarvajal Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 61	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! Yeah man. Need to be a little more visible at night besides just the tail lights I had. Can't wait for riding season. I plan to ride the heck out of it. Ride safe! Ken
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04-19-2012, 06:21 PM	#28
bpdchief Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 848	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! Great job on the bike!! Congrats. __________________ I'm never lost - I'm exploring alternative destinations !
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05-08-2012, 12:28 PM	#29
Kcarvajal Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 61	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! Just recently revisited and didn't see your post til now. Thanks bpdchief! Here's the latest... I just can't leave this thing alone. First one is with the stock headlight, minus the edge on the DIY paint job. Second is from this past weekend ride, new smaller headlight. Just ran everything back tucked under the tank. Ignition key has been relocated to the fake oil tank. Pardon the messy garage.
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05-08-2012, 02:46 PM	#30
gypsyspit Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 10	Re: My GZ Bobber - HARDTAILED!!! Damn Kcarvajal! You keep on making your GZ better and better! Your an inspiration! Keep it up!
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