Cranbrook Springer Forked BTR YD100 Replica Build (without fabrication)

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MEASURE TWICE

Well-Known Member
Jul 13, 2010
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You can keep it as extra parts. Hey I found I needed some stuff save for 1/4 century. You can also use it later when first chain is used and is worn. Compare old to new to see how much stretched and if time to replace. You'll have the chain in hand already.
 

Loop

Active Member
May 27, 2020
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I have been reading up on this website and some others for a little while now. I’ve gained an immense interest in building a motorized bike. I want to do something just a little extra ordinary, by trying to emulate an old Indian Board Track Racer without any fabrication. In other words I’m gonna have to buy a nice tank, I don’t have the tools to build it. In fact that goes for any modification that would require a welder.

With that said, here’s what I have in mind. some of these parts are already purchased.

Cranbrook Beach Cruiser - purchased
YD100 Motor
F2 Thrust Exhaust
Sunlite Springer forks - purchased
Replica Indian BTR handlebars
Spring loaded chain tensioner
White tires
Tan BTR style seat
Various Indian Motorcycle decals
And paint

i’m not gonna be able to buy all of this immediately so it may take a little while. and it will be a work in progress.

My first step when I get the bike is to grease all the bearings well, remove the chain guard and remove both fenders permanently. Then I will install the springer front end which is also chrome to match the old Indian BTRs

As I can afford it I will change out the seat and purchase a laid back racer style seat post. Of course I will replace the black stock tires with white tires to emulate old Indian BTRs.

I will eventually paint the rims red to match old Indians. Speaking of paint, I will also paint the little cheap gas tank that comes with the engine kit red. This will just get me started until I can afford a nicer tank.

I will just flip the beach cruisers handlebars upside down until I can get the Indian replica bars. Chrome, to match the old BTR’s.

as far as the motor, it’s my understanding that I need to pull the top of the motor off and ensure that the piston is installed in the correct direction. So this is something I will do after I purchase the engine. I’ve also watched a few videos and read about porting and polishing. I need to teach myself a little bit more about that process. Eventually I will probably upgrade the carburetor also.

So for now, I am awaiting delivery of the bike and the springer front end.

i’m hoping this comes out looking as nice as a picture it

below are pictures of the items that I’ve purchased or will be purchasing.
Stay away from that springer for its garbage.
flimsy as a noodle.
this one is way better, I can vouch for it almost 300 miles and no issues and it had a bracket to mount a disc brake.

Here is the Corvid 19 with the forks.
 

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Nightster

Well-Known Member
Mar 3, 2021
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Stay away from that springer for its garbage.
flimsy as a noodle.
this one is way better, I can vouch for it almost 300 miles and no issues and it had a bracket to mount a disc brake.

Here is the Corvid 19 with the forks.
appreciate the input.

i’m gonna put it on the bike and obtain the highest speed I can by peddling to see how it handles in a corner. I’m more than certain I’m going to agree with you after I ride it but I want to see.

I like the one that you posted.

Thanks again
 

Tom from Rubicon

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Apr 4, 2016
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Rubicon, Wisconsin
Stay away from that springer for its garbage.
flimsy as a noodle.
this one is way better, I can vouch for it almost 300 miles and no issues and it had a bracket to mount a disc brake.

Here is the Corvid 19 with the forks.
Thanks for confirming what is already posted loop. Most springer forks increase wheel base and trail. Danny will soon enough find out how exciting a Cranbrook can feel. It ain't a Harley, and it will thrill. My Huffy Davidson is the first machine that I, having imbibed feared for my safety.
Chicken Tom
 

fasteddy

Well-Known Member
Feb 13, 2009
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British Columbia Canada
Hi Danny,
Just caught up with you thread. I think your safe as far as web crawlers are concerned. Years ago there were lots of them here but they were weeded out quickly and it's pretty mellow now.

The fork you bought is down right dangerous. I've been here since 2009 and over the years there have been some might graphic photos of different rider who had them snap in two. The degree of injuries were in direct relation to whether the rider was peddling or under power.

I just looked this fork up. The price has gone up $60 but may give you a chance to make an Indian style springer fork. Rick, Tom or Curt will have a better idea if it's a good choice.


Like your build. It's going to be a fun one.

Steve.
 

Nightster

Well-Known Member
Mar 3, 2021
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Hi Danny,
Just caught up with you thread. I think your safe as far as web crawlers are concerned. Years ago there were lots of them here but they were weeded out quickly and it's pretty mellow now.

The fork you bought is down right dangerous. I've been here since 2009 and over the years there have been some might graphic photos of different rider who had them snap in two. The degree of injuries were in direct relation to whether the rider was peddling or under power.

I just looked this fork up. The price has gone up $60 but may give you a chance to make an Indian style springer fork. Rick, Tom or Curt will have a better idea if it's a good choice.


Like your build. It's going to be a fun one.

Steve.
Hey Steve and thanks for your input as well. Guess I probably jumped the gun buying that fork. I can’t ignore what all of you are telling me.

On a side not those Indian BTR replica forks are awesome. I may have to jump on those after I look at my finances.

thanks again, appreciate everyone’s input
 

curtisfox

Well-Known Member
Dec 29, 2008
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minesota
From back in the 50"s lucky to find one, and no haven't used it yet. Also the original Schwinn were a lot heavier, but again to find one. I did however have a Monark twin spring on a factory Monark motor bike back in the 50"s and loved it, but was 16 at the time when details were not important. The fork Loop showed is a lot heavier and would be the better choice, much more stable the the springe, and then the old Monark fork, as I have one of them also. Member Motomegs has used the one like loop showed and likes it well. I used the Monark type rockers on the leaf spring Indian type fork I made and worked good. Just save your springer for pedal bike, like me I rider everyday, on my pedal bike when nice out............Curt
 

Nightster

Well-Known Member
Mar 3, 2021
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From back in the 50"s lucky to find one, and no haven't used it yet. Also the original Schwinn were a lot heavier, but again to find one. I did however have a Monark twin spring on a factory Monark motor bike back in the 50"s and loved it, but was 16 at the time when details were not important. The fork Loop showed is a lot heavier and would be the better choice, much more stable the the springe, and then the old Monark fork, as I have one of them also. Member Motomegs has used the one like loop showed and likes it well. I used the Monark type rockers on the leaf spring Indian type fork I made and worked good. Just save your springer for pedal bike, like me I rider everyday, on my pedal bike when nice out............Curt
Thanks, so the key is an older heavier model, gotcha.

Thanks again