Lurker's V-twin build

[Lurker]

Thanks guys, I will eventually try to get it in to some print magazines and web magazines. I would love to have it on bikeexif.com or pipeburn.com.

Anyway sorry I have been holding out. These are just some quick photos I had leftover from the last shoot. Once I get moved and settled I will get one of my photography friends to take some good photos.

 

[harry76]

Awesome. Just awesome. That must be soooooo much fun to ride. Those Harley boys don't know what they are missing.

 

[Toofat2fly]

Love the color and details on this bike. It is FULL OF awesome details....
And you got me on the motor size, hah, haa!!! at least you dont have to push your bike up the hill, like I do

 

[Lurker]

I thought this was interesting. This is a photo from 1909 of the alley and stoop (indicated by the red arrow) where I build the v-twin board track racer. All of my welding and grinding was done right there. If you look across the street you will see a sign for a machine shop and gas engine repair. I wish it were still there.

 

[Dan]

Very cool Lurker!

http://vekst.tumblr.com/

 

[truckd]

Now do your magic and put that bike where it belongs,in 1909 slightly angle'd in front of that toop! or even the Mechanic's shop

 

[stromberg97]

Wow, that bike sounds awesome. How fast have you had it up to?

 

[chainmaker]

Hey Lurker, Again that bike is a thing of beauty, hats off!! I just have a couple questions.
Have you tried or looked into getting a vin ? , Im leaning towards a full blown scratch built motorcycle as well and would like to get some first hand feed back on the perception from the powers that be.
Hubs- without going back I think you used worksman drums and wheels, do you think moped drums/wheels would have been better or even motorcycle?
Would a cast neck/tube been worth the time vs cash savings?
Thanks in advance
Troy

 

[Lurker]

Chainmaker, I do have a vin and just got a title for it this week. If you start with a bike that is already titled you are good to go. All you have to do is go to a motorcycle salvage yard and buy a frame, take it home and cut the head tube off and use that somewhere on your bike. The salvage yard has to keep all the titles just make sure to get it when you buy the frame.

My front hub is a Honda cb100 and my rear is a Puch. If you plan on using a engine bigger than 200cc I recommend using a motorcycle rear hub. Once my Puch self-destructs I will switch it out to a Honda ct90.

I would not worry about a cast head tube. I believe they did that back in the day because they didn't have the capability to weld. As long as you have some good welds and some sort of guest you should be ok. take a look at my head tube area and you will see what I mean. Good luck on your build.

Stromberg, sorry for the delay in answering your question I just now saw it. I was able to get it up to about 60mph this past weekend. The rake and trail I used make it some what hard to handle at between 0-10mph. 10-30 is ok, not bad but not the best, and anything above 30 is a dream. It feels like you are flying.

 

[stromberg97]

60 mph is pretty good. Does the v-twin have a governor like the single cylinders? If so maybe it can be removed/modified for a little extra power. Are you going to lights on it? Where I live the state requires turn signals after '83 so if I get a title before that, I only need to run a head and tail light.

 

[chainmaker]

Just curious did you have to use the head tube as a headtube or did you use it somewhere else.

 

[Lurker]

This engine needs no modification, 630cc on a bike like this is downright scary. 60 was just testing out the waters, I was just a little bit more than half throttle and it kept accelerating. I never want to find out what this thing is actually capable of on the street or without leathers.

I only need a headlight and tail light for this and I have both, I just really hate the look of the headlight so until I get this thing road worthy I will wait to install it.

I cut part of the head tube up and used it under the gas tank, but if you could use it as the head tube that would be better. Especially if your state has inspections.

 

[Lurker]

I just finished making some number plates for the bike, what do you guys think? I know this is a bad photo but its all I had to work with.

 

[Lurker]

Also here is a link to a speed test I just did. This is not full throttle just a medium speed test. The conditions are not suitable for a high speed run.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8jSqduFp4o&feature=plcp

 

[Dan]

If she gets any prettier, your gonna have guys asking for dates.

 

[harry76]

Sweeeeeet!!!!! If I was to request a ride of any persons bike on this forum it would undoubtedly be yours Lurker. It's a beast. Phenomenal work!!!!

 

[cobrafreak]

So after riding the bike around Lurker, is it all you envisioned? Are you personally happy with everything about it?

 

[JohnThomas Sorrels]

Looks and sounds great but please tell me you're getting a real helmet? I can't quite tell from the video but it looks like you're wearing an old leather style brain bag? I think with the speeds this is capable of a dot approved helmet would be a good idea.

 

[cobrafreak]

Here is the helmet you want for looks and protection. It's made by HCI and it is awesome. I have one myself. DOT approved.

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/130-0260

Here is another link with different paint jobs on them:

http://www.helmetsrus.com/hcredothe.html

They incorrectly refer to it as a half-helmet but it's really a Pudding Bowl Helmet.

Runs around $50-60 dollars.

I use a leather "non-helmet" brain bag for vintage dress events and I have a WW1 Doughboy helmet for when I have the uniform on. I would hate to hit the ground with either of them on though. It's an odds thing. If I wear the real helmet 90% of the time I will more than likely have it on if I ever crash. On days I wear the costumes my attention and caution goes up 10x.

 

[Lurker]

Thanks for the link cf, that is exactly the type of helmet I was looking for. I plan on getting that as soon as my title and plates come through.

As far as the bike goes... I guess i'm happy with it. As a artist I don't think I am ever 100% satisfied with what I make. I see things I wish I could change but don't have the skill or the equiptment to.