A League of Their Own

Here are a couple links to some other VFR projects.

These guys are on an entirely different level. The engineering and workmanship in both of these projects is astounding.

The first link, called Frankenviffer, is an entirely custom design from the ground up. The V4 engine is the only dominant feature leftover from Honda. The most notable part of this endeavor is what they call the Hossack front end. This design removes any co-mingling reaction from braking and suspension (ie. brake dive).




link to forum:
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=34907

The Bimota Tesi uses Hub Steering to accomplish the same thing as the Hossack design. Another unique design and worth a look if you haven't seen it:
http://www.bimotaamerica.com/galleries/bikes_t3d_gal.html

The end plans for the Frankenviffer (from what I gather) is to supplement the power source with the 'Torocharger'. This is a supercharger adaption for the VFR that yeilds a 50% power increase! It was created by another individual who is also a member of the VFR Discussion board. The supercharger is Rotrex made and uses almost all custom machined parts and fits nicely underneath the stock fairings. The install, from what's posted, sounds elementary and the kit was on a limited production run for around $4k.




Link:
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31492&st=0

Video of the Torocharged VFR in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQslEkcwu7o


I'd love to have a forced induction motorcycle...somewhere just north of 200hp. For sure an experience like no other.

EDIT: (3/26/09) I misread the Frankenviffer forum, as it turns out the Torocharger, or A&A kit, are not the final plans for this project. Although, that's not to say forced induction hasn't been considered by other means....

News flash

Not really an important update, just a rundown of today's progress on getting the turn indicators going (get it? turn indicators, news flash).

I got far more irritated on this small fab project then probably anything else to date. Something about having a crappy day, then going to work on the bike to unwind only to break the only 5/8 drill bit I have, amongst a slew of other irritating setbacks....on to the update.

Having the tabs welded in place, I set up the holes for drilling and after a pilot hole bored out the hole for the indicators


To clean up the excess tabs, I places the indicators in and measured how much excess I wanted.


Then used a band saw to remove that excess and a washer to get the right circumference


And last, the trusty old grinder to round off the tabs and a hand file will finish it off.


Thanks to the diligent efforts of a guy named Bruce at the courthouse I have have new tabs on the bike. The only thing left to make the VFR roadworthy is a new battery and wiring in the new indicators.

Thanks for tuning in (and feel free to leave comments!)

Progress

Today was a good day. I was able to finish up the front sub-frame and fit it up on the bike. It's not exactly attractive...but I've got plans for an aluminum shroud to remedy that.

First off, I received the new turn indicators which look better then I though they would. I think they're a perfect fit for this bike:


Next was forming the tabs to house them. I chose to do this on the lower part of the sub-frame, just below the headlight.

Back to the vise and hammer to roll the tabs

Quick mock up on the frame


I also decided to hide the wires for the signals inside the sub-frame so I notched out an opening on the bottom just inside of the tabs and drilled a hole in top (not pictured) to feed the wires through.


Also going on, up on top of the sub-frame, is the hardware for the Suzuki mirrors. Just standard 10mm nut with a 1.25 pitch tacked to the tips of those ears.

Then, once again, off to the shop to be TIG welded

Here are the nuts post-weld


And again after a little clean up with the grinder


This is the hardware I'm using for the sub-frame: The rubber grommet will go between the light and frame to help wipe out any vibration.


And there it is fit up.



Also not pictured are the tabs in place after welding and cleanup and getting drilled to accept the indicators. Its still cold in Spokane, especially in an unheated shop after a few hours, and its easy to forget a few pictures here and there.

But hey, work hard in the cold to play longer in the sun.

Spokane International Motorcycle Show '09

What auto blog would be complete without event coverage?

The show this year was the first I'd been to in a while but it was definitely one of the better ones I remember and it was even hosted in Spokane's new convention center.
This is definitely not the biggest show, it is Spokane after all, so all the booths were from local retailers and dealers, no manufacturer booths here. I've still yet to see the new Yamaha VMax eye to eye, so I was a bit disappointed at its no-show. There were others not present but I'll save the griping.

First bike to get me into the snapping pictures was the new HD Iron 883 Sportster. Just a great looking blacked out bike.


The XB12Ss is a bike I've been seriously looking at. Its just different in everyway.



Then of course the Firebolt. not as cool as the previous Lightening IMO.


Another HD new comer, the XR1200. Not the only XR I saw at the show though!


First time seeing the B-King in person. Its a fat bike with an even bigger.....


...backside


Here's something a little different. The HP2 with moto tires

If you haven't seen the HP2 in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvVMX-QfvTY

The ultimate in adventure touring, the R1200GS Adventure. Gives you 8 gallons to travel with.



The rockstar if there ever was one in the BMW family, K1200R


Heading down south from Germany is Austria's heavy hitter, the RC8.


I was told the seat is angled so sharply because riders were sliding off the back due to the extreme G force during acceleration.


You know, just for fun. (http://2moto.com/)


Brothers in crime. The Duke and 950SM


Reminds me alot of the Buell 1125CR, or vis-versa; the Benelli TNT. The custom exhaust is from a local mfg. called HardRock Motorsports. I hear they are sweet on sound.



2Fast performance riding school had their knee down machine on display


The other XR at the show. The infamous XR750. Dealer said he could set me up with one if I brought in 25 grand...and he could prep it just like this champion winning flat-tracker for another 20k.


The newest in the Buell lineup, both with the new 145hp Helicon motor. 1125CR and 1125R



Local news was there


Ahh, much better. Yoshi pipes are a much needed diet


Old Yamaha ready to race....well, almost.


IMGX Wraps showing off their skills


The KTM model that won the Paris-Dakar a month ago


There was plenty of other vintage bikes as well, take this "revolutionary" HD.




Overall, Great show, Great bikes, and lots of Great people to talk to.