Blackbird frame up redo

KWSXX · 12-18-2006, 10:07 PM

All done! Attached are some pics of the new brakelines per request and the Bird completely assembled. This has been a very satisfing and enjoyable couple of weeks and the Bird looks better then the day I bought it. I really like the undertail and hugger, should have installed them a long time ago. As soon as the rain stops around here I'm taking her out.

haWHYnXX · 12-18-2006, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KWSXX

Attached are some pics...I really like the undertail and hugger, should have installed them a long time ago.

As I said before, great job. I have the same undertail and had clearance problems (first reared it's ugly head riding two up, but the wife now rides her own) with rear tire - don't think there's enough room for a hugger. I really think the hugger cleans it up a lot.

If you find that you get some rubbing, an easy fix is to drill small holes through the inner fender and undertail, then run zip ties through and tighten them up. I read this somewhere where they pulled it up in the center, but I felt that that was where the main rubbing happened so I used holes on either side of center and pulled up on the sides. Did the trick.

Never got around to doing the 6mm shim, but I just got my Penske and will be adjusting the ride height up to match the shim mod. Hopefully that gives me enough room to fit a hugger!!

KWSXX · 12-18-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haWHYnXX

I have the same undertail and had clearance problems (first reared it's ugly head riding two up, but the wife now rides her own) with rear tire - don't think there's enough room for a hugger

Thanks for the heads up. During the undertail install I suspected some clearance issues especially with the hugger. I trimmed a couple of inches off the front of the undertail which increased clearance considerably I've also got the rear shock shimmed and cranked up so I think I'm alright.

haWHYnXX · 12-19-2006, 4:14 AM

Also, one other thing: the new LED turnsignals, while very clean and tucked in, do not provide much illumination at all. Other riders told me they couldn't see me signal at all during daylight and were very glad that I have a habit of using hand signals.

I found these signals on Ebay that work really well and are largely unnoticed until blinking. BTW, I have not seen them for auction since I purchased but would not hesitate to pick up a few more sets if I ever saw them again.
(Look at the license plate):

Warchild · 12-19-2006, 11:22 AM

Very, very, VERY nice job.... and looks like a lot of fun! Am going through a lot of the same procedures by returning a 2000 Blackbird to stock condition, and refurbishing a 2002 XX to be the new LD rally bike.

The only objection I have with your bike it that it is too clean.

A well-ridden bike is a happy bike, but typically has a bit of road grime on it (unless you spend endless hours cleaning it....)

Again, superb work, KWSXX!!

silvertippr2001 · 12-22-2006, 3:28 AM

great job

let us now how she feels on the road againg. Feels great when doing it our self, correct me if i'm wrong