Subframe Mockup

Here's a picture of the subframe kind of just put together. I still have to figure out how to design the forward portion of it so that it bolts to the frame. I believe it will be bolting through the monoshock hole. Also, I need to keep practicing welding so that I can weld things like those support plates onto the frame. For the welds that hold the frame tubing together, I'll probably outsource (Earl's garage), just so I can get something that looks nice.

Also, I've checked with the fellas at www.viragotechforum.com and apparently the bike was designed with an offset rear tire. Seems goofy to me, but whatever. I'm going to align the subframe with the frame backbone and call it a day.

Today's Melodies

This afternoon I'm listening to the likes of Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Dispatch, etc.

I was super in to these guys back in high-school, so I suppose it's bringing back some memories. Listen to Proudest Monkey by DMB, it's really awesome.

Quickest Path From Point A to Point B is.....

Last night I ran into a bit of a dilemma with the Virago cafe racer/ street fighter project. I have the subframe tubes bolted on. The bends in those aren't exactly the same but that's a different story. I know that they are both welded completely perpendicular to the bar stock that is bolted to the frame. So, here's the dilemma: the tire isn't in-line with the rear shock, the subframe bars aren't in-line with either of those, and it appears like the rear shock might not even be in-line with the frame itself. I get the feeling there's going to be a whole lot of guesswork going on.

Welding NOOB.

Teaching myself how to weld with that 110V Flux Core. It's not easy, but it is fun!

Subframe Beginnings

Got the first half of the Virago subframe bolted on. I was going to weld the second half to the frame but now that I'm looking at it that doesn't make much sense. So, back to the drawing board to design it to be completely bolt on.

Painted Fender

Did a bit of work on the Ducati last night. I didn't much care for the fender being completely yellow, and I saw a Monster somewhere that had a red fender with silver "legs" that I thought looked more aesthetically pleasing. So, I decided to Plasti-Dip the legs of my fender. I chose Plasti-Dip so that if I hate it or I somehow messed up I could peal it off and start over. Also, I really don't mind the 'matte' finish of Plasti-Dip. Here's some pictures:

Just saw this video from Deus Ex Machina on www.returnofthecaferacer.com. It's an awesome video and looks like an even better day!

Flight of Fancy. Dress Up Drags Mark Four from Deus ex Machina on Vimeo.

My Ride

If I've got 20 minutes to kill and want to take the Monster out to stretch its legs, this is usually my chosen route. The most local, twisty, country roads we have around here.

The Route

Subframe Fab Work

Got some work done on the Virago over the weekend. Borrowed a friend's pipe bender and cut and bent some subframe supports to where I wanted them. I also cut and drilled out some bar stock that will be where the supports get bolted on to the frame. Existing bolt holes on the stock Virago frame are in a perfect location to build off of. I had a friend of mine help out a little bit with his lathe and milling machine to square up the bar stock, put notches in the pipes, and weld the pieces together. He's an old vet that can literally fix/fab anything. He rides a Harley Sportster 1200 that is in absolutely showroom condition. He also smokes like a chimney, drinks a Busch Lite for breakfast, and is healthy as a horse at 71. Here's some pics: