GSX 1260 project. Making it better, Fuck yeah

[stiffsimon]

Hello peeps. Hopefully this is the start of my project build that I feel obliged to share with all the reprobates that make this site such a joy :D to visit.
I have my spiffing new work bench ( thanks Linden)

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/Arrival%20of%20the%20GSX/IMG_3173.jpg

I have some of the nice bits I want to use

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/motor%20of%20the%20beast/IMG_3130.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/motor%20of%20the%20beast/IMG_3131.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/motor%20of%20the%20beast/IMG_3137.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/motor%20of%20the%20beast/IMG_3119.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/motor%20of%20the%20beast/IMG_3125.jpg

and finally, and probably most importantly, I now have my donor bike :D:D:D:D:D

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/Arrival%20of%20the%20GSX/IMG_3148.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/Arrival%20of%20the%20GSX/IMG_3147.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/Arrival%20of%20the%20GSX/IMG_3146.jpg

Unfortunately, cause my girlfriend is moving in[?] I have no sodding space yet to start ripping the ol beast apart

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/Arrival%20of%20the%20GSX/IMG_3172.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/Arrival%20of%20the%20GSX/IMG_3171.jpg

As my full garage is holding me up I am on a sourcing expedition.

I've bought a new set of valves and valve guides and am looking for some skilled chap to recut my valve seats, remove old valve guides and install the new ones, repair various damaged threads( mainly cam cap holders) and then help me degree in my cams.
T'other thing is one of my carb bodies is damaged and needs either replacing or a particularly good and delicate ally welder.
Also I'm hopefully picking up some GSXR thou K8 forks at the weekend and will need some triple clamps manufacturing. Along with this, any advice on steering geometry, fork length, etc. would be very much appreciated.
Advice on sexy rearsets, wiring gurus, etc, etc, etc, etc,etc,etc would be hugely appreciated.
I know this is a big ask as I'm still a pizza boy delivery( and I'm a Pom!!) but I really want to get this project started and done properly.
I want to keep it standardish looking with modern front end, cool exhaust and modern rear end.
Not an extreme or even unique build, more of a sleeper, but one that will make me want to get up at five in the morning, leather up and go for a breakfast run every chance I get :)

[80s freak]

Looking like the bollocks! Finally checked my email Simon, I'll give you a buzz tomorrow.

[BANDITROD]

Well let's see some pics of the finished frame Simon

[evil zed]

like the speed triple in the background too mate, bloody poms hey!!

[K6Thou]

I'll be watching this build closely, I love these old things.

[stiffsimon]

Well hello again. I think it's fair to say that I've been more than a little bit of a slack arse with this build blog. But.....................................there has been progress;)

Spiffing forks sourced

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3203-1.jpg

and top bloke found to help with the build, chap by the name of Peter McWilliams and more about him later. I've been sourcing parts over the last few months but there is still a long way and lots of money to go :cool: Back in July, after stripping the bike down I took the rolling chassis down to Peter at Manta Enterprises in West Heidleberg for some measuring and assessment and costing. Once we'ed made an agreement he set to repairing and straightening the frame.

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3285.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3286.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3287.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3290.jpg

Looks like it had been down the road at some point but to be honest I'm not really suprised, after all it is thirty years old.

Anyway after all the straightening and stuff Peter welded some strenthening braces to the frame

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3364-1.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3361-1.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3362-1.jpg

Some Bandit 12 running gear was also sourced and some spangly new Gazi shocks purchased from T Rex racing, these were then fitted ( just like that !!!:rolleyes: )

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3357-1.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3359-1.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3360-1.jpg

[BANDITROD]

Hey welcome back mate that's looking good can't wait to see it finished

[mozza]

Hey stiffsimon, my GSX1100 is at a very similar stage apart from the bracing and also I went with Wilbers for my rear shocks.
This build is new territory for me and I would be keen to reference some of my gear against yours if you are happy to help ?

First question is: What length are the shocks that you fitted ? (eye hole to eye hole- unloaded)
How did you find Mantra and what did they charge for the frame brace and straighten ?

being in Tassie I dont want to make the trip over to use someone without having some reference. I know they do quite a few period 5 bikes out there currently racing.

Are you converting to race bike or road ?

Great thread ;)

[stiffsimon]

Cheers Rod. Progress has been made but I'm thinking it will be quite a while yet until it's done:confused:

Hi Mozza, good choice of bike :D what model/year is it. As for my shocks I'll give you eye to eye lengths on Sunday or some such when I get access to them. They're actually Gazi Hyper X shocks www.gazisuspension.com (http://www.gazisuspension.com) not Wilbers suspension. Wilbers were my first choice until I saw the price :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: they make Ohlins look cheap and nasty! Anyway the Gazi shocks come with threaded extendable eyes to fine tune the length of the shocks to help fine tune steering characteristics. They look pretty cool as well.

As far as Peter at Manta enterprises are concerned I can't recommend him highly enough. Not only is he a precision engineer but he has a love of these old muscle bikes, has close links with Rex Wolfenden at T Rex racing and supports an XR69 replica GSX 1100 ridden by Cam Donald. Google Manta Enterprises in Heidleberg and check out his website and give him a call or send an email.
The work that he's done on my bike and his attention to detail and insistence that what he creates is not only safe, improves on the standard parts and ensure that the look of the product matches the customers wishes and all at an affordable price and a nice bloke to boot is a rare thing in this day and age. You won't be disappointed if you get him to do work on your bike. PM me if you want to chat.

Si, please delete this if you think it's too much of a plug for Manta and not appropriate for this site.

Anyway back to the build.

The essence of this project was the motor that I'd brought over with me from the UK. Specs being awesome :cool::D such as Hi lift cams, 1260 wiseco kit, Roger Upperton flowed and ported head, etc, etc. I thought I've got a hot engine lets build a chassis around it and have fun............................................... ...........................or so I thought!!!!
Whilst my chassis was with Peter I thought I'd make a start on my motor and strip it down to check and refurb. Thank fuck I did.

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3348.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3349.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3350.jpg






http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/DSCN1250.jpg

It was all looking great until I up ended my barrels and found this nice little suprise waiting for me:mad::mad:

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/DSCN1251.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/DSCN1252.jpg

So I went inside and cracked open (no pun intended) my bottle of Wild Turkey and, er, I can't remember much after that

[BANDITROD]

Fuck that sucks mate

[Gix11]

Si, please delete this if you think it's too much of a plug for Manta and not appropriate for this site.


No problem mate, credit where credit is due I say and it's not a full advert or anything so all good.

As for that crack, what a fucker!

[stiffsimon]

Cheers Si. as for the crack, well it sort of gives you direction dunnit :rolleyes: To this end I was on a bit of a hunt to make my engine not only pant creamingly fun but also reliable, so I dug further to see if there was anything else in my HOT ENGINE that might need a bit of a refresh:(

Anyway to save myself repeating all the heart ache the end result was............................................... ......

Awesome porting job from Mr Upperton BUT

worn cam bearings on No. 2 and 4 cylinder
Multiple stripped threads in the engine
worn valve seats on most of the valves
No 2 main bearing damaged and overheated


So after investigation and careful measurement my awesome hot engine was pretty much fucked :( Oh the joy of modifying 30 yr old bikes, ho hum.

Anyway Google ( now my other bezzy mate) drew me towards MTC ;);) Aaaah and fuckin Eeeeek :o. So I made a decision......drink a few red wines and go on to their website. After a few weeks I was a little more chuffed when I came home to this

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3312.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3313.jpg

Next one isn't for the faint hearted

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3316.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3317.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3320.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3321.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3322.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3323.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3318.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3327.jpg

So I got my wonderful box of goodies and immediately thought FUCK I need to build this engine properly, hmmm. Time for some more red wine

[Tony Nitrous]

Great thread.

As an 11ET owner too, i'll keep an eye on this.

Very interesting.
Thank you.

[fimpBIKES]

faaaaaaaaaaaaarkin schweet

[Gix11]

Now that is cool. Nice posting Stiffy.

[stiffsimon]

Cheers Si. Anyway time to ponder the motor and what to do. So fubared cylinder head with awesome port job, worn valves, cracked cylinder ( with 1mm wall thickness of the liner would you believe!!!!:mad: ), damaged main bearing on my crank and multiple worn and damaged threads in my motor. So then, not the hot motor I thought it was although, importantly, it was the thing that inspired me to start this build.
So new MTC forged pistons giving me 1260cc capacity and liners to suit, Cometic copper gaskets, APE H/D cylinder studs and nuts, APE manual cam chain tensioner, APE valve guides, new cam chain tensioner blades and new cam chain to come. Having got the bits to help make the engine rock how do I put it together?

Do I rebuild it myself (again) or get somebody to build it for me? Hmmm.

I know that there is a world of difference between building a motor and making it run and assembling a motor so that it runs as well as it possibly can with given specs, is reliable and oil tight and doesn't need rebuilding every 2 k or so.

Whilst pondering this I needed to get some work done on the engine components. First off my cases needed acid stripping so off to Wendy The Stripper in Dandenong and I have to say she stripped superbly and will use her again, ahem

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3469.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3470.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3474.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3473.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3471.jpg

Then upper crancases off to Billy at T Rex racing to bore out for oversize liners.

It's not all bad though. My donor bike has actually turned up trumps ;) with a very solid and unmolested motor that looks hardly worn, RESULT.

So I ordered a complete set of Kibblewhite Black Diamond oversize valves Int. 1.5mm oversize and Ex. 1mm oversize.

Peter then sent my head down to a porting guru( whose name escapes me at the moment) for fitting of valve guides, a three angle valve job and flowing on his flow bench. I forgot to mention that although the engine is pretty much unmolested it has had quite a good porting job done to it. Odd.

Anyway he'll flow it and see weyher or not it needs some more porting work done.

In the mean time my crank is with Billy at T Rex getting loving care and attention and by luck he called me today telling me that it is finished. Pinned, balanced, indexed and welded. True to within 0.001" ;) Job well done I reckon.

As my pistons are up to 4g's difference in weight then these too will be off to T Rex for balancing. Gearbox has been declared as fit for purpose also with negligble wear. So all good, albeit expensive, so far.

Mean while Peter is working on the chassis and most exciting for me custom gull wing billet triple clamps designed to retain original instrumentation and lights with risers to mount my beautiful Accossato superbike bars. The triples are a thing of genius and beauty :cool: These are the lumps of metal that will soon be my triples :confused:

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3329.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3333.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3331.jpg

[mozza]

Mate, keen as to follow your build, I'll be a fair bit behind you but this is where I currently sit.
452

[stiffsimon]

Good on yer Mozza and I see that you've got the proper 24l petrol tank. The only one for ET's as far as I'm concerned. You may be behind in the build at the moment but this engine work is costing lots and my build will take a deep breath soon and probs put on hold a little to gather more funds. Excellent choice of bike by the way ;)

[fimpBIKES]

wow, this is turning out very well!!

interested in doing some similar engine work, would you have any costs you could share for parts and labours?

keep the updates coming, especially with those triples

[stiffsimon]

Hi fimpbikes

I could give you an estimate in time and will PM you some costs soon as some stuff has still not been finalised. Triples pics to follow in the morning hopefully

[fimpBIKES]

i would appreciate that stiffsimon, thanks
want to have a budget before i pull the kat off the road

[stiffsimon]

So whilst I wait patiently Peter works feveriously on his pooter designing billet gorgeousness...................................... .................................................. ......and then he begins


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3372.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3372.jpg.html)


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3373.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3373.jpg.html)


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3374.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3374.jpg.html)


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3390.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3390.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3391.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3391.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3392.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3392.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3402.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3402.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3405.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3405.jpg.html)


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3407.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3407.jpg.html)


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3408.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3408.jpg.html)


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3379.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3379.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3381.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3381.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3382.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3382.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3385.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3385.jpg.html)

[BANDITROD]

Fuck yeah that's real nice Simon

[stiffsimon]

Cheers Rod more pics to come later. Now that they've been hard anodised they look even better

[Fight_fan]

Wowee! Those tripples are stunning mate!
Love this project. Gonna be a real head turner! I'm also interested in how many 1st born children need to be sacrificed to produce an engine of that calibre! The slingshot engine I have for my GSX project will be getting some fettling, just not sure how far I want/can go with it...

[latheboy]

They are some badarse clamps Simon.

To be honest, I looked at the first couple of pics and thought ... just another old shit box... Fuck was i wrong.

[mozza]

looking good mate, I hate to think of the cost :p

[BANDITROD]

What colour are they now Simon

[latheboy]

I'd guess black, unless you can hard anno in different colours now.

[BANDITROD]

You can buy sprockets that are hard anodized in diff colours

[stiffsimon]

Thanks for the comments . Latheboy LOL just another shitbox :D, fair play no reason to believe it would be anything else really but hopefully all the time effort and fuckin expense will be all worthwhile in the end. as for the hard anodising, no colour just natural but they look the bollox ;) these are how they look after the hard anodising and sooper strong steering stem and my little homage to Marco, RIP

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3514.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3523.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3522.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3521.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3520.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3518.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3517.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3515.jpg

[BANDITROD]

Fuck they look shit hot I like the 58 tribute to mate

[stiffsimon]

Cheers mate. Hey Rod you'll have to let me play with yer big stick again sometime.I loved grabbing hold of it and squeezing it when I was at your party. A few others liked grabbing and squeezing it as well I seem to remember.Specially when it shot out ;)

[BANDITROD]

Lol for sure mate your always welcome up here

[geesexar]

thats lookin sweet mate...makin it better...fuck yeah

[Tony Nitrous]

Good on yer Mozza and I see that you've got the proper 24l petrol tank. The only one for ET's as far as I'm concerned.

Is the 24l one the flatter on in the original post ?
or the squarer / box one I have.

Personaly I like the Square one,
to me it makes the bike look "solid".

Just personal taste.

Why are there two different tanks ?
ET and EX ? or just different options/years/countrys ?

[stiffsimon]

Tony

Yours has got the 24l box one. The tank in my original post is the flatter 19l tank. Likewise I prefer the 24l tank cause as far as I'm concerned it is THE GSX tank. Not sure why there are different sizes but as far as I'm aware the UK GSX'es only ever came with the 24l tank and it is the shape that I associate with the old bruisers. By the way your ET is gorgeous, really period and those wheels :cool: wanna swap?

This was the tank that came with the bike

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/Arrival%20of%20the%20GSX/IMG_3172.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/Arrival%20of%20the%20GSX/IMG_3147.jpg

and this is what I've thankfully been able to source and will be the one fitted

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3526.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The%20Melbourne%20Muscle%20Project/IMG_3525.jpg

[fimpBIKES]

agreed, that tanks the bomb!

[Tony Nitrous]

Thanks Mr Stiffy.

I cant take any credit for mine.
I bought it off another member who needed a quick sale.

Mines no where near the standard your working too, but still a lot of fun.
High bars, rear-sets and cut down set together are odd... but fun.

I like mine as its very much the style of its era,
other than the Busa master cylinder that no one notices.

I'd LOVE another one that used less dated parts.
Yours is shaping up to be something REAL special.
Excellent. Top job.

[stiffsimon]

Whilst my bike is getting worked upon Peter also knocked up some very neat brackets for my 13 row Serck oil cooler cause I reckon with the engine work being done and the hot Australian heat I think my motor will be producing a fair bit of heat and would appreciate a bit of cooling

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3422.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3423.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3424.jpg

[BANDITROD]

Looks shit hot Simon

[stiffsimon]

Cheers mate. I'm very pleased with the progress but the other half is getting a little, er, em, er focussed on what sacrifices she's making to enable me to do this build but isn't that what girlfriends are for though?:rolleyes:

Anyway I've just come back from T Rex racing and found something rather nice waiting for me, other than the smell of Castrol R and Methanol :) It were these things

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3541.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3545.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3544.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3542.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3540.jpg

And then the bit that means I'm going to be eating sandwiches for a while

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3527.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3529.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3530.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3532.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3535.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3538.jpg


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3533.jpg


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3534.jpg

[mozza]

maaaaaaaaaate, that is sexy :p

[xa-mont]

is that an actual whole custom built crank???? holy mutherfuck!

[stiffsimon]

Nah, I wish. It's a standard crank pinned, balanced, welded and indexed. Billy did show me one in one of Rex's race engines:cool: he'd taken off 1.5Kg by filing, emery cloth and linishing and was fitted with falicon rods. Awesome bit of work but would probably cost as much as my whole bike would be worth. A true testament to the mans skills though.

[BANDITROD]

Fuck that's sweet mate I can't wait to see this finished

[Fight_fan]

If thats the boner police I can hear, then I demand a lawyer!
This build is cool as fuck!

[stiffsimon]

Just a few shots of it mocked up in the workshop. It's teasing the fuck out of me when I see it like this

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3456.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3455.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3449.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3450.jpg

[mozza]

looking cool as mate:cool:

[TurboKat]

Whey Hey !! Now we're getting somewhere :D
Bloody nice work so far, that thing is gunna go, stop & steer like a goodun now Stiffy, I might have to talk you into a test ride when it's finished.
What colour you gunna paint it?

[stiffsimon]

Good to hear from you TK. Good bloody question about the colour. Me and the missus are having BIG discussions about the colour and I may put up a poll about this.
I want it to be immediately recognisable as an ET hence the original clocks, headlight, tank, seat, tailpiece and sidepanels.
As such I'm very much leaning towards the original red/orange colour like in the pics with original graphics, kinda understated like.
The other half is insisting it gets painted Poison Ivy Green from the new Holdens. Poison Ivy is kool as but I'm thinking original. What do you guys reckon.

As for the test ride TK how about an hour on my bike for an hour on yer wife/ girlfriend/ sister :)

[BANDITROD]

Hahahaha .... Fuck that is taking shape very well Simon don't stop go you old pom

[mozza]

original for me simon, new school mixed with old school

[mozza]

the black with blue decals look really nice also.

I always wanted black with some gold decals made

[80s freak]

That is looking super awesome. I was just saying to Anthea the other day I'll have to give you a call and see how it's all going. I will give you a buzz in the next day or so when I've got a bit of time spare. Looking great mate.

[stiffsimon]

Hi Geoff, howzit going mate. It would be great to catch up with you and shoot the shit. I see you've got your turbo installed and up and running and looking awesome. It looks really oldskool kool and bang on and hard as nails. When my ET is finished we'll need to go out for a run. It'll be really interesting to see how tubo compares against big bore, big valve motor.
What colour do you reckon I should paint it then original red or poison Ivy?

[Gix11]

There is just something about that wheel, fork, bars, tank and engine combination that is the coolest fuckin' thing on the planet:

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/IMG_3455.jpg

Love it mate.

[stiffsimon]

You know something Si I tend to agree with you :D

[80s freak]

A run is a must do. i reckon an original scheme would be the go. Just love the idea of a sleeper sort of look, like the Z kawka that is on the cover of UCBE mag at the moment. At a glancce it looks stock, then you go "Hang on, that's different." Going to to tough as.

[Gix11]

A run is a must do. i reckon an original scheme would be the go. Just love the idea of a sleeper sort of look, like the Z kawka that is on the cover of UCBE mag at the moment. At a glancce it looks stock, then you go "Hang on, that's different." Going to to tough as.

That Zed is unreal hey? My all time favourite shaped bike done to perfection.

[80s freak]

A mate of mine owns it, its a work of art. He did a resto on an 1100 kat that went for $15,000 on ebay a while back, now that thing was amazing.

[Tony Nitrous]

There is just something about that wheel, fork, bars, tank and engine combination that is the coolest fuckin' thing on the planet:


You know something Si I tend to agree with you :D

I disagree.... needs the bigger square tank....... :D

[Gix11]

Squares when they went wrong. The coffin tank 1300 or Z1R are a great example of not quite right towards the end of the 70's. Still, I wouldn't say no! Zed tear drop tank for the ultimate win every time.

I could just look at that tank by itself for ages: 546

[stiffsimon]

I think Tony is talking about the GSX Si, not the Kawasaki. Whilst I agree with Si about the look and stance of my bike I also agree with Tony in that it needs the bigger, squarerer tank, which is what it will get.

[playswithnitro]

Mark Rees' Kawasaki Z1 is a thing of joy. On my very short list of all-time favourites. Was very happy to use it on the poster and cover.

I prefer the low-back tank on GSXs, especially on Stiffy's Suzuki. I reckon the lines flow better.

[80s freak]

It would be interesting to see the two tank sizes back to back.

[Gix11]

I think Tony is talking about the GSX Si, not the Kawasaki.

That would make more sense now I think about it.... I'll get my coat.

[Tony Nitrous]

It would be interesting to see the two tank sizes back to back.

I know Stiffsimon has both tanks.
Perhaps some time he could do a couple of pics to put side by side.
I know there thousands on the Internetwebgoogle but both tanks
on the same bike at the same angle would be a good comparison.

[stiffsimon]

No problem at all. Actually I'm keen to compare the two side by side myself. Hopefully I'll be picking my chassis up on Tuesday so will be able to post some pictures up then although I might wait a little longer and fit instruments, headlight, seat, tail piece etc. to give more of a feel for the "finished product" look as I want to keep a lot of things stock. Watch this space peeps. By the way Geoff what tank have you got on your ET?
Also has anybody got some pics of the ET with the original red/orange paintwork that I can have a look at. Cheers

[Tony Nitrous]

Smaller "flat" tank....
http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1267966732.jpg



Larger "box" tank......

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1267978899.jpg

[ozzy1100]

for me tony the smaller flater tank suits the lines back to the tail with proportions of bike
better ballance and tuffer look but its all subjective

[Tony Nitrous]

Im not a fan of the stock flat seat,
but with a cut dow seat or one with a "step" in it,
the bike has a much more solid or aggresive look for me.

[stiffsimon]

Tony, I tend to agree about the cut down seat. If Kev is still willing to do seats by appointment I'll put that request to him when he does my seat.

[80s freak]

I have the large bread box tank, I think it works better with the size of the engine. To me it just seems to fit the muscle bike era better. Will have to bring the turbo around in jan when we get back from holidays.
572

[stiffsimon]

Would love to see that Geoff in the flesh as it were, look forward to it.

[TurboKat]

The small/flat tank signifies gayness.
Breadbox all the way Geezer.

[80s freak]

The small/flat tank signifies gayness.
Breadbox all the way Geezer.
Couldn't have put it better Daz.

[stiffsimon]

As Saffa from OSS put it about the 24l tank

"greatest shaped tank ever..............ugly but oh so right"

[Tony Nitrous]

:cool:

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/72/boxet.jpg/

[80s freak]

The above pic, how's the helmet. Bahahahaha
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3820/boxet.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/72/boxet.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[ozzy1100]

they dont build them like that any more lol

[scrotary]

great build bro, appreciate you takin the time to share it,
i'd love to know where those cooler lines came from and how much?

[stiffsimon]

Hi Scrotary

The lines came from HEL in the UK as did the fittings. Unfortunately I can't remember how much they cost me other than quite kin expensive. I remember that the guy I dealt with was called Simon .

[TurboKat]

'Bout time for an update innit Geezer? Shirley you haven't been sitting on your hands for the last 2 weeks.

[stiffsimon]

No update coming. I've given up on it can't be arsed anymore :p

[stiffsimon]

Despite my earlier comment I can be arsed and there has been some progress, namely with the exhaust. Hopefully this will be finished in the next couple of days



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/Exhaust014.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/Exhaust014.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/Exhaust015.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/Exhaust015.jpg.html)


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/Exhaust016.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/Exhaust016.jpg.html)

[Gix11]

Fuck that looks neat. Nice work mate.

[oldskool]

Nice work Simon, now hurry up.

[K6Thou]

Looking great simon.

[ALBI]

thats a different type of collector

[Fight_fan]

I saw someone on oldskoolsuzuki build a collector like that a little while ago. I really dig the design. It looks awesome mate!

[stiffsimon]

Yeah the guy on OSS is Dave from Exhaust Craft in the UK. It's him that's over here right now designing and fitting my bespoke exhaust system :D I have a design that I've put to Dave as far as the exit is concerned and really hope that he can pull it off. I'm sure he can but it might mean getting a hand beaten aluminium tail piece fabricated.The guy's a trouper and he's already getting serious requests from T Rex racing to make systems for Rex's bike/s. He's recently sourced Ti tubing and will be branching out to full Ti systems soon. His work is top drawer, I'm very lucky.

This build is going to continue to take some time cause it's costing me a fuckin fortune but I'll keep you all updated with pics/info/requests/begging and just whatever shit pops into my head really ;)

[Fight_fan]

^WOW! Thats a lot of effort for an exhaust mate. Im sure it'l be worth the price paid when u see the final result!

[stiffsimon]

well, after locking him out of the house and making him sleep in the car Dave finally skulked back home and told me that he'd finished my exhaust.I think Dave did well in the end,many thanks to Peter at Manta,letting Dave use his workshop :)


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/Exhaust016.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/Exhaust016.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished023.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished023.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished024.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished024.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished025.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished025.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished026.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished026.jpg.html)



http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz9/siminoz63/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished027.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/siminoz63/media/The Melbourne Muscle Project/finished027.jpg.html)

[Hillsy]

Fucken wow.

[Fight_fan]

Absolutely stunning mate!

[Gix11]

Fucken Wow indeed!

[TurboKat]

Yawn...
That whole custom-fabricated-one-off-mandrel-bent-stainless-steel-flat-collector-muffler-in-the-middle-of-the-swingarm-to-underseat-tailpipe-with-the-exit-out-the-side-of-the-GSX-tailpiece exhaust system has been done to death.
:rolleyes:
That is cooler than an Eskimo's thongs mate.

[stiffsimon]

I thought so too. Dave's craftsmanship is quite impressive. Attention to detail, performance, aesthetics it's all there. He's had a lot of racers requesting a system from him including Rex Wolfenden. My guess is he'll be coming back to Melbourne in the future. For all of those of us with Oldskool bruisers he's got the patterns already there.

[robertn]

Hi Simon,
This is a fantastic description of some extensive (and expensive!) build work. I have a project that I've been gathering some bits for over the last few months, a bit similar. I'm looking for an 1100 Katana - SD model that is the black motor model, to do some mild modifying work to. I have a 94 GSXR 750 that will donate its USD front end, have a new MacIntosh swingarm, just arrived new Mikuni flat slides and some other minor bits.
Your work is inspirational - thanks for this.