Belt Drive and Springer Fork

[moteurhead]

Clockwork Overkill gets a new belt drive made from a Ford timing belt and a 5 foot springer front end....check it out.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2591.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2594.jpg

[rickairmed]

Moteurhead the new drive looks killer are ya gonna have the springer dipped in shiney stuff or just paint it up like the other one.

Rick

[moteurhead]

chroming is way too expensive to fit my low buck approach but I really prefer the detail of the flames on red. I am going to add some chrome acorn nuts to the spring tops and cam lever bolts. The springs are zinc coated...I think and should stay shiny. All in all it will have some nice details.

[rickairmed]

You might check out powder coating in your area they have a powder out now that is real close to the look of chrome without the expense.

[Radical Brad]

Hell ya!!
Great chop dude.

Brad

[hillbilliy]

nice like the belt drive i see wat yous mean now about u turn them into your own design

[trikeman]

Love the belt. I think that kind of thing would make a great single speed too. Are those just the pulleys off the Ford?

[moteurhead]

Those are the pulleys off the Ford. I had a 16% under drive before and these pulleys are exactly a 2:1 ratio ( or 1:2 respectively) which gives me a 50% under`drive. Only 3 of the previous 6 gears were usable unless you had monstrous legs. I opted for a 7 speed this time and with the new under drive can actually use all of them. You could use them in reverse for a 2:1 single speed but would definitely need a tensioner/idler on the bottom side just before the rear pulley or all you'll get is tack...tack as the belt jumps tooth. the bottom side goes slack under load giving less than 180 deg. contact...thats less than 9 cogs on the smaller pulley. Honestly though I haven't tried it and it seems that a timing belt doesn't suffer the same fate as most belts ( mine hasn't jumped yet) because it is heavily reinforced and nitrated, never needs lubing or any maintenance once you get it right. The trick is in alignment, I used a 2.5 in. washer on the inside of the smaller pulley, through trial and error that's where the belt wanted to ride off.

[moteurhead]

I got the new fork mounted/welded up. I ended up with a much more dramatic rake as these forks are 5 ft long!
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2595.jpg
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2596.jpg
The strut levers were cut using a plasma cutter, that's a fun toy to play with..
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2597.jpg
I had to keep the ornate round bar from the old fork
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2598.jpg
The springs are from the hardware store at about $1.50 ea. the spring guides are just frost plugs available at an auto parts store at $2.56 for all 4. I got the trees from a Mongoose MTB. The most expensive was the 1" rolled tubing at $26.75, only because it had to be 1" exactly to fit the trees. All said and done these springer forks were a LOT cheaper than the custom bike shops had to offer.:rockon:

[greenevegiebeast]

motor, could you post a breake down of how you made your springers, I would loove a set.

[savarin]

nice ride.

[SirJoey]

Just INCREDIBLE work, MH!
It puts mine to shame!


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[moteurhead]

Here is a link to a page illustrating the entire process,

http://bikerodnkustom3.homestead.com/brainfork.html

I loosely followed these plans and made a few mistakes that where easily rectified;

1. The first levers (or drop-outs at the bottom where the wheel attaches)I made weren't nearly "stiff" enough allowing the wheel to deviate from side to side as the fork was turned. turns out 1/16" plate is satisfactory but 1/8' is better.

2. The lower springs (compression) need to be stiffer than the upper rebound springs. be sure to pre-load the springs or the assembly will rattle. My compression springs although larger were actually softer than the rebound springs so I bought another pair of rebound springs and put them inside the compression springs. I think the springs inside a MTB suspension fork would work well for compression springs but I didn't think of it until after I was done.

3. Wait til you have your springs before ordering the frost plugs. Frost plugs come in many sizes so it is easy to find what you need.

If you have any questions I will try to answer them as best I can but John Brain is also very helpful and you can e-mail him at the BIKEROD&KUSTOM website.

[greenevegiebeast]

thanks moto, that link should help

[moteurhead]

Just INCREDIBLE work, MH!
It puts mine to shame!


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

Funny you should say that because your bike was my desk top background image while I was day dreaming about my bike for a year and a half, I'm not a big fan of green (no offense Brad) The silver frame with blue accents/rims looks BAD AZZ!:punk:

[Scott39]

Where do you buy them cool springer front ends?

Clockwork Overkill gets a new belt drive made from a Ford timing belt and a 5 foot springer front end....check it out.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2594.jpg

[SirJoey]

Funny you should say that because your bike was my desk top background image while I was day dreaming about my bike for a year and a half, I'm not a big fan of green (no offense Brad) The silver frame with blue accents/rims looks BAD AZZ!:punk:Thanx a lot!
Ready to trade? :jester:


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[moteurhead]

LOL...no.

besides, I'm not done yet.

Here I started the self centering steering. The top of the fake "tank" will be filled with the springs "frenched in" like the sunken antenna mounts in the 50's. The sides will have the same swooping gusset as in the center. I'll just show ya later, here's what I got so far...
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2599.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2601.jpg

OMG all the blisters and scrapes in the paint! LOL

[moteurhead]

Where do you buy them cool springer front ends?

Home Depot mostly, but for a complete fork albeit much shorter, Cycles US. They cost about $300 w/ shipping. Mine were less than $45 all said and done.

[Scott39]

Home Depot mostly, but for a complete fork albeit much shorter, Cycles US. They cost about $300 w/ shipping. Mine were less than $45 all said and done.
Cool, looks like I will build my own also, that way I can make them any length I want.

[MoeMac]

Home Depot mostly, but for a complete fork albeit much shorter, Cycles US. They cost about $300 w/ shipping. Mine were less than $45 all said and done.

moteurhead,

Can you give us the part numbers and description from the home depot as I would like to try making some too.... I have a home depot in my city...

That would be so GREAT!

Please?
Thanks....:punk:

[moteurhead]

well it's kind of like a chef not measuring anything out. I started with the triple trees borrowed from a mongoose mountain bike. The trees fit 1" pipe (o.d.) for that I had to go to a steel and welding supplier for rolled tubing as pipe is measured by i.d.. The springs I just "felt out" went through a bin of springs and found what seemed right, just make sure the lower compression springs are stiffer than the upper rebound springs. The levers that attache the wheel and 4 tubes of the fork are 1/16" plate cut out with a plasma cutter, you could just use flat bar but I like the swooping lines. The struts, or smaller tubes are just 1/2" EMT (electrical metal tubing). The cups that retain the compression springs are from the auto parts store, they are actually freeze plugs, add a 1/16" to the diameter of your lower springs when ordering these because they are measured o.d. and you want the spring to fit inside. To make the pivots at the ends by the levers I pressed the ends of the tubes flat and drilled a 3/8" hole through the flat. bolt the levers on using 3/8x16x2" bolts with a flat washer between each piece. Double nut these pivots so that they wont loosen, I found the chrome acorn nuts at my local hardware store just to dress it up. trick to the levers is to clamp them together and drill them at the same time to keep them symmetrical. Other than that I pretty much "winged it".:punk:

[macka]

unreal moteur, getting back to the frenched in look, are you going with the AMC, studebaker, or chrysler look?

[moteurhead]

unreal moteur, getting back to the frenched in look, are you going with the AMC, studebaker, or chrysler look?

Studebaker had a lot of useless but decorative stuff, and they looked evil:devil:

[macka]

Studebaker had a lot of useless but decorative stuff, and they looked evil:devil:

oh my looking forward to some really cool sweeping lines

[moteurhead]

some more work to show...
filled the top of the tank and frenched the springs
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2606.jpg

The new brake made from a meat slicer guide
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2611.jpg

and overall so far
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2603.jpg

[SirJoey]

I hate u... :jester:


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[MoeMac]

Wow moteur!!!

That is wicked!!!

Good JOB! :punk:

[rickairmed]

Looking good Moteor a little paint and it will be reborn :D.

Rick

[moteurhead]

I've got a lot more filling and sanding to do before paint. Two more panels to make and some misc. grinding and finishing. I picked up an assortment of burr bits for my die grinder, really gets the welds down to a nice radius.

I still like you, Joey....but I'm still not tradin' :scooter:

[scootdaddy]

jesus christ man that thing is killer!!

[macka]

nifty :rockstar:

[Radical Brad]

Dude..... whoa!

Brad

[savarin]

WHOOOO HOOOOOO!
The green eyed monster strikes.
Hot Damn I'm jealous.

[trikeman]

About all I can saw is WOW! Great work moteurhead!!

[Scott39]

SWEET RIDE!:punk:

[macka]

I've got a lot more filling and sanding to do before paint. Two more panels to make and some misc. grinding and finishing. I picked up an assortment of burr bits for my die grinder, really gets the welds down to a nice radius.

Hey are you going to put a small cover on those springs, following the radius of the support, making them only visible from the side? Like Ariel motorcycles did? That would be neat.

[moteurhead]

Hey are you going to put a small cover on those springs, following the radius of the support, making them only visible from the side? Like Ariel motorcycles did? That would be neat.

That is a neat idea but too late for this project, I would have wrapped the support and welded it on. I'm afraid they'll flex and crack the filler.

I finally got the sides and front filled and you can really see now where I'm going with this.

Here the tank is roughed in, some more sanding and a finish coat of microlite, then sandable primer, sealer........
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2624.jpg

Long haired hippie, metal head freak...havin a little fun,
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2622.jpg:punk:

[moteurhead]

now that I think about it I could make some covers out of aluminum like the chain guard I haven't finished yet and bolt them on capping the top and sides of the spring....hmmm

That's a great idea!

[moteurhead]

some more sanding and filling, here's a sneak peek...no flames yet but she's gettin close

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2659.jpg

[rickairmed]

Moteurhead you keep raisin the bar and Joeys gonna turn on the limbo music :D. Looks great cant wait to see that tank with licks all over it :D.


Rick

[Radical Brad]

That chops is Ka-razy!!

Brad

[GregLWB]

As my kids friends would say - That's Sick! I think that's a compliment.:cheesy: That is one slick ride!

Greg

[moteurhead]

time to limbo...

did some more work on the chain guard, derailleur, and added some finishing touches. The "JH" logo is my trademark, usually for painting but this work of art deserves it too.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2688.jpg
the guard is made from a piece of aluminum flat bar then polished. also did the shifter gate and emblem like this.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2667.jpg
The shift cable was replaced by a 3/16 brake line bent to follow the frame
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2685.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2687.jpg

this is as close as my bike gets to snow but spring is in the air...

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2677.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2684.jpg

Flames soon...

[scootdaddy]

Now I am SICK
Ididn't think the green eyed monster was in me
but he just came out

THAT IS ONE AWSOME RIDE!!!!:punk:

[Richie Rich]

.
..RADICAL RIDE....!!!

...Richie...
.

[macka]

I am sooo liking this chop, its awesome

[John Lewis]

I couldn't find a green with envy emoticon!

That's a great chop all right. Can't wait for the ride video.:)

Real nice job moteurhead.

John Lewis

[moteurhead]

I couldn't find a green with envy emoticon!

That's a great chop all right. Can't wait for the ride video.:)

Real nice job moteurhead.

John Lewis

I've entered this chop in a military build-off to salute our troops past and present. My recently departed father-in-law was in the USAF Red Horse squadron. He loved and followed this project from listening to me rant about it to the completion of CO.1. Now I present CO.2 Red Horse and dedicate it to my father-in-law.

Here's a ride video and a little more. The rough driveway really points out a drawback to having a flat profiled tire...but it rolls nice on pavement.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/th_COII.jpg (http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/?action=view&current=COII.flv)

[Scott39]

This Chopper turned out super cool!
I was also thinking about doing some type of belt drive, because I have my old belt and rear pully/sprocket lying around off of my Harley and some other old parts I can use on a bike.

Cant wait to see some pics of this chopper flying down the road:scooter:

[John Lewis]

Neat video. Sure shows up that great ride. Seemed a bit wobbly so I'm guessing you've only ridden that little bit.:)

Thanks for showing the vid.

John Lewis

[moteurhead]

The new fork has a dramatic increase in rake over the original set so the steering is less stable at slow speeds. The biggest problem is the tire wants to follow every little dip in the drive, it feels like the bike is falling over and you tend to over-compensate. I also rode it in the shop with a much smoother floor and it is a lot more predictable. I thought about putting a 300x15 motorcycle tire on it because that tire has a round profile/footprint that wont follow every bump in the road and allow you to bank the bike more comfortably. The 300 tire is wicked expensive and would actually cost more than I have in the whole bike. Maybe in the future I will raid the piggy bank but for now she's pretty much done except I'll be adding more flames to tank and scoop. It is an absolute blast to ride and even more fun to look at so I consider it to be a success, maybe even inspired some to try a few new things:rockon:

[Scott39]

I thought about putting a 300x15 motorcycle tire on it because that tire has a round profile/footprint that wont follow every bump in the road and allow you to bank the bike more comfortably. The 300 tire is wicked expensive and would actually cost more than I have in the whole bike. It is an absolute blast to ride and even more fun to look at so I consider it to be a success, maybe even inspired some to try a few new things:rockon:It has inspired me to try some new things, and It looks like a blast to ride:scooter:, Man I would ride this bike back and forth to my work everyday, if my work wasn`t 24 miles each way:D
Maybe someday you can get a 300, 280, or 250 motorcycle tire, it is well worth it, look on the internet, you can find them just over $200.:rockon:

[moteurhead]

She's all flamed out and ready to roar. Spring is definitely in the air and I'm so ready to cruise.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2728.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2733.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2730.jpg

[rickairmed]

Moteurhead as if it wasnt sick enough already it deffintatley is now amazing work Paul Jr is sitting somewhere crying right now wishing he had that much talent :D.

Rick

[MoeMac]

Holy MacIntosh BatMan that is a WORK of ART and Beyond!

OUFF!!! Would I love to parade Main Street with that when the Motorcycle show come in this summer!! You would be the STAR Attraction!!!

I think it is safe to say that WE are Drulling Zombies! :punk::punk::punk:

Right Guys????

[moteurhead]

:rockon: Thanks, I had a lot of fun with this build:scooter:

[GregLWB]

No chance to maintain a low profile with that bike. You're going to be swarmed everytime you take that thing in public!:sunny: The paint looks amazing!

Greg

[savarin]

a build of great beauty.
I am in awe.

[John Lewis]

Wowww! That's just magic.

Between you and moemac some really nice choppers being built.

John Lewis

[SirJoey]

Now I REALLY hate u! :jester:


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[Scott39]

Nice friggen paint job man!
If I get laid off next week, I can start on mine.
I have two schwinn OCC bikes in good condition I might use for parts.
I really like the frame on this bike
Whats the next build:jester:?

[moteurhead]

Ironically my next build will be a retro styled Schwinn OCC bike with banana seat and ape hangers for my wife. I was also thinking of a fat tired burrito with a frame built like a truss. Who knows, I still have that turbo jet creation kickin around...could put that to use:devil:

[macka]

moteurhead,

If you are going to build a kickstand, styling one after a F104 tail plane, or landing gear sttrut,would be kind of a neat and subtle tribute to the airforce, as such planes were the backbone of the interceptor squadrons of the USAF in the 60's.

[moteurhead]

Today I went for my first real ride. About 10 miles round trip to the Daytona Beach Pier. We also stopped at the famous "Boot Hill Saloon". Oh yeah, I dont live in Maine anymore...lol. I got a lot of compliments and had lots of fun riding on the beach.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2839.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z230/j_sin_album/chopper/DSCN2837.jpg

[KoolKat]

VERY cool! You must be very proud of your accomplishment. Hope you sent us pics for the Builders Gallery.

gallery (at) atomiczombie.com

[GregLWB]

The bike looks great!

Now that you're in Florida though, you're going to have to lose the tube socks and buy some short ones.:jester::jester:

Greg

[TheKid]

Awesome machine. Complete with new a take on old school suicide shifters.

[Scott39]

The way you setup up your derailleur to shift gears, is a hellava design!:wings:

[Radical Brad]

Just great!!

Isn't it amazing how well a chopper with a car rim rides? Most don't believe me, but besides hills, I think it is almost the same as a regular cycle for effort.

Brad

[moteurhead]

Just great!!

Isn't it amazing how well a chopper with a car rim rides? Most don't believe me, but besides hills, I think it is almost the same as a regular cycle for effort.

Brad

With an under-drive, the initial "bog" is pretty much gone. Low gear pedals so easy to take off, then I just shift to high gear once I'm rolling. The inertia that the heavy wheel creates really helps to keep the bike rolling. In FL it's mostly flat so pedaling is actually easier than a traditional bike. It's funny how many people have stopped me to ask if it's hard to pedal and stand there in awe as I pedal off almost effortlessly.

I was also surprised how many bikers are accepting the whole concept, but if you consider the history of Harley-Davidson, they started with a bicycle in 1901 and added an engine. Many have seen my bike for what it really is...absolute freedom; no insurance required, no gas, no license, no DOT regulations, no lights needed, no registration...just wind in your hair and road under your wheels.

I've been invited to lead the parade at "Biketoberfest" this fall and "Daytona Bikeweek" next spring. Of course I'll be sportin some sort of AZ sticker on my bike as well as Freakbike nation. As an artist this bike has proven to be my best advertisement and I'm going to give credit where it is due. I'm also hoping to have some other others join me as we take over...muahahahaha!:devil: