The Frank-ironhead: Part 2. If you squint you can see a motorcycle
Like many people, I tend to use spring and summer hours for more riding, and less in the shop work. Or even, to be honest, less in the housework too. Between runs and shows for the magazine, the hours to get stuff done are a little bit more rare in the summer months. So, it should come as little surprise, that there isn’t too much to update on the frank-ironhead project.
When we last left off I was still knee deep in assessing the parts and the motor. I am happy to say that in many ways I have the parts sorted and have started the process of throwing the bike together. I started off by ditching the later 1980s parts out, or selling them off. I decided that flipping the left side shift engine, while doable, was going to a chore that I had little patience for. So, I swapped for a right side shift engine to match the 1971 frame.
Once I had the engine sorted (well I suppose minus a good once over closer to completion), I was able to move on to other areas of the bike. I picked up some shaved lowers, and for shrouds from 947 Motors out of SF, replaced the swing arm with an era appropriate old chrome swing arm and began to plot the vibe of the bike.
With a set of Flanders bars, as well as a Vitzy boys dogbone, and Krispy Co hex riser set up I felt it is going in the direction I have in my mind about the bike. I also have a hummer tank set up that is crucial to the next step.
What is that next step you might ask, well, frankly finishing the roller. In a matter of days I will be slapping the rear mechanical brake together, throwing on the wheels, and checking for any adjustments I need to make. Then there is some light fabrication needed to make the gas tank and oil bag fit just right. With the final piece being the Crazy Frank and replace the shocks with a spring strut. Once I get this done then it is time to check the engine out and get the wiring done before sending the tins to paint. We will see how long that takes me… Ha! Until next time.
PS. Yes at this point most of this is done of the garage floor. No frills 100%.