mjbalogh's Chopper/Bobber '81 GS750LX

[CA180]

Can you tell me what exact model HD seat that is?

[mjbalogh]

Can you tell me what exact model HD seat that is?

It's a Le Pera BareBones solo seat from a newer-model Sportster. If you're looking for customs, you may want to consider going through Roberti Customs. If I ever scrap the Le Pera, I'm having them make its replacement. Their workmanship is the best I've ever seen in person and well worth the money.

[CA180]

I kind thought sportster

Did you do anything to the frame rails under the seat to make it fit?

[mjbalogh]

Nope. It sits right on top of the rails. That will change depending on how you mount it, of course (mine isn't at the moment since I haven't had time to fab the mounts yet).

[CA180]

Hmm.

On my bike i was considering chopping the rails and aiming them down so that I can get the "Swoop" look from the tank to the seat.

[mjbalogh]

That's definitely do-able. At that point, you'd probably wind up having to spring the seat just to make sure you don't slide off the back end. Chopping and dropping the back end does provide some swoop, although not to a radical point. Just to where you're sitting a bit down "in" the bike.

One of my future winter projects will be to fab the frame into a full hard tail, but it's not a major priority. This winter will be getting all of the performance mods in-place, and maybe (if I have enough time, painting/coating the engine). I'm probably looking at another year until I get time to really fab a new frame for her.

[Ironriot]

Just thinking aloud here but an aluminum frame would be wicked bad@ss. And not to mention would be light as hell. Although whether it would be strong enough is whole nother story

[Mark M]

Just thinking aloud here but an aluminum frame would be wicked bad@ss. And not to mention would be light as hell. Although whether it would be strong enough is whole nother story

Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but aluminum isn't significantly better than steel as a frame material and has a number of disadvantages for the garage builder compared to steel. But it would be unique and look different. If you're more concerned with the esthetic value than the performance value, then a custom aluminum frame would be a very cool piece.

Mark

[Ironriot]

Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but aluminum isn't significantly better than steel as a frame material and has a number of disadvantages for the garage builder compared to steel. But it would be unique and look different. If you're more concerned with the esthetic value than the performance value, then a custom aluminum frame would be a very cool piece.

Mark

Wouldn't argue with it being harder to work with especially welding. But I would assume lower weight plus rust resistance would be pretty badass

[Mark M]

Wouldn't argue with it being harder to work with especially welding. But I would assume lower weight plus rust resistance would be pretty badass

To get the same rigidity from an aluminum frame, the weight has to be very similar to steel. Aluminum is 1/3 the weight and 1/3 the stiffness of steel, so it often ends up a wash. It does lend itself very well to production manufacturing methods though. As for corrosion resistance, ask anyone living near salt water how well aluminum does in that environment.

I'm not trying to be an ass, but the myth that aluminum is so wonderful keeps on going and going... It's not better than steel, so much as it is different, with different properties and characteristics that still must be managed to produce the desired result. I think a really nice steel spine frame would make a great custom machine, putting the engine on display very well and being pretty easy to do at home as well. My personal opinion on that one, of course. Some of the Spondon and Over Racing aluminum tube frames have looked awesome as well, so they can all be done right with the proper effort and equipment.

Mark

[Ironriot]

To get the same rigidity from an aluminum frame, the weight has to be very similar to steel. Aluminum is 1/3 the weight and 1/3 the stiffness of steel, so it often ends up a wash. It does lend itself very well to production manufacturing methods though. As for corrosion resistance, ask anyone living near salt water how well aluminum does in that environment.

I'm not trying to be an ass, but the myth that aluminum is so wonderful keeps on going and going... It's not better than steel, so much as it is different, with different properties and characteristics that still must be managed to produce the desired result. I think a really nice steel spine frame would make a great custom machine, putting the engine on display very well and being pretty easy to do at home as well. My personal opinion on that one, of course. Some of the Spondon and Over Racing aluminum tube frames have looked awesome as well, so they can all be done right with the proper effort and equipment.

Mark

Salt water kills steel also if you want to argue that point but I get ya. I figured it would be a cool choice because well every performance car manufacturer in the world make frames and body panels from aluminum for weight savings. Plus i think it would look badass and be a good conversation piece but either way it was just an opinion and thought

[n1elkyfan]

What would be really cool but almost impossible is a titanium frame.

[mjbalogh]

Thanks for the thoughts on the frame. I'll probably stick with steel as it's what I'm used to working with, but I won't be coming to a final decision on what other frame mods I'll be making for a while.

[Mark M]

What would be really cool but almost impossible is a titanium frame.

Why almost impossible? It TIG welds OK, but material sizes would be limited. Now THAT would be exclusive and different... It is the ultimate exhaust system material, as well.

Mark

[TheCafeKid]

To get the same rigidity from an aluminum frame, the weight has to be very similar to steel. Aluminum is 1/3 the weight and 1/3 the stiffness of steel, so it often ends up a wash. It does lend itself very well to production manufacturing methods though. As for corrosion resistance, ask anyone living near salt water how well aluminum does in that environment.

I'm not trying to be an ass, but the myth that aluminum is so wonderful keeps on going and going... It's not better than steel, so much as it is different, with different properties and characteristics that still must be managed to produce the desired result. I think a really nice steel spine frame would make a great custom machine, putting the engine on display very well and being pretty easy to do at home as well. My personal opinion on that one, of course. Some of the Spondon and Over Racing aluminum tube frames have looked awesome as well, so they can all be done right with the proper effort and equipment.

Mark

Another quality with aluminum that would probably deter someone from building a frame of it is that aluminum, unlike steel, has a finite number of vibrations/bends in its lifespan before it breaks. Now that may be in the billions in certain situations, but it would really suck to suddenly have your frame snap under you should you hit a good jolter on a rigid frame like a chopper/bobber generally has.