Thumper SportBike? e.g. CBR600 Frame, XR650L engine?

[RWC]

I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.

How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read about a guy in
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to get Honda
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts availability sounds
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?

I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid cooled Honda
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it with CBR600
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into a YZF or FZR
600 frame?

Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could deal with
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring" upright seating.
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!

Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right now, and having
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I would think there
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have some solid
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would require the least
work?

Thanks in advance.

[Clutchman]

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.

??????

Check out the Yamaha SRX600 (http://www.geocities.com/srx34/index3.html),
SZR660(http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=1359,
http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/SZR660.html) or the Honda XBR500/GB500
(http://www.xlintperformance.com/gb500.htm)

Or the new Yamaha XT660X/R bikes?
http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/products/motorcycles/street/xt660x.jsp

Clutchman

[RWC]

Post by Clutchman
??????
Check out the Yamaha SRX600 (http://www.geocities.com/srx34/index3.html),
SZR660(http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=1359,
http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/SZR660.html) or the Honda XBR500/GB500
(http://www.xlintperformance.com/gb500.htm)
Or the new Yamaha XT660X/R bikes?
http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/products/motorcycles/street/xt660x.jsp
Clutchman

Sorry, forgot to say, I'm in the USA. Of the above, I think only the
GB500 was imported?

[Tim Morrow]

Post by RWC

Post by Clutchman
??????
Check out the Yamaha SRX600 (http://www.geocities.com/srx34/index3.html),
SZR660(http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=1359,
http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/SZR660.html) or the Honda XBR500/GB500
(http://www.xlintperformance.com/gb500.htm)
Or the new Yamaha XT660X/R bikes?
http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/products/motorcycles/street/xt660x.jsp
Clutchman

Sorry, forgot to say, I'm in the USA. Of the above, I think only the
GB500 was imported?

The SRX600 was imported, the GB500 was imported, and the MZ 660 was imported for
more years than both of the above cobined, and in greater numbers and in more
variants.

[Inlaw Biker]

Post by Clutchman
Or the new Yamaha XT660X/R bikes?
http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/products/motorcycles/street/xt660x.jsp
Clutchman

Damn that's a cool bike. They don't even sell it in Canada, alas.

[Tim Morrow]

Post by Clutchman

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.

??????
Check out the Yamaha SRX600 (http://www.geocities.com/srx34/index3.html),
SZR660(http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=1359,
http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/SZR660.html) or the Honda XBR500/GB500
(http://www.xlintperformance.com/gb500.htm)
Or the new Yamaha XT660X/R bikes?
http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/products/motorcycles/street/xt660x.jsp
Clutchman

Or a nice MZ660 Skorpion Tour, Sport, Traveller, or Replica....

[Dog Exhaust]

Post by Tim Morrow
Or a nice MZ660 Skorpion Tour, Sport, Traveller, or Replica....

Especially if you want parts problems and zero dealer support. Try to order
a replacement float bowl. You've got to order the whole carb or nothing!

[Tim Morrow]

Post by Dog Exhaust

Post by Tim Morrow
Or a nice MZ660 Skorpion Tour, Sport, Traveller, or Replica....

Especially if you want parts problems and zero dealer support. Try to order
a replacement float bowl. You've got to order the whole carb or nothing!

Hell, for the price of a float bowl, you can get a whole Skorpion.

[Charles Soto]

Post by Tim Morrow

Post by Dog Exhaust

Post by Tim Morrow
Or a nice MZ660 Skorpion Tour, Sport, Traveller, or Replica....

Especially if you want parts problems and zero dealer support. Try to order
a replacement float bowl. You've got to order the whole carb or nothing!

Hell, for the price of a float bowl, you can get a whole Skorpion.

LOL!

Charles

[!bungle]

Post by Dog Exhaust

Post by Tim Morrow
Or a nice MZ660 Skorpion Tour, Sport, Traveller, or Replica....

Especially if you want parts problems and zero dealer support. Try
to order a replacement float bowl. You've got to order the whole carb
or nothing!

Isn't the 660cc Yamaha single the same one used in the Raptor 660R? It'd be
interesting to see how many parts you could use...
--
Dirk
'95 VLX600




"Well, you may be a lover but you ain't no d-d-dancer"


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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[Tim Morrow]

Post by !bungle

Post by Dog Exhaust

Post by Tim Morrow
Or a nice MZ660 Skorpion Tour, Sport, Traveller, or Replica....

Especially if you want parts problems and zero dealer support. Try
to order a replacement float bowl. You've got to order the whole carb
or nothing!

Isn't the 660cc Yamaha single the same one used in the Raptor 660R? It'd be
interesting to see how many parts you could use...

Yes, it's the same basic engine. Also used in the euro SZR660. Raced with
great success in sclubman, sportsman, and various singles club racing classes,
not to mention the national Skorpion Cup series several years ago. (I had both
a Skorpion Sport racebike and a Skorpion Tour street bike.)

Tim

[Dog Exhaust]

Post by Tim Morrow

Post by !bungle

Post by Dog Exhaust

Post by Tim Morrow
Or a nice MZ660 Skorpion Tour, Sport, Traveller, or Replica....

Especially if you want parts problems and zero dealer support. Try
to order a replacement float bowl. You've got to order the whole carb
or nothing!

Isn't the 660cc Yamaha single the same one used in the Raptor 660R? It'd be
interesting to see how many parts you could use...

Yes, it's the same basic engine.

With enough changes by the germans to make it very difficult to get parts
for. Ask your dealer. Dealers hate these bikes for these very reasons.

[Tim Morrow]

Post by Dog Exhaust

Post by Tim Morrow

Post by !bungle

Post by Dog Exhaust

Post by Tim Morrow
Or a nice MZ660 Skorpion Tour, Sport, Traveller, or Replica....

Especially if you want parts problems and zero dealer support. Try
to order a replacement float bowl. You've got to order the whole carb
or nothing!

Isn't the 660cc Yamaha single the same one used in the Raptor 660R? It'd

be

Post by Tim Morrow

Post by !bungle
interesting to see how many parts you could use...

Yes, it's the same basic engine.

With enough changes by the germans to make it very difficult to get parts
for. Ask your dealer. Dealers hate these bikes for these very reasons.

I didn't have a local dealer. Got all my parts on the internet. Never had
problems getting parts, what with so many racers practically giving away all the
street-legal stuff they stripped off their bikes.

[TonyH]

There's also the CCR machines made in the UK.

They're built to very high standards and come complete with bit on and
off-road wheels.

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read about a guy in
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to get Honda
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts availability sounds
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid cooled Honda
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it with CBR600
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into a YZF or FZR
600 frame?
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could deal with
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring" upright seating.
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right now, and having
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I would think there
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have some solid
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would require the least
work?
Thanks in advance.

[!bungle]

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read about a guy in
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to get Honda
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts availability sounds
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid cooled Honda
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it with CBR600
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into a YZF or FZR
600 frame?
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could deal with
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring" upright seating.
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right now, and having
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I would think there
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have some solid
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would require the least
work?
Thanks in advance.

The Mz Skorpion uses a Yamaha 660 single- but if you want some custom ideas
go here: http://www.thumperpage.com/
--
Dirk
'95 VLX600




"Well, you may be a lover but you ain't no d-d-dancer"


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.691 / Virus Database: 452 - Release Date: 5/26/2004

[Spodely]

Have you considered looking for a Honda TransAlp? That fits your
description.

John

[Phil Scott]

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good

handling

Post by RWC
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the

Honda FT500

Post by RWC
Ascot.

Look beyond the japanese offerings...
as you know light weight is a *huge issue... look at
www.atkusa.com 2004 models tab, 'flat trackers'... all
those can be sold in street legal trim and registerable... you
are talking 220 lbs 50 hp... thats 4 sacks of cement less
weight than your typical sport bike.... and light years more
fun and better handling in the turns. (not a super slab bike
however).


Your notion of putting the honda 650 single into a sport bike
frame isnt bad but I think its going to be heavy. If it is,
you loose a lot of the advantages.

Post by RWC
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read

about a guy in

Post by RWC
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to get

Honda

Post by RWC
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts

availability sounds

Post by RWC
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?

Yes... see the link above. You can get those from R and R in
Redway Calif for about 8k out the door...and you can define
the frame, wheels, motor, gearing, tires, lighting etc etc...
I think you can still get one with a 700cc Rotax single tuned
to 75 hp as well... (256 lbs dry). All the components are
best pro racing parts, Brembo brakes, tallon hubs, heavy
stainless spokes,,etc...and you get any color you want too.

Post by RWC
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid

cooled Honda

Post by RWC
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it

with CBR600

Post by RWC
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into a

YZF or FZR

Post by RWC
600 frame?

Not bad...but that might still come in at 300 lbs or
so...
www.rotax.net can fix you up with a street
registerable flat
tracker with that motor...but at more money than
www.atkusa.com

Phil Scott

Post by RWC
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper

torque and

Post by RWC
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could

deal with

Post by RWC
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring" upright

seating.

Post by RWC
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right now,

and having

Post by RWC
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I would

think there

Post by RWC
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have

some solid

Post by RWC
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would

require the least

Post by RWC
work?
Thanks in advance.

[Phil]

I think it would be too heavy. The chassis is meant to handle far more
power than the single can deliver. Not sure how heavy the single engine is,
but the entire in-line 4 package, complete, is well under 150 lbs. Even if
the single engine weighed half that, the bike would still be over 350 lbs.

- Phil

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read about a guy in
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to get Honda
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts availability sounds
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid cooled Honda
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it with CBR600
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into a YZF or FZR
600 frame?
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could deal with
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring" upright seating.
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right now, and having
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I would think there
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have some solid
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would require the least
work?
Thanks in advance.

[Demetrius XXIV and the Gladiatores]

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read about a guy in
Florida who stuffed a XR650L

First off, the XR650L is a fat pig of a motor.

Secondly, sportbike schmortbike. You wanna supermoto. Get a dualsport.
Put Race Techs front/rear. Lace up a set of wider rims and put
sportbike rubber on it.

Problem solved. Awesome handling and you don't get the crotch rocket
seating position you seemingly hate. Anything else is going to cost
three times as much and prolly not even work as well.

Why do you need a CBR chassis on something that isn't going to ever
see a 150mph sweeper? Just excess weight to have more meat on the
bones than you'll need.

[texdays]

a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.

How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read about a guy in
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to get Honda
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts availability sounds
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?

I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid cooled Honda
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it with CBR600
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into a YZF or FZR
600 frame?

Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could deal with
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring" upright seating.
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!

Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right now, and having
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I would think there
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have some solid
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would require the least
work?

Thanks in advance.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/bmwf650cs/

[RWC]

I'd be tempted to buy something like an SR500, slim it down, strip it to
near-nakedness, and then breathe on the engine, to build an anorexic
little street racer. I've seen a few of these as well, and they've all
been brilliant.

WOW... The SR500 can be sexy...
Loading Image...
Looks so Norton...

That is utterly *gorgeous*. (x-posted to ukrmc where the old boys will
dribble into their pints of bitter)
Much better aiming for that sort of look than trying to stuff the thing
into an alloy frame, IMHO.

Not quite as retro, but I think this one is more sexy:
Loading Image...

[mike]

Post by RWC
http://www.pe-we.de/SR14_1.JPG

whassat vent hose thingie attached to the fuel tank filler do? i kinda
remember older gixxers having em too. whats it for? whys it there? why dont
other bikes have em?

[Champ]

On Sat, 29 May 2004 02:43:14 GMT, "mike"

Post by mike

Post by RWC
http://www.pe-we.de/SR14_1.JPG

whassat vent hose thingie attached to the fuel tank filler do?

Breather

Post by mike
i kinda remember older gixxers having em too.

They did.

Post by mike
whats it for? whys it there?

Allows air into the tank (to replace the petrol that's going out)

Post by mike
why dont other bikes have em?

All bikes have some version, but often they're built into the filler
cap or sometimes run internally, so they're not obvious.

[Greg Berchin]

Post by RWC
http://www.pe-we.de/SR14_1.JPG

If it had wire-spoke wheels, the "look" would be perfect.

A question related to this thread: Can a street-legalized super
motard be a viable everyday street bike? I don't mean for all-day
touring, but for around town play riding, maybe commuting to work,
and the occasional short trip on the superslab? Does a supermoto
have enough power to hold, say, 70 mph for an hour or two while
playing safely in traffic?

I've been riding a ZX-11 (ZZR-1100 in Europe) since 1990. And
while it's thrillingly fast, even by 2004 standards, it's just not
any fun at sane speeds. I'm looking for something that gives me
more grins per mile. The KTM and Husky super motards look really
nice, and that Aprilia V-twin would be cool if they ever wrapped a
bike around it.

Thanks,
GB

[Phil Scott]

Post by Greg Berchin

Post by RWC
http://www.pe-we.de/SR14_1.JPG

If it had wire-spoke wheels, the "look" would be perfect.
A question related to this thread: Can a street-legalized

super

Post by Greg Berchin
motard be a viable everyday street bike?

Sure...ultra viable. Exception is long fast runs on the
super slab. its not a heavy cruizer.... but its ulta fun
everywhere else.... the new wave in biking as I predicted on
this NG in 1999 when it was all sport bikes largerly in
denial on the discomfort and handling issues.

Post by Greg Berchin
I don't mean for all-day
touring, but for around town play riding, maybe commuting to

work,

Post by Greg Berchin
and the occasional short trip on the superslab? Does a

supermoto

Post by Greg Berchin
have enough power to hold, say, 70 mph for an hour or two

while

Post by Greg Berchin
playing safely in traffic?

Sure, anything in the 500cc and over range. top speed is
100+.... 70 is a gentle cruize.

Post by Greg Berchin
I've been riding a ZX-11 (ZZR-1100 in Europe) since 1990.

And

Post by Greg Berchin
while it's thrillingly fast, even by 2004 standards, it's

just not

Post by Greg Berchin
any fun at sane speeds. I'm looking for something that

gives me

Post by Greg Berchin
more grins per mile. The KTM and Husky super motards look

really

Post by Greg Berchin
nice,

Those are OK but heavy....how about 220 lbs... 48 hp water
cooled single for 7k... call R and R in Redway Calif.
www.atkusa.com those can be made street legal due to special
arrangements with limited production mfgrs.




and that Aprilia V-twin would be cool if they ever wrapped a

Post by Greg Berchin
bike around it.

too heavy. KTM did it with thier adventurer.

Phil Scott

Post by Greg Berchin
Thanks,
GB

[Greg Berchin]

On Sat, 29 May 2004 11:18:26 -0700, "Phil Scott"

Post by Phil Scott
Those are OK but heavy....how about 220 lbs... 48 hp water
cooled single for 7k... call R and R in Redway Calif.
www.atkusa.com

I've looked all over the ATK site, and I find nothing like what
you describe. Exactly which model are you referring to?

GB

[Phil Scott]

Post by Greg Berchin
On Sat, 29 May 2004 11:18:26 -0700, "Phil Scott"

Post by Phil Scott
Those are OK but heavy....how about 220 lbs... 48 hp

water

Post by Greg Berchin

Post by Phil Scott
cooled single for 7k... call R and R in Redway Calif.
www.atkusa.com

I've looked all over the ATK site, and I find nothing like

what

Post by Greg Berchin
you describe. Exactly which model are you referring to?

All of their bikes can be made street legal with the addition
of lights by R and R in Redway Calif or any other dealer or
private party...they do it all the time. none of ATK's models
is shown however with lights or listed as street legal from
the factory. they will sell you a light kit though for 178
dollars and the motors come with alternators (in most cases
you have to ask).

Also ANY two wheeled machine that you yourself build from
scratch say with an HD, or chevy V-8 motor and custom frame
etc can be registered on the street... if it has lights and
brakes and turn signals you can register it...that would be
true also with stuffing a 650 honda thumper into an R6 honda
road race frame and whatever.


What CANNOT be registered is a mass produced bike such as this
years yamaha yz450 motocross bike made and sold in excess of
*50 units and not tested and approved by the state and awarded
street registerable status.

I won't argue any of these points.

But you can research them and use your head on all those
choppers and model A hot rods you see around with the custom
frames, wheels and fiberglass bodies etc... registerable....

Find R and R on the atk web site...under dealers...call R and
R...and some other dealers and tell them you will buy if they
set it up so you can register it street legal.... be sure to
have your wallet handy.

you can do the same with the bikes from www.rotax.net using
450cc honda and yamaha singles, 203 lbs...(48 hp)...and rotax
600's bored to 700 with spayed heads, good for 70 hp on the st
reet... but those are the worlds winningest flat track
frames...assembled 15 to 20k...they come unpainted, with no
tires, no chain or sprockets.

I currently run an ATK 600 registered street legal. 250 lbs
dry. about 60 hp when set up for the street. (it has
adjustable cam timing ..if I open up to a straight megaphone
and go to 60 degrees or more cam advance HP approaches
70...good for the half mile...but too loud for most shorter
tracks.)

Atk will sell you a water cooled 450 single good for 48 hp or
so with quick change gearing at the the transmission... or
with a full range of two stroke motors from 125cc to 700cc
singles (230 lbs HP not stated, its tuned for traction so its
probably 75 hp could be tuned peaky though for over 100
hp...and yes it is also street registerable under these 50
bike limited production rules for small manufacturers or home
builders in the US.)


Phil Scott

Post by Greg Berchin
GB

[Greg Berchin]

On Sat, 29 May 2004 18:26:30 -0700, "Phil Scott"

Post by Phil Scott
What CANNOT be registered is a mass produced bike such as this
years yamaha yz450 motocross bike made and sold in excess of
*50 units and not tested and approved by the state and awarded
street registerable status.

I believe that this depends upon the state in which you are trying
to register the bike (in the US). That may be changing, though,
with new federal emission laws that are just now coming into
effect.

Post by Phil Scott
But you can research them and use your head on all those
choppers and model A hot rods you see around with the custom
frames, wheels and fiberglass bodies etc... registerable....

My buddy, who builds hot rods for a living, registers them as
"salvaged" by incorporating just enough of an old car for the VIN
to apply.

Post by Phil Scott
I currently run an ATK 600 registered street legal. 250 lbs
dry. about 60 hp when set up for the street.

I just found a way to put this into perspective for myself. My
first street bike was a 1986 Yamaha FJ600. It weighed something
like 460, and was probably lucky to make 60 hp. Yet it never had
ANY trouble playing in traffic, ran the quarter in the low 12s,
and topped-out at 125+ (if you were brave enough).

Thanks for your comments.
GB

[Phil Scott]

Post by Greg Berchin
On Sat, 29 May 2004 18:26:30 -0700, "Phil Scott"

Post by Phil Scott
What CANNOT be registered is a mass produced bike such as

this

Post by Greg Berchin

Post by Phil Scott
years yamaha yz450 motocross bike made and sold in excess

of

Post by Greg Berchin

Post by Phil Scott
*50 units and not tested and approved by the state and

awarded

Post by Greg Berchin

Post by Phil Scott
street registerable status.

I believe that this depends upon the state in which you are

trying

Post by Greg Berchin
to register the bike (in the US). That may be changing,

though,

Post by Greg Berchin
with new federal emission laws that are just now coming into
effect.

Post by Phil Scott
But you can research them and use your head on all those
choppers and model A hot rods you see around with the

custom

Post by Greg Berchin

Post by Phil Scott
frames, wheels and fiberglass bodies etc...

registerable....

Post by Greg Berchin
My buddy, who builds hot rods for a living, registers them

as

Post by Greg Berchin
"salvaged" by incorporating just enough of an old car for

the VIN

Post by Greg Berchin
to apply.

I'm sure. Others build from the ground up... the v8
powered bikes are a prime example... no vin there at all..its
a car motor, in a hand built frame. etc. arguing is a waste
of time. There are many different things going on.

Will new laws preclude home builts and small mfgrs from
registration? Maybe. But not likely as it will devastate
huge sections of the US economy...and right now the US cannot
afford much more of that.

They could impose tougher registration standards though...but
that shouldnt be a problem.

Phil Scott

Post by Greg Berchin

Post by Phil Scott
I currently run an ATK 600 registered street legal. 250

lbs

Post by Greg Berchin

Post by Phil Scott
dry. about 60 hp when set up for the street.

I just found a way to put this into perspective for myself.

My

Post by Greg Berchin
first street bike was a 1986 Yamaha FJ600. It weighed

something

Post by Greg Berchin
like 460, and was probably lucky to make 60 hp.Yet it never

had

Post by Greg Berchin
ANY trouble playing in traffic, ran the quarter in the low

12s,

Post by Greg Berchin
and topped-out at 125+ (if you were brave enough).
Thanks for your comments.
GB

[TDWFL]

Seems like this would be a better place to start.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6718&ite
m=2479794565&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Not as wide and porky as a CBR600 frame.


Tim

[PP]

I have a 95 KTM 620RXC with 17" wheels front and rear. Sticky Metzeler
rubber, and it RULES!!!!! Total investment about $3k, with new orange
plastic and custom graphics. I have been clocked well over 110 MPH (no
speedo yet), and it's just fantastic. Get one.

I also have a classically modified SR500, a stock SR500, and a modified
XT500. Love them thumpers.

Pete P.

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read about a guy in
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to get Honda
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts availability sounds
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid cooled Honda
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it with CBR600
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into a YZF or FZR
600 frame?
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could deal with
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring" upright seating.
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right now, and having
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I would think there
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have some solid
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would require the least
work?
Thanks in advance.

[Phil Scott]

Post by PP
I have a 95 KTM 620RXC with 17" wheels front and rear.

Sticky Metzeler

Post by PP
rubber, and it RULES!!!!! Total investment about $3k, with

new orange

Post by PP
plastic and custom graphics. I have been clocked well over

110 MPH (no

Post by PP
speedo yet), and it's just fantastic. Get one.

I know. Look...how badly does it eat sportbikes in the
canyons.

Phil Scott

Post by PP
I also have a classically modified SR500, a stock SR500, and

a modified

Post by PP
XT500. Love them thumpers.
Pete P.

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty,

good handling

Post by PP

Post by RWC
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since

the Honda FT500

Post by PP

Post by RWC
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read

about a guy in

Post by PP

Post by RWC
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to

get Honda

Post by PP

Post by RWC
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts

availability sounds

Post by PP

Post by RWC
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid

cooled Honda

Post by PP

Post by RWC
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it

with CBR600

Post by PP

Post by RWC
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into

a YZF or FZR

Post by PP

Post by RWC
600 frame?
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big

thumper torque and

Post by PP

Post by RWC
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could

deal with

Post by PP

Post by RWC
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring"

upright seating.

Post by PP

Post by RWC
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right

now, and having

Post by PP

Post by RWC
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I

would think there

Post by PP

Post by RWC
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have

some solid

Post by PP

Post by RWC
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would

require the least

Post by PP

Post by RWC
work?
Thanks in advance.

[PP]

Post by Phil Scott
I know. Look...how badly does it eat sportbikes in the
canyons.
Phil Scott

I am not that courageous or talented a street rider. Despite that, I can
keep up with anyone I ride with, all ex-racers on big sportbikes. Once it
opens up, I'm toast, though.

Pete

[Phil Scott]

Post by PP

Post by Phil Scott
I know. Look...how badly does it eat sportbikes in

the

Post by PP

Post by Phil Scott
canyons.
Phil Scott

I am not that courageous or talented a street rider.

Despite that, I can

Post by PP
keep up with anyone I ride with, all ex-racers on big

sportbikes. Once it

Post by PP
opens up, I'm toast, though.
Pete

Very interesting...so here you are a self described untalented
street slacker, staying up with ex racers on crotch rockets on
your motard... that says a lot about how easy it is to hussle
a motard though a corner.

Why dont you take a road racing class. and then you can toast
these guys in the mountains...that would be exciting.

Phil Scott

[TDWFL]

class. and then you can toast

Post by Phil Scott
these guys in the mountains...that would be exciting.

Yep. That's where all the excitement is, racing on public roads....

Tim

[Rayvan]

Post by RWC
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body.

Funny,
You just described a Buell.

:-)

Rayvan

[RWC]

Post by Rayvan

Post by RWC
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body.

Funny,
You just described a Buell.

but that 34 hp air-cooled that red lines at 6,500 rpm was not state of
the art back in 1915

[Clutchman]

Post by RWC

Post by Rayvan

Post by RWC
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body.

Funny,
You just described a Buell.

but that 34 hp air-cooled that red lines at 6,500 rpm was not state of
the art back in 1915

Nor is it a Thumper...

Clutchman

[Craig Faison]

Post by Clutchman
Nor is it a Thumper...

Are you sure about that?

http://www.buell.com/en_us/products/motorcycles/blast/blast/blast_main.asp

Craig - just picking nits.

[Clutchman]

Post by Craig Faison

Post by Clutchman
Nor is it a Thumper...

Are you sure about that?
http://www.buell.com/en_us/products/motorcycles/blast/blast/blast_main.asp

Yeah, well, a Blast isn't exactly a typical Buell.

Post by Craig Faison
Craig - just picking nits.

Well, *somebody* has to do it I guess.... :-)

Clutchman

[h***@yahoo.com]

Post by RWC

Post by Rayvan
Funny,
You just described a Buell.

but that 34 hp air-cooled that red lines at 6,500 rpm was not state of
the art back in 1915

I was considering one of those. Until I read this:

http://www.mybuell.com/

Toni, FWIW

[Rayvan]

Post by h***@yahoo.com

Post by RWC

Post by Rayvan
Funny,
You just described a Buell.

but that 34 hp air-cooled that red lines at 6,500 rpm was not state of
the art back in 1915

http://www.mybuell.com/
Toni, FWIW

I know many others with Buells that have very reliable bikes. Many
sites like that on the web for just about any vehicle made. I ignore
them too as you should

Rayvan

[s***@nc.rr.com]

Post by Rayvan

Post by h***@yahoo.com

Post by RWC

Post by Rayvan
Funny,
You just described a Buell.

but that 34 hp air-cooled that red lines at 6,500 rpm was not state of
the art back in 1915

http://www.mybuell.com/
Toni, FWIW

I know many others with Buells that have very reliable bikes. Many
sites like that on the web for just about any vehicle made. I ignore
them too as you should

Even if you only take them with a grain of salt, why would you want to
ignore them - unless of course, you sell the things.

[Rayvan]

Post by RWC

Post by Rayvan

Post by RWC
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body.

Funny,
You just described a Buell.

but that 34 hp air-cooled that red lines at 6,500 rpm was not state of
the art back in 1915

Actually the 1200cc Buell HP is double that. The 70+ ft. lbs. torque
hits at about half that RPM. The Buell power charachteristic is very
much like a thumper, but with more power, that was my point.

Rayvan

[RWC]

I found one... A guy stuffed a Yamaha YZ426f into an Aprilia RS50! All
images to document the transplant. Looks like a custom subframe?

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287794903
(requires free login to Sony's online Image Station)

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty, good handling
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since the Honda FT500
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read about a guy in
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to get Honda
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts availability sounds
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid cooled Honda
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it with CBR600
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into a YZF or FZR
600 frame?
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big thumper torque and
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could deal with
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring" upright seating.
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right now, and having
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I would think there
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have some solid
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would require the least
work?
Thanks in advance.

[Phil Scott]

Post by RWC
I found one... A guy stuffed a Yamaha YZ426f into an

Aprilia RS50! All

Post by RWC
images to document the transplant. Looks like a custom

subframe?

Bad mistake...the 50cc bike frame will not be built to handle
the stresses the 450cc motor will put on it...almost 50 hp...
thats massive stress... you could wick that baby up and yank
the swing arm in half or bent it around to the side of the
bike so that you to go forward you would have to put steer
sideways.

Phil Scott

Post by RWC
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287794903
(requires free login to Sony's online Image Station)

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty,

good handling

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since

the Honda FT500

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read

about a guy in

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to

get Honda

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts

availability sounds

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid

cooled Honda

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it

with CBR600

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into

a YZF or FZR

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
600 frame?
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big

thumper torque and

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could

deal with

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring"

upright seating.

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right

now, and having

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I

would think there

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have

some solid

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would

require the least

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
work?
Thanks in advance.

[Dwarf8]

For all the info you'll need and a ton more, try The Thumper Pages.
It's a great site and some of the most knowledgeable thumper folks on the
net.

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
I found one... A guy stuffed a Yamaha YZ426f into an

Aprilia RS50! All

Post by RWC
images to document the transplant. Looks like a custom

subframe?
Bad mistake...the 50cc bike frame will not be built to handle
the stresses the 450cc motor will put on it...almost 50 hp...
thats massive stress... you could wick that baby up and yank
the swing arm in half or bent it around to the side of the
bike so that you to go forward you would have to put steer
sideways.
Phil Scott

Post by RWC
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287794903
(requires free login to Sony's online Image Station)

Post by RWC
I'm a big thumper fan, and would like to have a sporty,

good handling

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
street bike. Seems there hasn't been such a beast since

the Honda FT500

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
Ascot.
How hard would it be to build a custom hibred? I've read

about a guy in

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
Florida who stuffed a XR650L engine into an imposable to

get Honda

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
NSR250 frame. I can't find the link now, and parts

availability sounds

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
to be a chore. Are there any easier transplants?
I was thinking about what it would take to stuff a liquid

cooled Honda

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
XR650L Thumper engine into a CBR600 frame, then rewrap it

with CBR600

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
body work. Or maybe stuffing a Yamaha WR450F engine into

a YZF or FZR

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
600 frame?
Basically, I want a "cool custom" bike, with the big

thumper torque and

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
engine feel, in a "crotch rocket" looking body. I could

deal with

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
"crotch rocket" seating, but would prefer "touring"

upright seating.

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
And, I definitely don't want a cruiser!
Considering all the trashed donor bikes out there right

now, and having

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
some friends willing to do custom part fabrication, I

would think there

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
might a real cool project in this. Anybody out there have

some solid

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
advice about what engine/frame/body combos that would

require the least

Post by RWC

Post by RWC
work?
Thanks in advance.

[RWC]

I have went in circles a couple times, street, dirt, sport, touring,
thumper, twin, I-4, rinse and repeat. My wife and I have finally
decided. Putter around in the dirt, don't worry so much about dropping
them, learn to ride. The search is over, new bikes are in my garage!

Photos of the bikes:

http://currentek.com/~rob/bike/

[Phil Scott]

Post by RWC
I have went in circles a couple times, street, dirt, sport,

touring,

Post by RWC
thumper, twin, I-4, rinse and repeat. My wife and I have

finally

Post by RWC
decided. Putter around in the dirt, don't worry so much

about dropping

Post by RWC
them, learn to ride. The search is over, new bikes are in

my garage!

Post by RWC
http://currentek.com/~rob/bike/

Very very nice.... the 125 is going to be faster than the 450
in many situations. a good combination. there is not a
hill in the world the 450 wont handle if you can ride it.

If you had gotten the yz125 you would have had serious HP but
would have had to change the piston and ring every 20 hours of
so of hard riding...the 4 stroke will go years with no
attention at all.

When the 450 comes out as a streetable motard they will own
the market ...it will happen. But if it happens now it will
decimate a huge chunk of the sport bike market.

Phil Scott