2008 Blast Build Thread - Cafe style

[miktweedie]

Well, the updates continue. the tank is 80% done now, and what a nightmare it has been. We have it pretty close to the shape we wanted, and are in the process of sealing up all the seams. Due to the mount and the carb, it is gonna be very left-side heavy, but we are working in as much capacity on the right side as possible. Once welding is done, we will grind it as smooth as possible and then pressure test. if all goes well, it'll be done in a week. You can see how much we cut out of the front to accommodate the clip-ons, and how much metal was removed underneath.






Also, as a "surprise" for me, my buddy who's been helping with the welding went above and beyond, and fabricated a new top for the tank that accommodates the original filler cap. I was beyond stoked, as it kinda lets it look like it is supposed to be there. Probably won't be everyone's favorite mod, but I'm not building it for anyone else.

[Jet-Lee]

That's a lot of work. Cool!

[miktweedie]

BACK FROM THE DEAD!!!!

Long story short, my buddy got busy, and I got busy, and the bike ended up in his garage under a tarp for 18 months...

but yesterday he called to inform me he was outside my house with a surprise, and here we have it, the monstrosity that has been dubbed the Franken-Tank is complete, and it is in fact so ugly that its kinda beautiful.

Still a lot to finish up, including:

headlight and taillight mounts
finish shifter linkage
figure our routing for main harness
recess the battery deeper into the tray (I decided I don't like it)
upholster the seat
replace all fluids
probable replace tires
figure out rear brake line/light switch

that aside, here are some pics:

[Jet-Lee]

Looking forward to the rest of the build!

[miktweedie]

question for all you knowledge vaults:

I hate the stock speedo mount (and mine is broken anyways). Has anyone found a decent looking replacement? I'm also considering just tossing it and running a basic classic-look speedo off something else, or possibly speedo/tach combo.

any input is appreciated. I'll toss up some new pics this week, lots of progress has been made.

[miktweedie]

more questions... and if anyone can answer about the speedo that would help too...

i need an intake of some type, but the options seem limited due to the location and total lack of space. i am considering running a 1" section of 2.5" pipe with a mesh screen, just to have something there. A 2" velocity stack would be great, but they are impossible to find and the ones I did find are insanely expensive. any ideas?

[styxnpicks]

I have a feeling if someone had access to a 3d printer they could make a mint selling copy's of the m2 velocity stack.