Rookie wanna-be weldor starting to make some cool things!

Tabs shaped up with a 40 grit flap wheel.



I like bolting everything back together after fully welding all joints to check for warpage issues.



All looks straight.



Time to pay Mr. Powder Coater another visit!

Sweetness!

Did you catch that mouse that chewed the hole in my first aid bag? Hopefully I froze him out of there on the way up to your place Saturday morning.

Looks great Kirk! You really have a tallent for the racks. They look like art!

Jim

I had to go back through the pics to see what you were talking about. No critters found.

Thanks, Jim! They're getting better by the set.

'Strom racks and panniers mounted.







Everything is then QCed for powdercoating.

I really like the color scheme of the silver Wee. I like it better than the orange one that I used to have.

Looking good Kirk, can't wait to see what they look like powder coated.

I'm with you on the color scheme, I wanted this bike the first time I saw it, some people say they're ugly.

Their just jealous! I've been eying the Wee's lately. I may have to get one. Then get some racks and panniers.

you gonna fabbed something up so he can easily mount a couple of the requisite "tool tubes" in that big ol' gap on the left where a muffler belongs?

Better, mount a hollow muffler on that side to make it look like duel exhaust, and have the tip removable. Safely hidden in plain site storage.

Jim

It's not too late... whatever H14 wants.

I've seen some guys do that, and I think the Honda Hornet is that way from the factory. It's a good idea.

Movin' on up with Weezy again.



Upgrading a tube die for the JD2 Model 32 bender. 5/8" DOM x 2.25" radius die on the left. 5/8" DOM x 3.0" radius die on the right. The difference? The 3" radius die has drive holes to engage the ram for hydraulics, and is the tightest radius that still has the drive holes. My man Mike Shaner from mtech sales did me right by honoring the credit he gave me from the trouble I had with the blocked D03 valve on the hydraulic pump. Much thanks, Mike!

I finally get to use the hydraulic upgrade. Using a push button sure beats dragging my welding table across the garage floor.

I run a scrap piece through to make sure everything works like it should. It takes some coordination, but I eventually figure out the pattern of what to do. I discover that I need to bend to 98 degrees to allow for springback for a true 90 when removed from the die. I also need a 20A plug in the old garage! The hydraulic pump has such an inrush that 15A circuits get scared and shut down. I have to temporarily run a cord from a 20A in the new garage. Adapt and overcome.

...and more movin' on up...



This is something I've needed for some time. Looks like I need a second one. In the past, I've used welding jackets to cover everything up...



Seat removed, battery negative disconnected.



Hoops fabbed for a very nice F800GS. Now to connect them to the bike...



I start by fabbing some undertail mounts out of 1 1/2" x 3/16" flat bar. They thread into existing threaded inserts.

I can't wait to see how this set turns out.

What he said.

Kirk - do you make a jig or something for the racks you make so you can reproduce them?

I Met Kirk yesterday when dropping off my bike. He is a super nice guy, has an awesome garage and it is apparent he has a passion for what he is doing. I am so excited to see the final product!

Do you have a design in mind?

Looks like you are getting floor mounts. . ..

Not at this time. Everything is one-off and custom to each bike.

In time, I do plan on making some jigs, and will probably start with the 2nd gen KLR when I do start making jigs.

After the KLR will be the GSA 1150 and 1200s. Maybe I'll have a nice used one by then to practice on.


Right now I have a full plate just keeping up with the panniers. Once I get the swing of things, I do plan on offering racks, skid plates, light mounts, you name it, but it's difficult to do everything at once and keep everything together.

Nice meeting you and your wife as well! Motorcycle people are the best people you can ever hope to meet.