Honda VFR 750 XC Makeover

[Dastard]

Are you worried about frame strength since the KTM frame was obviously in a fire (I may be worrying about nothing)? This is gonna be badass by the way.

D

[Quacamole]

I belive there were not enough degrees in that fire to change the structure of the chrome moly frame.

[kamanya]

Adding Adventure model suspension to Super Duke frames creates the issue of the front wheel hitting the radiator.

So maybe you'll have to add a few degrees to the rake unless you use a different radiator?

[Quacamole]

Originally Posted by kamanya

Adding Adventure model suspension to Super Duke frames creates the issue of the front wheel hitting the radiator.

So maybe you'll have to add a few degrees to the rake unless you use a different radiator?

Ok I'll keep that in mind, though im using VFR radiator which is alot smaller.

[Quacamole]

Back in action now, had one week business trip abroad.

Took the frames, engine and swingarm to the workshop at my workplace for
frame modification.

So what happened today - cut the Superduke frame into pieces since I need the
steering neck and swingarm brackets. Did some measuring before ofcourse.
Bent new upper tubes of Ø 33mm st355 steel so I could just stick them over
existing Duke frame pieces. Does not look straight at the moment but for the
welding I'll use a jig ofcourse. Hopefully I'll continue on Sunday...

Used ol'school bender though we have machinery also.



First impressions







For upper tubes I cut small insert to bend them outwards



To get the lower tubes outwards little heating was needed



Final shot today...cant wait to hit the road!

[anonny]

Wow, thats an ambitious project. I will be watching.

[MacNoob]

This is so outrageous I have to see how it works.

[Twin-shocker]

Originally Posted by Quacamole

Back in action now, had one week business trip abroad.

Took the frames, engine and swingarm to the workshop at my workplace for
frame modification.

So what happened today - cut the Superduke frame into pieces since I need the
steering neck and swingarm brackets. Did some measuring before ofcourse.
Bent new upper tubes of Ø 33mm st355 steel so I could just stick them over
existing Duke frame pieces. Does not look straight at the moment but for the
welding I'll use a jig ofcourse. Hopefully I'll continue on Sunday...

Used ol'school bender though we have machinery also.



First impressions







For upper tubes I cut small insert to bend them outwards



To get the lower tubes outwards little heating was needed



Final shot today...cant wait to hit the road!

Might be a good idea before going any further with this, to fit front forks and wheel into the sttering head (less fork springs) and see if you are going to have enough clearance?

[Alleycatdad]

[markjenn]

I love the project as a project, but I gotta ask - what was wrong with the original frame?

- Mark

[Quacamole]

Originally Posted by markjenn

I love the project as a project, but I gotta ask - what was wrong with the original frame?

- Mark

Really nothing wrong with the original frame (VFR it that's what you mean), just the Adventure suspension does not
really go with it, the engine will be too high from the ground and I want to keep KTM frame look alike.

[Quacamole]

I hoped that I'll be finished with the frame by now, but its a nightmare at work at the moment.
After long days I'm so exhausted to lift up any tools for bike buildin.

To get things straight I used an old Harley jig, but after installing all parts I noticed the the steering neck not
straight. Looks like my tubes are not equally bent, since the jig is in proper alignment, so I used chainblocks
to pull all even and tacked the parts together. Gotta use laser level befor welding I quess.

But here's some shots of the progress:

[anonny]

I know exactly how you feel somedays I just don't have the drive to work on my bikes and I put it off until it will be enjoyable, it's a hobby not a job

[sailah]

Originally Posted by anonny

I know exactly how you feel somedays I just don't have the drive to work on my bikes and I put it off until it will be enjoyable, it's a hobby not a job

+100000

My first big project I worked on relentlessly. Lately I find it tough to get really motivated.out has to be fun or you'll hate it. since you have a really ambitious project just try and get small goals done to advance along helps with morale.

I also found making a list of small sub projects posted in the shop, and then crossing them off was good fun too. Keeps focus, easy to look at the entire thing and get over whelmed.

Looks awesome, admiring the fortitude it took to commit to that frame cut

[Foot dragger]

I had a 91 VFR,hard to imagine wanting to put that engine in an adventure bike.

After this maybe turn a Gold Wing into a trials bike? But seriously,I'll be watching.
Best of luck!

In that last picture,from the side,appears to be no room for a front wheel to go up and down? Must be my imagination.