JTH's HD 883 Dual Sport'ster conversion

[JimmyTheHog]

Just finished the GPS mount and will install it today, but here are some pics of the parts. They clamp on to the center of the handlebar and then the GPS carriage (for Garmin Zumo) clamps to the rod.

[JimmyTheHog]

Installed the GPS mount. The position is good - dont have to reach to push the buttons, and there is still a clear view of the gauges and lights. The front brake line is out of the way too - wont get caught when forks compress.

[JimmyTheHog]

Just took the Scorpion down to Malibu and did some nice canyon rides. Also, stopped at the Rock Store a few times. Once when it was closed and no bikes there (rare occasion) and another, hard to find a parking spot. Enjoyed talking to the locals. They had a lot to say about the bike.

The Rock Store...



View from atop Latigo Canyon rd. Incredible ocean views and the roads not bad either....

[Tjocksteffe]

Originally Posted by JimmyTheHog

Just finished the GPS mount and will install it today, but here are some pics of the parts. They clamp on to the center of the handlebar and then the GPS carriage (for Garmin Zumo) clamps to the rod.

Haha, might be one of the most over-enginered brackets i've ever seen (I love it )
I used a leftover handguard bracket with the car clamp a lil bit modificated. But over-enginering is one of my hobbies
therefore I salude you

[*GG*]

Originally Posted by JimmyTheHog

Just took the Scorpion down to Malibu and did some nice canyon rides. Also, stopped at the Rock Store a few times. Once when it was closed and no bikes there (rare occasion) and another, hard to find a parking spot. Enjoyed talking to the locals. They had a lot to say about the bike.

The Rock Store...



View from atop Latigo Canyon rd. Incredible ocean views and the roads not bad either....

Your bike is freakin' awesome man!

[ramon]

In the 10 years that I have been on ADV Rider, this is by far the greatest build thread that I have ever read. Congratulations on a great creation

[JimmyTheHog]

Originally Posted by ramon

In the 10 years that I have been on ADV Rider, this is by far the greatest build thread that I have ever read. Congratulations on a great creation

Fantastic! Thanks

[Chadleys1]

... since the Weber Rally Twin !!

BRAVO

[B.Curvin]

Mr. Hog. I have a question for you and anyone else that has put a different front end on a Sporty.

Just about every cruiser type bike I've ridden has very heavy steering. During parking lot maneuvers they have a definite tendency to fall into the corner and on the highway they are overly stable. We've got an fxdx t sport in the shop that steers like a dump truck.

Does the steering get lighter when you change up the fork offset and trail?

Do you know what offset you're running now?

[DC,Chad]

this is one superb bike, man i would love a go on it

[JimmyTheHog]

Originally Posted by B.Curvin

Mr. Hog. I have a question for you and anyone else that has put a different front end on a Sporty.

Just about every cruiser type bike I've ridden has very heavy steering. During parking lot maneuvers they have a definite tendency to fall into the corner and on the highway they are overly stable. We've got an fxdx t sport in the shop that steers like a dump truck.

Does the steering get lighter when you change up the fork offset and trail?

Do you know what offset you're running now?

Mr. Curvin,

The steering gets much lighter than the stock sportster, but is still stable at speed. Its a nice setup for dual sporting. I personally wouldnt want it to be any quicker-steering than it is now. Also, it seems to work well in the soft stuff & sand maybe because of the longer trail. In short, it works and handles well now.

I should add that the geometry resulted from both the longer travel front end AND the extended swingarm length and travel. This set the rake and trail. If just a longer travel front end, it may actually get worse.

Here are the numbers:
- wheelbase: 63.9" w/ rider
- steering head rake & trail: 30deg rake, 5.6" trail
- triple clamps, offset: applied racing 18mm offset

[B.Curvin]

You sir, are a gentleman and scholar.

[Kilgore1826]

John,

I am a big fan. Joined the forum just to follow your build. I sent an email to your website contact page but have not received a response. I am interested to determine how far away you are from a conversion kit.

Andy

[JimmyTheHog]

Originally Posted by Kilgore1826

John,

I am a big fan. Joined the forum just to follow your build. I sent an email to your website contact page but have not received a response. I am interested to determine how far away you are from a conversion kit.

Andy

Hi Andy,

Sorry i missed your email. Were getting ready to change to a new website and email address - so maybe we have an issue. We'll check it out.

Anyway, the answer is hopefully soon on the kits and components. There are alot of details to finalize to be ready for prime time. For one, our name has changed to Carducci Dual Sport. There are too many motorcycle business names out there with Scorpion in the name and we dont want any issues there. So, new website, addresses, etc required. Then theres the rest of the business details related to IP, liability, etc.. which i wont bore you with. For the parts, all designs and testing are done except a rear blinker bracket which i'll post soon.

So, i dont want to throw a date out there yet that i cant commit to, but it should be within a few months.

I'll post updates here too as we progress, but you can watch the Scorpion website for now, and soon the CarducciDualSport.com web site.

[JimmyTheHog]

Originally Posted by Kilgore1826

John,

I am a big fan. Joined the forum just to follow your build. I sent an email to your website contact page but have not received a response. I am interested to determine how far away you are from a conversion kit.

Andy

Andy,

Found the problem and found your email - looks like it was sent to inquires@... instead of inquiries@...

We're going to change this to ask@... so its easier to type.