Gettin' More Outa Ya Bullet: June 2011

Mission Statement

This blog has been set up as a record of my attempt to build a cool Bobber style bike out of the Royal Enfield Bullet. With the cost of genuine early British and American bikes and parts spiralling upwards in the face of the current global economic climate, building a retro style custom is rapidly becoming cost prohibitive. Initially, there will be a period of accruing parts and information as the bike I intend to re-create is my daily rider.

I have heard so many horror stories about the Indian made Bullet from people who's mate used to have one, that I have lost count. All I can say is that I have covered over 20,000 miles on mine in the last three and a half years, and feel happy that it is quite capable of doing another 20.

So if you like the idea or just curious, you are welcome to come along for the ride.

Sunday 26 June 2011

Makin' a start on the Primary

Got the Primary cases back from the polisher yesterday, just laid up on there at the moment, weeeelll you know how it is. Got a complete new 500 clutch to go in there along with a new primary chain, still need an alternator to button this side up completely.

The standard footrest rotated back on the hexagon bar and the standard brake pedal in position. Plenty of scope for improvement here, but nothing too complex or difficult to achieve by the looks of it.

Thursday 16 June 2011

Passing Gas

Thursday 9 June 2011

Springing Banjos

When I first started messing about with the seat base I was stuck for springs. The frame is set up for vertical eyes and the only springs that were about at the time were the more conventional parallel horizontal eye type. As a get by measure, two old pneumatic type banjos were used to roughly adapt what was available, you know how it is when you're gagging to fit something on. It was never intended that they stay on there, and two new springs were to be ordered from Alberta Springs with the bottom eyes formed in the vertical plane. The longer it sat around in this "knocked up" stylee, the more it grew on me, so the threaded ends have now been heli-coiled and the spring bases bolted down properly, probably still get some new stainless springs made, but now in the more usual format and the banjos are staying.

Monday 6 June 2011

A Bit Of Light

Started getting the back light sorted out over the weekend. The SPARTO lamp unit looks spot on, and will, even more so, when it's polished. Left a few holes in the stainless spacer to let the brass peep through. It's only clamped in position at the moment as I've got to convince myself that I'll get away with running it down there.
The seat base is at the powder coaters and is booked in with the upholsterer next week. Using a new bloke for the leather work, reasonably local and hearing nothing but good things about his work............we'll see.

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