When
I started this project I had looked at many variations and interpretations on
building custom performance chassis for motorcycles. In particular, chassis
for single cylinder motorcycles 500 cc and larger.Thumper Project
Project
Motto
"Solving today's problems, tomorrow, with yesterday's technology..."
When
I started this project I had looked at many variations and interpretations on
building custom performance chassis for motorcycles. In particular, chassis
for single cylinder motorcycles 500 cc and larger.
The Objective: To produce a competent, good handling roadracing single for a reasonable amount of money..... (and learn a lot along the way)
I looked at names like Rickman-Metisse, Spondon, Harris and Nico Bakker. The design that attracted my attention the most was that of Fritz Egli of Switzerland. It was simple, functional and straight to the point. The perfect compliment to a good single.
In 1995 I visited Egli's business in Bettwil, Switzerland. It was very interesting to say the least. It appears that Fritz Egli has turned his focus toward other endeavors a bit and so a frame for me wasn't possible. I was disappointed, but it got me to thinking.....
It was clear that for the quality and attention of a custom chassis, I would have to pay a fair sum of money. The design I was thinking of was not that complicated. I thought, for the price of one of the frames, I could mess up a lot of steel tubing and still come out ahead.One concern the experts are going to have is the frame jig. Yes, it is very light duty. When the final welding takes place keeping the frame from twisting and distorting will be a point of real concern. The original intention of the two jigs shown was to hold things in the correct and relative positions for designing and fabrication pieces.
A special thanks to Rick Fizer of Fizer, Inc. and Jason Fizer for their help on this project