British & European Bikes, Build Threads & How-To’sBuild threads, tech Q&A and conversations centered around custom-built motorcycles from the UK and Europe
Been into bikes for years, all Jap or Italian, and the last production bike was a Triumph Speedmaster.
Been into building VW buses for the last 10 years, now bought a T140 thats been sat outside unused for the last 6 years.
Intend to fit a sportster front and shorten the frame in the back a few inches
This is how it was found, I have started the engine and now stripped it down
Originally it had a single disc Triumph front end with wide triple trees, now the rake is 36.5 degrees, steering head/axle is 460mm, we are only allowed a 550mm steering head to axle in Australia.
Forks are standard 82 sportster 35mm narrow glides and will have stock twin 10" discs. Ground clearance is 4". Rake has not been changed, but forks are 2" longer than the originals...
Originally it had a single disc Triumph front end with wide triple trees, now the rake is 36.5 degrees, steering head/axle is 460mm, we are only allowed a 550mm steering head to axle in Australia.
Forks are standard 82 sportster 35mm narrow glides and will have stock twin 10" discs. Ground clearance is 4". Rake has not been changed, but forks are 2" longer than the originals...
Dave
It looks a lot better with the shorter frame. so there is a restriction on how long the forks can be? that sucks. no Denver's bikes down there.
The restriction of 550mm (21.65") is tied up to rake, steering head height and fork length. They take a point half way down the steering neck of the frame and drop a line perpendicular to the ground. They then take a perpendicular line to the ground through the front axle. Measure the horizontal distance between these two points and we have the '550' rule.
or, to quote from our 'National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Modifications':
"The horizontal distance between the mid-point of the steering yoke bearing and a point vertically above the centre of the front wheel must not exceed 550mm"
Hi
Its been a while, been playing with a new HD 48.
But now back to the T140
Here it is in mock up stage, but still not sure about the seat and tank??
Thinking of fitting a Hunt Magneto and also mid controls
I have decided to change it, now I am going full 70's chopper look, sissy bar, king and queen seat ect
Have my mate rebuilding the engine, one pot was siezed, belt drive damaged, bearing shot
Here it is stripped and ready for the new parts
After a bit of work, the engine is now fully rebuilt, nearly new everything.
Have started on the frame, its going down the 70's chopper route.
A fair bit of work to do but thought I would post some progress pics
The seat is the old one, just put on there for the angle, I am going to do a new one so it fits the shorter frame
An update
I have the exhausts finished now, got some cocktail shakers, look not too bad
Also gone with a single seat, everything is done just need to sort out an oil tank (need to find a reputable company this time)
I should have been riding it now as its our summer!
I will try and take some pics this weekend
Scouser
yo scouser waiting to see where this is at now,,,beside s you guys lucky haveing summer in dec ,,,,i can dig it,,,last pics of the chop are good,,,,, my t140v is still a stocker ,but some day,will chop her,,,,,,,,,as always,,, brits are the shit!
After waiting and not hearing from the thief at elswick cycles I managed to get a great tank built by Curt Owen, I am back on the build, my mate Barry whos doing all the work now has got it this far, when hes finished I have to strip it down and paint it.
Anyway here it is as of today
Linear Mode
