I did think about that, but then it stuffs around with the general look. If you have a look at the original RC162 (earlier pics in thread) you will notice that Mr Honda has quite a considerable gap between headstem and tank. It is all mostly covered when the fairing is in place. Also pulling the headstem back would have given me a front wheel to engine clearance issue. It is already reasonably tight in this area.
Also, when the frame is painted black it will take your sight away from the gap. The real solution would have been to source a longer tank. But that sort of defeats the original intention to build as much as possible from the Skyteam ACE and the MC19 that I started with. I think I will call the build an RC-ACE162 to pay tribute to its roots.
Had a visit from @Frankster today. to inspect the RC-ACE162. An opportunity to explain all the little engineering challenges that I have had to solve throughout the build and to show off my handy work. All going well, I will be able to get the exhaust system fabricated over the following weekends ready for its first track shakedown at Broadford in a couple of months time. I also need to sort out rear springs/shocks and tyres. Anyone have any experience with these https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/330mm-E...c7fad273d341c3a3151a1c35f37912&frcectupt=true The bike only weighs about 120kg. I need something a bit stiffer than the ACE shocks but that looks sort of period and has some level of adjustability. Tyres are most likely going to be Pirelli City Demons as the wheel/rim size limits my choices somewhat. I will post the shakedown date when the bike is ready. Peter.
I have used similar shock's on pit bike's there are lot's of different length's and spring rate's etc The brand's i've used are DNM or Fastace, they're pretty good quality DNM shock's https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?...ks&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=2 Fastace shock's https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?...LH_PrefLoc=2&_osacat=0&_odkw=dnm+shocks&rt=nc
Needed a way to quickly and accurately cut out the steel sheet parts to make up my megaphone exhausts. Made a low cost nibbler bench by mounting a cheap drill based nibbler to the underside of an old table. It is cuts fast and is easy to move the sheet around the cutting area. A bit like a band saw but a lot safer and produces a very clean cut. It doesn't look flash but it works.
Yes. Those little half moon bits are the biggest negative. They get stuck in the soles of your shoes. A large bin directly below the table catches the majority of them.
Made a little progress on the exhaust system over the weekend. The megaphones have been fabricated in 0.8mm steel. Rolled the megaphones using my little 300mm combo guilotine, folder, roller machine (that is why there is a seem in the middle of the cones) and finished of by hand bending around a wooden former that I turned up. The header pipes are cut and shut from the old MC19. A bit more tidying up is still needed. Frame is fully painted now also. That first track day shakedown is fast approaching.
I suppose I will find out soon enough whether or not I can get the CV carbs to work effectively without an airbox. Others seem to have made them work. I have a good supply of jets to play with.
I am more concerned about whether or not my frame geometry is going to work, without it being unstable at speed.
Target design for the rake was about 24-25 degrees which is what the Mc22 runs. During fabrication, things changed a little and I think I am now around 21-23 degrees.
A quick comparison measurement against my MC22 track bike. The angle of the front forks are within about 1/2 degree of each other. It should be fine.
When Alan Millyard could not get the CV carbs on his 6 cylinder FZR engine in his RC164 copy running right he bought six Mikuni copy (Chinese made) slide carbs and fitted them. Look more authentic too.