Author Topic: K100 build- making it up as I go  (Read 57697 times)

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #25 on: July 30, 2016, 03:26:02 AM »
That's awfully kind, TrueAce but I've really done nothing more than beat a piece of metal with a plastic hammer. The true story is that those dog gone RnineT commercials kept coming on over and over lately. I looked them up online and realized that at $15k, There had to be an affordable alternative(for me anyway). That's when I found out how customizable the K100 is.  You're right, there are many build options for sure, but I will most likely only build this one! My Goldwing is what I ride everyday(below with my daughters)

I think that a 4 wheeler seat latch would work great on a scrambler. We had a DRR50 that had a neat latching system. Do you have a build thread?


  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #26 on: July 30, 2016, 02:50:07 PM »
Not trying for an exact copy. Opinions? Fiberglass or steel metal? Like the attack angle?
  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

Offline TrueAce

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #27 on: July 30, 2016, 02:58:21 PM »
That's a fine GoldWing! And beautiful daughters.
I recognize the design influence of the RNineT, fixed up one for my son to ride. My K build doesn't hold a candle to your cafe! Keep building & posting!
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #28 on: July 30, 2016, 03:08:59 PM »
Whoa man! You know what you're problem is??? You are wayyyyyy to humble!!! Those bikes rock, ALL of them!!! Nice clean and simple K100! That rninet is kind of rocking the color scheme I was thinking. And not to get too sappy, but you seem to encourage people in every post. The world needs more people like yourself.
  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #29 on: July 30, 2016, 06:38:52 PM »
I had a couple of hours today(working midnights). My shop is 12 miles away so I have to be pretty deliberate when I go.

I made the poster board template above for a custom belly pan. Here are a couple of pictures of my progress in 20 gauge sheet metal. I cut it out slightly larger to hem all of the edges. Making this in sheet metal does two things. I can use the metal version itself or use it as a plug for a fiberglass version.

I cut out the shape with a cheap air nibbler, marked and rolled the pan in my slip roll. Then I started hammering for exhaust clearance and used the English wheel to make a slight bulge in the button. This will be a pretty intensive piece, but I hope it comes out right...

  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #30 on: August 02, 2016, 06:01:44 PM »
Still working the custom belly pan. Lots of metal shaping work to get it to start taking shape. I'll either use this one or use this as a plug to build a fiberglass one.  I'll start building an attaching sub frame tomorrow and front section hopefully.

  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

Offline TrueAce

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #31 on: August 02, 2016, 07:20:02 PM »
That is truly awesome! If you can avoid the glass, you may have the first all-metal body K that we've seen. Clearly you aren't challenged enough, so how about a K-1 style streamlined fairing out of aluminum? You make metal work seem easy, amazing.
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #32 on: August 04, 2016, 06:28:00 PM »
Thanks, Ace. I've only started metal 'shaping' this year, so any real aluminum fairing would be beyond my skill level. Someday maybe. I still have a roadster to finish and it required lots of metal work. The hardest part is making something in its mirror image right to left.  NOT :easy:

Lots of pics this time around. I made two custom brackets out of 14 gauge with captive nuts to hold the belly pan. This allows a 100% rubber/shock mounted system which works pretty slick. The third mount is a stock fairing mount flipped upside down. Belly pan touches nothing but the mounts.

I used my MIG on this. Much faster. Also English wheeled out a lot on imperfections and shaped her up a little bit better. Thanks Ace for the suggestion of leaving it in steel. I'm also not going for an exact copy. I want it to have a "racer prototype" feel. I can always add removable front inserts for variety. I thought of maybe a big, yellow, round, flush mounted fog lamp off to the side or a screened grill. Might just leave it solid?
Engines are cooled by radiators NOT airflow, so I see no problem with whatever I decide.

I've used a lot of body tools from my grandfather and even have a couple from my great grandfather.

For grinding I listed the following.
4" grinder with flapper disc for rough hogging(never a stone...too impacting to work)
air sander, 35ish grit
90 degree die grinder with roloc sanding then scruffy pad(name?)
D/A sander with 80 grit

On one of the pics I've annotated some of the angles that now kind of work together.


QUESTION, if anyone is out there...Where can I get weather proof, stick on heat shield for inside the belly pan? Kind of like what is under the tank?

pics...
  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #33 on: August 04, 2016, 06:41:11 PM »
I'll be taking a little break with work and vacation.

Here are my exhaust plans. The stock collector is a cleverly engineered piece and I'd like to keep it along with the center stand...
  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

Offline TrueAce

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #34 on: August 04, 2016, 08:46:06 PM »
Excellent presentation! You have really done a nice job with your angle lines, and gives it a clean, flowing look, unlike the jigsaw puzzles of too many K-mods.That belly pan is just awesome........You could sell those! As for insulation......I have used some sticky back aluminum insulation for wrapping hot water heaters, tanks, HVAC,, usually found in the plumbing section..............but why does the belly pan need insulating, containing the engine heat to flow on the rider? Vibration control on the belly pan might be a concern, but I would worry about it. Those offset headlights on a number plate panel with screen or louvres seems to be a trend. You could make one easy.
You are doing a fabulous job.........You must be a third generation coach builder. How about  Bugatti inspired K-Bike next!
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline Martin

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #35 on: August 04, 2016, 11:40:32 PM »
 :clap: Congratulations you have a good eye and have managed to  blend all the angles sympathetically. The K tank is hard to blend, but you have managed to pull it all together. Best one I have seen.
Congratulations Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline TrueAce

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #36 on: August 04, 2016, 11:54:17 PM »
Another look, another thought. The angle of your pic appears to accentuate the forks, making them proportionally seem a little tall. Consider dropping the triple tree an inch, if that doesn't mess up with handling. Also, have you looked at those 4-in-1 collectors made by BSK..........that might expand your exhaust choices. Another idea would to reduce the stock exhaust in length to a shortly, as some deal's on here last year......looked cool. Whatever exhaust you decide, use a strap or other support , not just hanging from the headers cause it will crack at the header pipes without it. What color are you thinking for the bike..........this bodywork needs the right color to show that unique work you've accomplished!
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline herseyb

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #37 on: August 05, 2016, 11:34:00 AM »
This is really inspiring work, I can't wait for the next update!
  • Brooklyn
  • '93 K1100RS

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #38 on: August 05, 2016, 03:52:53 PM »
Than you for the compliments Martin, TrueAce, and HersheyB.

On the forks...The P.O. was a shorter fellow, so he installed a lowered Progressive spring on the back. I have some clip ons coming so the only problem I have lowering the front is the ground clearance of the belly pan. But the rear is indeed lower than stock. Man, I hope there's enough ground clearance. Maybe I can ratchet strap it down on a trailer to see where it will bottom out.

On the exhaust, I'll build the collector myself is needed(bragging rights :) ), but I'm not wanting to cover up the back wheel with the exhaust for the look I'm going for. I'm hoping to build or buy a short baffle for the shortest exhaust humanly possible. Basically, I want to make the collector the actual muffler. That's what I did on the Goldwing above. I have a 4" baffle packed with steel wool under the stainless tip.

Thanks for the source on the heat shield...I just want a little on the header side so that the paint stays intact on that side :)

Color...I was thinking of a light color to accentuate the lines. Probably an actual BMW Z3 or Z4 color. I painted the Goldwing this spring in the largest metallic flake silver made by Nason, in a BC/CC and it came out great. I was think about maybe an off white metallic color. Something bold but different at the same time, embracing the fact that it's a BMW. I could use opinions there. Or just clear coat all the sheet metal?

Thanks for the input.
  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

Offline herseyb

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #39 on: August 05, 2016, 04:09:15 PM »
Wire brush stipple pattern and the clear coat, like the spirit of st. louis!
  • Brooklyn
  • '93 K1100RS

Offline TrueAce

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #40 on: August 05, 2016, 06:06:24 PM »
The tank is aluminum so it won't rust, but the other parts will. I would go for the off-white shade, with tasteful.pinstripe or airbrush accents. But cut off those useless holes under the tank, Blacksmith!
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline Shiny

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #41 on: August 06, 2016, 04:12:10 PM »
I literally just finished stripping my tank, I love the brush look from the paint removal disc I used on my grinder. Just made sure to keep moving in the same direction.

  • Northern Virginia
  • BMW K75T

Offline TrueAce

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #42 on: August 06, 2016, 04:33:40 PM »
My tank was stripped with a chemical remover, and then mercilessly wet-dry sanded for 16+ hours MOL. Tried a clear coat but thought it too dull, so it just gets heavily polished. Can't leave steel bare unless you want that rusty patina.
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline Shiny

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #43 on: August 06, 2016, 04:35:16 PM »
But the tank on a brick is aluminum? I just wiped it down with some wd-40 to keep the oxidation and fingerprints at bay. Plus wd-40 smells good.
  • Northern Virginia
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Offline TrueAce

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #44 on: August 06, 2016, 04:37:09 PM »
Put a magnet to it and watch.
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline Martin

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #45 on: August 06, 2016, 04:49:01 PM »
Ace either you've been into the Moonshine again or you have a very very rare steel tank on your bike. :dunno
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline TrueAce

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #46 on: August 06, 2016, 04:53:38 PM »
Oh,no, I meant that my tank is aluminium...........magnets won't stick!
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline frankenwing

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #47 on: August 22, 2016, 02:04:24 PM »
You, sir, have a proper eye for lines and shapes. I am very much appreciating your work right now.  :euro
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1976 GL1000 Bobber // 1987 K75

Offline RobP

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #48 on: September 05, 2016, 01:46:15 PM »
JC - nice builds on both the Honda and K100!  I'm looking forward to your exhaust build.  I'd like to replace the stock exhaust on my k100RS - I was thinking of using the BSK collector but am interested in what your approach will be.  BTW - what type of exhaust is on the bike, as shown in the earlier posts?
  • Driftwood, TX
  • 1985 K100RS

Offline jc55

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Re: K100 build- making it up as I go
« Reply #49 on: September 05, 2016, 02:02:45 PM »
Thank you frankenwing and robp for the compliments.

 I've got a lot of other irons in the fire right now trying to rent out properties and moving stuff around. I've taken a short break until maybe next month. Got a real run around about getting a seat made. I may actually do it myself because it seems like people just don't honor their word or take pride in their craft these days. Sorry for the negativity. I'd like to have a finished seat before starting on the body work this winter.

Rob I want the stock exhaust collector to contain the baffle wrapped in packing if possible. I'm partial to having the rear wheels exposed on bikes. Especially since I'd like to showcase the single sided shock design .
  • Carrollton, Ohio
  • '90 K100LT '77 Gl1000

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