One addiction I cannot seem to quit

billbillw

zarrdoss wrote: »

I like working on them too, but do like getting out more and riding. Well your bike certainly looks good, I almost got a 1997 tl 1000s instead but just out of my price range. Its a 93 euro model, it's kind of wierd having the display in kilo's per hour and you can turn the lights off. Dry weight of 408 lbs and about 130-140 hp with the exhaust system and jet kit-k&n filter.

Ahh, a '97 TL1000s! I almost swung a deal on a red '97 TLS back in December, but I poked around too long and the guy ended up selling it to someone else for a ridiculously low price. It needed a lot more work than my SV did, but it still would have been a worthwhile endeavor.

exalted512

Here's my two bikes:
First bike. I dont have any good pics on my computer of it, but here's one exactly like it, 05 Ninja 500R:


And of course, since this is a speaker forum, I had to try and get some Polk's on it!
Started out with a piece of plywood and several layer of fiberglass for the base. The blue straps you see in the picture is what will secure it to the bike. It will be 100% removable, which was a must.

No middle pictures. Here it is already shaped and resined. The stuff is called two-part foam. You can get it from some of your bigger marine suppliers in town. Mix it 50/50 and stir for about 30-45 seconds, then the magic begins. This is my first time using the stuff and let me tell you...it didn't turn out to great. I kind of guestimated that they were equal, I think that had a hand in it, as well as stirring it too long. The stuff was also kind of old, which didn't help any either. The end result came out bad in a lot of places. Huge pit holes 3/8" in diameter that couldnt be taken down with a rasp, had to be grinded down with an angle grinder...and it had a tough time doing it. Other parts came out perfect, and other parts came out between the two extremes. That's why I test this stuff out on my stuff first before I'm willing to do it in customer's car. I'll still need more practice with it before im confident in using it. After my truck is done, I will be trying my hand at it some more in the fiancee's civic. Anyway, here's the pic after I made it look a lot better;)

Side view. You can tell here the sides came out really well, it was mostly just the top that was bad...unfortunately, the top needed the most sculpting. This added days to the process.

Done! Just kidding...but almost...heres some trial pics on the bike. There was a solid week of sanding/bondo before it got to this stage. The tweeter will go on top of the mid where the hump is. I'm just waiting for the mounting bracket to come in.

Front view since the first side view you cant really see the curves. Poor lighting and a camera phone...

Better look at the curves. I also blacked out the brake light and signal lights. Theyre still really bright...after the 2nd try...first try it was too dark so I redid it. Pretty sure its illegal though...lol.


Shortly after that, had some engine problems on that bike and stopped working on it. Its gray now and almost ready for paint, then end result will be black.

And I know what youre thinking...speakers on a motorcycle? You're crazy! That's worthless! And I agree, but I had never worked with that type of foam before and it seemed like the perfect 'fun' project to do.

Here's my new baby after the exhaust got put on, 09 zx6r:



-Cody

zarrdoss

exhaulted512- your sick, HA! that is pretty insane though