Sparks Fly As The Show Opens To The Public

Added on Saturday, November 29th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor

Funny how quickly you can get used to a new working environment. We’re beginning to feel comfortable in our shiny steel and glass NEC workshop, it’s an island in the midst of a crazy frenzy; of people rushing about, trying to catch a glimpse of the next big thing. Here we are, doing what we do best, whilst this all carries on around us – people watching is a wonderful thing – you have to ask yourself who’s watching who!

Anyhow, back to the bike - Day two has seen some real progress with the build; we began at 9am by triangulating the headstock in the frame jig for a stock rake angle.

Snowy cut and prepared the lengthened top tube, which will give the bike its gooseneck style, this was then scalloped to meet the headstock which will give the frame greater strength and smooth flowing lines. The top tube was then tack welded in position, the rake angle and final dimensions are checked, then the final stage was to seam weld it in to position. Now we’re cooking boys – Si and Dave (the Hairy Bikers) would be proud!

Time to sample the culinary delights of the exhibitors lounge for a bit of lunch, sounds really posh doesn’t it – don’t be fooled, I’d kill for a decent burger and fries right now. No time to ponder alternative restaurants - we have to wolf this down and get back to work.

After lunch we begin fabricating the new gooseneck tops for the down tubes; all the angles/ bends are calculated and double checked, then the sparks start to fly – literally – as the tube is cut to length, the scalloped ends give a two into one finish at the base of the head stock leaving room for the top engine mount bracing tube. Once these crucial structural sections are welded into place you begin to get a real sense that the build is progressing rapidly as the frames final form begins to take shape in the jig.

All the dimensions of new top engine mount then had to be worked out and these were then fabricated from two pieces of plate steel, the prepared plates are then seam welded together for strength, in preparation for tomorrows engine fit -

Work plan for day three - Saturday

• Fit engine in frame
• Attach top engine mount to engine
• Make and prepare new top mount bracing tube and weld in position.
• Fabricate new hardtail rear frame tubes and axle mounts.
• Fabricate oil tank cross member.

See you at the show, Saturday is going to be a big day! Get a motorcycle quote*and win the bike!

Jon Quantrell
Hawg Haven

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