Seeley (replica) Framed Project Road Racer

[Suzukidave]

What ya been up to Geoff ?

[Zunspec4]

Hello Dave,

Been chasing dreams and realising I have been running so fast I am now about to go arse about tip .

The frame is with Pete again at the moment so the frame fabricator could affix various brackets. He was also going to fit brackets for the pipes I spent a good deal of money on but he informed us that the pipes need a good cut about not just a simple attachment bracket welding on. Basically they were made for a Spondon frame and they just will not fit the Seeley without major modifications, which he is not in the position to accomplish. So I have to start again from scratch on the pipe side and may have wasted a bunch of money buying the set I did, my fault, I should have checked properly before buying but it seemed the quickest route to getting on track. Live and learn .

I just got the rear wheel back with it's new rim attached, which looks OK (at the moment) hope I don't go through too many new tubes getting the tyre mounted on this one . The trailer has had a ply floor and tie-down points fitted. My race engine is nearly at the front of Pete's Que for attention. I hope to make it on track some time this year but I realise that my schedule has been a tad unrealistic and quality of build has suffered from some dumb decisions. Less haste and more speed as the saying goes.

Cheers Geoff

[Suzukidave]

Geoff , here is a cone program for your computer , you put in the angles and length and you can print out a full size cone on the printer you can cut out and fit together to see if it will fit . http://www.conelayout.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Zunspec4]

Thanks Dave,

I still have to learn what pipe dimensions will match the porting on the barrels or hopefully be given the appropriate measurements. I hope Pete Odell can give me some good advice and I'll take it from there. Designing pipes is not really the sphere of the armature so I'm going to be doing a bunch of research.

Cheers Geoff

[Zunspec4]

The progress on the Seeley is going to slow down and I have decided that I shall go racing when it is ready rather than push to get it ready for racing.

Quality of the build was suffering and I am realising that developing a bike from the bare frame up is different from just assembling the components for a restoration (where even Triumph got all the bits roughly right ). Hey ho, all the major components have been procured although the expansion chambers are going to need a fair bit of work. In the mean time I have diverted some time to the Speed Twin which needs those damn oil leaks sorting, it is a nice machine to ride and spring is just around the corner (optimistic outlook face firmly in place )

Cheers Zunspec

[CJF]

Dont rush it. I once read somewhere that the best bike builders make every part on their bikes the best they possibly can with no cutting corners even on the smallests pieces. Also, you are right about as resto being way different than as full custom build.

[CJF]

Hey Geoff...any updates on the build?

[Zunspec4]

Hello Chris,

I have suffered a set back in that the "race ready" engine I bought was very much not in that category. It is hopefully being re-built after a change of crankcases. With 20:20 hindsight I should have done my own thing instead of going for the easy route, oh well.

The rolling chassis is just about there with brakes and wheels sorted etc. just need that engine and pipes.

I was hoping to be racing at Brands Hatch this weekend but I lucked out on that because the whole 2 day meeting was cancelled due to snow and freezing wet conditions. My plans are now focused on the last three meetings in July (Pembury), August (Donington) and September (Snetterton). I'll get there, just didn't expect it to be so protracted.

As a penance I am working on a +&%$%dy Harley for a friend. Jeeze, give me a 2-st anyday

Cheers Geoff

[diamondj]

As a penance I am working on a +&%$%dy Harley for a friend. Jeeze, give me a 2-st anyday

Some would consider that cruel and unusual punishment!

Jim

[CJF]

Sorry to hear about the engine. Post some pics with updates when you get a chance.

[Zunspec4]

I have started the final build of the Seeley rolling chassis. Also had a trial fit in the trailer which needs to be 12" longer to allow it to fit straight up-and-down. It does fit diagonally so I'll leave making mods to the trailer for the time being.





If only I had the engine

Cheers Geoff

[diamondj]

Hey Geoff,

Keep in mind your spannies will keep you from tucking that rear wheel right against the trailer side.

Jim

[Zunspec4]

Good point, Jim. Maybe I'll need to modofy the trailer after all (I have a cunning plan already )

Cheers Geoff

[CJF]

Looking real nice. I like the dual disk front/back setup. Are you going to keep the tank as is or paint it? What is the new plan for the engine?

[Zunspec4]

Hi Chris,

I was intending to get the tank polished up, it has a few minor dents but it is original Seeley so adds a bit of character. The engine is at this moment having the internals transferred to a replacement set of crankcases. One of the main 10mm bolts holding the cases together at the crankshaft was found to have a sheared off bolt remnant lurking in the thread so cheaper to swap cases rather than get spark erosion done. When I pick it up I still have to get carbs and pipes mounted and then cut the fairing to fit so a bit of work to do yet.

Cheers Geoff