OK punters, here are the latest photos of progress on Laurie's bike so far.......these are mainly of the build of the fuel-tank.
Because he is using a completely new design for an under-seat tank, this part of the overall build has taken a couple of weeks to complete, but he nailed the remaining job today, so here are some photos and words from Laurie.....
"....Finished.Well that part anyways. Its not the prettiest thing but should do the job. Next is the not so fun job of digging the clay out. Then check it internally and i will probably do an internal coating of epoxy to ensure a good seal. For the seat i am thinking of laying a thin skin,using the tank as the mould to ensure a perfect fit,remove it and use it to attach the seat foam/covering......"
"....No water was harmed in the making of this fuel tank.
Turned out ok seems ok internally.Has that dull thud of hardness/strength when i rap on it. Tops....."
All the modelling clay used to make the mold, is now removed from inside the tank using water pressure.....
Here is the now-empty tank sitting on the bike....
"....Just finished machining up the fuel tank filler cap and its insert,insert just needs holes drilled radially around the circumference of the flange to help lock it in when i bond it into the tank......"
".....Got the fuel filler done,except for a breather valve,should have the tank finished by the weekend in time for Gos to do the electrics...."
Yes, I spent a few hours last Saturday, modifying the wiring harness for the ZX10, so that both ECU units could be connected in the mounts that Laurie has made up - the battery and both ECU units now sit right up in front of the top shock mount, directly behind the back of the airbox. I still have a few hours left in modifying the rest of the harness, shortening or lengthening certain parts, so that everything is centrally located under the seat. There will be no electrics mounted in the old positions at all, apart from handlebar controls........and when its all done, that bloody tacho better spin around when he turns the key !!!
Here is the newly-machined tank filler mounted up in the tank......
".....Almost done,Fuel pump inserts machined up and then bonded in. As pictured got some fuel surge foam to go in. Then just need to rig up a breather in the fuel filler cap and then sealup the rear of the tank. Weight is looking to be around 2.9kg compared to 5.5kg standard zx10 tank.fuel capacity close to 13 litres. The fuel tank reminds me of a giant turd from a dinosaur thats eaten too much fibre
....."
YES HOFFY - thats what Tank Foam really looks like mate !!!
"....Right its done.Finished sealing up the hole.I initially filled the hole with clay,preped it with release wax,then did the layup. I then layed a sheet of peel ply over the layup and pulled it tight using masking tape,this ensures a tight interface of the carbon with the shape of the tank. Once its cured i peel the peel ply off which incidentaly is simply polyester shower curtain,same stuff. Then pop the plug off,remove the clay,prep and clean then reglue the trimmed plug back into the tank and finished. I have had the tank full of petrol all day and no leaks.Takes exactly 13.6 litres and finally weighs 3.2 kg incl fuel pump and surge foam. Next step is to completely cover it with a seat......"
So thats where the build is up to at this stage. There is a bit more work to do to complete the tank/seat unit, basically shaping the foam and getting the upholstery completed. It sure is looking good now with the fuel pump and filler cap all completed......
Next stage after this - is making linkages for the rear suspension. Laurie is also looking at shortening the MX forks that he has fitted, in order to obtain a nice balanced ride height - this may also mean machining up a set of triple clamps with a different/steeper rake - but these mods are down the track a bit.....
My part in this build will all be done and dusted when the electrics are completed and everything is working *exactly* as it should......
stay tuned for the next instalment......
