350 bullet Trials redux

[wr6133]

You kept the headlamp peak

That looks seriously fun.

[stinkwheel]

[Easy-X]

You mentioned some other Enfields, what range of bikes were doing the trials?
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[wr6133]

[stinkwheel]

[wr6133]

[stinkwheel]

Been doing some work to make it lighter.

First thing to go is the rear subframe. It just supports the rear mudguard and taillight but is meaty enough for a pillion seat. I've opted for a plastic mudguard. I've bent up and brazed lugs onto a steel loop which will support the mudguard and a much lighter taillight/numberplate bracket (still in the design stage).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3fPFGZaCKWqUKH8JRm7thruuBqWaYPHJ_9rKGzg7dDfDNzT7x8bRjkTQ44wVh97zmsXGHqVAHWJyfKdo7c01Fz_oaHzuP1J8HuyppbuMUTz_0S1ZnNbmbSvDAB909UUrWrGflI0wtVw-RL4b3ykAOOi=w650-h866-no

This is all just at the mockup stage just now. It'll need taking off, painting and re-fitting with proper fittings once I've got the final layout.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3e3HLA7y2fBrgWvRs2XIobM1-7rJBBnAyysg0qkkeYxzUeEYN_LYsAmEpHmJxzoCqXVPisDmeD-4z39UEp5edOC-hk2FmNOzEkXY80Jmwu4mMYmEILrAQXRd_KTAAOPdoo3xLvHYmmQplbVJvMI_4iu=w1155-h866-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dvoFopWeSXj7psfKU6ofknHr4xoJk4BrIZwPEmO8HHH4--zOadxQC3-DRKpqc_lmcRKC9t0BbHYUpaOf4qAt2uxquD_zv8AA00vI2QsaEPaMpxF24aAsP4kNsaPcEB_qtRehYAUpfWDzmi4eE6kxO9=w1155-h866-no

I also folded up an alloy trials-style chainguard to replace the full-length pressed steel one. Must be 1/10th of the (unsprung) weight. The finction of this is to scrape ther mud and crap off the rear tyre so it doesn't get into the chain. It looks gray because i haven't peeled the plastic off it yet.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3fFNUIdN_WJTd1G3eoPVZPyzm0mV9Msy5PEqHOdwklhO1kIw62dc_9Rhh8RSMX4TLupq5zOIijlXagEnLsv4inLszf3m2dgns6hk6-eGWHUuDdfUa_5O-yLaonuq2STo2rxBX4JOlQ13qfHa6LbBoAZ=w1155-h866-no

I was short a bracket so used a P-clip for the rear mounting point.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dXXicpvdyzprkSGKIHWXNQ6UbFLNVyIP3oyQYYavtw0QLKblo770Wy62FOu7TrSo2Zaqgpp3EQqQ5vV_EQRrOqQVQ_SJqwliK6oc6g2A5qHz0s9gEMkCrc3985YT9H60yksfxWtO8JTo_QhaEdT4DK=w1155-h866-no

I'm also going to try upping ground clearance and shock travel. Got a set of bultaco shocks on the way (£25 off ebay). They are off an off-road bike of a similar weight but are 60mm longer than standard bullet ones and have much longer travel. IF this works, I'll lace a 21" rim onto the front for a good inch more ground clearance and a sharper rake angle.

I say if because I've now created myself a huge chain tension/angle problem. It's way off the standard line and I have a diddy little front sprocket so it will rub on the swingarm at full extension. That's relatively simple to fix with a rubbing strip. The main issue is chain tension over the increased arc of travel.

The standard fix is a sprung tensioner. This needs a lug welding the the swingarm and is a fairly flimsy thing. it would be fine for "normal" trials but I suspect it will fail with prolonged higher speed road use. You can see the issue here with the swingarm at full extension (about 20mm beyond that really, this is exaggerating the problem somewhat). If I make the chain any tighter, it will be too tight at full compression.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3f1xw4dreaHsNA-XETd7eeS_rm8i8tO9Z6mrBeSBdyUlh2Hk3Nu6mz3y4fbuaX-cnNz7ydqhSE3cU18uK44fi4tHJVqlDrfvWGp0mY6XWtNbb9zLF-NJuWX2BX1WuLBWI-18WbeTxAcleQJTKomT5pF=w1155-h866-no

The circular lug you can see there is for the brake lever pivot. I reckon if I have a new fulcrum pin made up which extends towards the inside of the bike, I could fit a skateboard wheel onto it for the chain to run over. This should add tension when at full extension but the chain will come up and off it before reaching full compression. I've mocked it up here with a large socket on an allen key.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dkQFeDPgLzEslWDcFsivR8VutMxkSJvZJeWxJNS2Qi3y9hY7NJUtNvKNLPq9CXX9WADrjKwQFaKKBcKZZvmB_Fxn9ph1H8Y3hDEblO_A4vmxTN3-5CQBXe7ArLAGf3y3nL30OH3k4MprnnJv7CSVyl=w1155-h866-no

Next step is waiting for the shocks and fitting them, then I can set chain tension at full compression and see what the chain looks like at full extension. I was however bored last night so I did a drawing in anticipation of my skateboard wheel idea being viable. My local light engineering guy will be able to rattle this off for me but will complain about the cycle thread. Took more doing that I thought because i had to work out the dimensions and bearing spacing of the skateboard wheel.

If it does work, I might get him to make up another three and flog them to people in the enfield owners club because the issue of chain tension with long shocks comes up quite regularly. I also had to buy 4 skateboard wheels.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3fq7g3Y2JSlPBMQXme14hCCxvKib3tj_Wg76sbSwscxBgO_H40k8MHj80yN3xBzDzajQyCVdSTxFyrtGofKjxSlTgmo8dGTY4qJ7rEjn7t6iX33IaNa5m_DdwS72w3JZASDBsylN_-tT966-4x0aUtS=w1123-h794-no
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Easy-X]

Looking at that mudguard: begging for a copper pipe clip

<edit> Lot's of this sort of stuff about:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/VScAAOxy1klRb~YA/s-l500.jpg

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gas-Gas-Pro-Trials-Bike-Chain-Tensioner-Assembly-2002-2018-125-300cc-Models/181323122702
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[stinkwheel]

[wr6133]

Stinkwheel, when you have been using it in anger how much shite gets in the rear of the casquette?

Guy that built mine I think intended it for dry days on the Plain, I'm looking at the wiring I can see in my casquette and wondering if it'll be an issue.

[wr6133]

Another question... how were those eBay Chinese shocks? I'm guessing they are 320mm? I have what I think are standard shocks on mine and they seem short and not very boingy, they felt like the weak spot today on the bike.

[stinkwheel]

There was almost no shite inside the casquette. That all said, I've wired it all with bullet connectors in silicone sleves, they don't mind getting wet all that much anyway.

The cheap Chinese shocks are fine. yes 320mm. No complaints about them really and I'd say better than the originals. I just decided I could do with more travel and length. Maybe a bit less weight because they aren't lightweight componants.

I fitted a set of bultaco shocks the other day but they are way too weak for someone my size and have hardly any damping left in them. Got some YBR125 ones on order (got them for £20) those are 350mm but I expect they'll compress some when I put the weight of the bike on them.

I also ordered a proper trials tank from India so we'll see what arrives.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[wr6133]

[stinkwheel]

See how the mudguards fit up. No two seem to have the same radius. You'll probably find an alloy one fits neatly all the way if the one I put on my 612 is anything to go by.

Interestingly, the tank I've ordered is steel. It's from a company who do nothing but fuel tanks. They do the alloy ones too but this one is steel made to the same pattern. I'd be terrified of dropping it with an alloy one fitted and I figured that if they are good enough to weld alloy ones, their steel welding should be bomb-proof. I'm going to line it anyway though
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[stinkwheel]

Right. YBR125 custom shocks fitted. £20 off ebay. The Bultaco ones I tried were way too highly sprung meaning static sag was zero even on the softest preload setting.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3deuFrGL9wtOllEK1TbpbiQs84tPJln8uOat6UhnWUqQO8LrjztCEHCNggclNraFge0S1S6f4UuwGFNRNpyydnKeZ5gyNywbgdGijv2RvoJzMa1QTS2rXY7LI35GR9ywjq5-150iJLR7IKscYceqqkk=w645-h860-no

Also got the final fit on the chain guard, which was a scutter.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dwJZmYlfi53mAqUzEaytR1c-wBBCwLKGFOiEdXPy0jdpzr3JpIMbdtHyPtwGsVqNUic_mj75-uXDIXmuoRXrn9fhBu521GgBJbJmdGLMgPeEn5bWkqsuCH2Ek2gqETq4DoZEZNYHFdJ5t4HsP2lHCt=w645-h860-no

Rear subframe painted. I decided to use P-clips for attaching the mudguard itself. Keeps things simple. I also folded up a super-lightweight taillight bracket from the same alloy plate I used for the chain guard.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3cZxa_Mrcru6YmMHBZHUEXu4tyWbM7as0ZziddXAXuNnkwYLFJzuMSmoUQCBFDF8RWKsD9bIJBP-HT3-LSZ_BV_YLU7zdEI9nM9KAylyoJnpRvnDHz71j_0RnXNzrk5kG1BRbKu_IQXggXKksDv9yLX=w1147-h860-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3fOP5WTBkbacNgHxk22qK9mQ0rrbql-3YpRFLx_dyoV9lnCjn6pfVWzNL02n7ihUb-tauNq5oeARKt2T102mrM0qYeE_lfUEnA45YQ3zUtKr4so0PTsknTl_wp8JKyLvULREJu_P2L3O5uO9m7eLwg2=w1147-h860-no

The chain roller idea is going to be necessary but I don't think it will need anything more complex in that regard. I also found an industrial nylon roller with bearings fitted which should do the job nicely. Just need to do that, wire up the light and route the breather then the back-end is done. Oh, might need a longer speed drive cable, the current one is stressed to its limits, the new tank may create a bit of slack though once it arrives.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3d4TVstHV8eEx5tc0IpCmfAP7qeNGcVtXZbGbxRbsr1cFOETZ09nPwQzAwBsVxCkgeyHzAx9cT92IRPtTXwEdeMjWQW7HxuTM32OmZw7T8bm_mamX4S2u3N6hE6N46L5yYee1z48FC_ms-kSbeAHa3d=w1147-h860-no

They sent me pictures of the tank prior to dispatch.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dXnJYEl7E-ZOuKGuG3C0FaPIrHzdEFXRDkQVftBeonMURro40Jof1Ttd4A7YnQEnO0rDMdYTrBj145xdJUnIh5jfcrrZxaK7SMBs6MsWNpaza0B8Qujuo0iggU7wFjb_XAhmw7ZPyOCydrWdfpKLRo=w1147-h860-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3cP3joC6s_T_71drssIT8wWH6fACyhQqGf7U1aJ3oXjE5iE0mOyn4Aqz114BoMBDKsx9TWRsciBGr_NymUe6uzw_NH8MAS7696FM-bnY4t3Z2LlHn8NxZm1zdxaS7t45xcDGJqYyFzIYANky7JakfQQ=w645-h860-no

I will be wanting a 21" front wheel, to-follow.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[wr6133]

Keep us updated on the shocks, I've not pulled the trigger yet on the Chinese ones so still weighing up options. I'd like to splurge on YSS or Hagon but with the amount I've spent on bikes and parts this year the Mrs will actually stick a blade in me while I sleep if I buy fancy shocks. Tank looks like you may have found a bargain, guessing the bike is only for trials so range is not a concern?

I like your subframe, I'm wanting to change mine, it's over engineered, I think it's from an Electra or early c5 and designed to take a pillion + the tabs need relocating. I need to mount a rack though so can't go as simple as yours. If you are ever wanting a more compact light/plate arrangement I bought this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Rear-LED-Tail-Brake-Stop-Lights-For-Harley-Chopper-Bobber-CAFE-RACER/233618207422?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 and so far it seems good.

I have the 21" front, all I can say is I have no issues with the front wheel, it seems to effortlessly go over anything I point it at. I don't really have anything to compare it to though as other bikes I've taken on the same tracks had road tyres so apple to orange.

[stinkwheel]

My thoughts are if I want more range, I still have the bigger tank. It's only two bolts and a hose to change it over.

It's amazing what the 19" wheel will roll over, A 21 should be better still. I pretty much have to go 21" now I've jacked up the back end or I'll never get it to go where it's pointed, rake angle will be too slack.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Easy-X]

What size shocks? 290mm?

I've got some Hagons I stripped from the ol' DT which were about 10mm longer than needed. (I replaced them with some cheap knock-offs meant for a Suzuki 125. Not the greatest but look the part.)

Just measuring now... damn, 330mm Probably a wee bit too much
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[stinkwheel]

Closer to 245 centre to centre. Any more would probably be unworkable without serious geometry re-work to get a workable chain line. Or dinner-plate sprockets.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Easy-X]

[wr6133]

Easy, at the point you are navigating H's website you may as well cave in and buy a Bullet!

[Easy-X]

[stinkwheel]

[Easy-X]

Okay

Anyhoo, does anyone need a pair of 330mm Hagons before I throw them in the crate of DT parts?
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[wr6133]