Untitled Motorcycles

Untitled Motorcycles are two guys and a girl making custom motorcycles out of a workshop in Camden, London. Untitled build motorcycles for everyday use with great individual styling and quality mechanics. They do not focus on speed or an urban cool. they seek to build motorcycles that speak to the soul. They bring back to life old unloved motorcycles and in a way recycle them into classics.


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Thursday, 31 May 2012

Do you know how to make mudguard [fender] stays? Let me show you how.




When we customized our first BMW's we had a high mudguard 'Midlife Crisis' check it out here http://www.untitledmotorcycles.com/2010/09/finished.html  -  We didn't have any issues with the mudguard hitting the tire as it was fixed to the rear subframe. For our 3rd BMW custom UM-3 Street we wanted an old british look to the bike so we had to have the rear mudguard really close to the tire. This can cause problems in two ways first the mudguard can rub on the tire if not positioned properly and 2nd the subframe could hit the mudguard when the rear shocks are compressed. It is a fine balance between aesthetics and a functional ride. It looks and works great as we have fine tuned it. The photos below show how we make our stays to hold the mudguard in place. Without the 4 of them the guard wobbles and looks like it will fall off after a few rides. With them it is sturdy and looks very authentic. 

I'm not going to go into major details of measurements describing how long to make each stay or where you bend the stay as your mudguard could be a different shape to ours and you might not be doing this to a BMW!!!

  1. Get some iron profile round tube we use 12mm in diameter  and 1mm thick. I buy 2m lengths so I have enough left over for other jobs on the bike or if I make a mistake I don't need to go back to the shop for more. It cost £12 
  2. Cut the tube into the lengths you need to keep the guard away from the tire. I always cut them a bit longer than needed. I start with the 2 stays that are roughly in line with the rear shocks [see photo 8]. Great the height correct to allow the nuts and bolts not to rub against the tire that is very important. 
  3. Once you have cut the 2 front stays squash the ends flat in a vice or with a heavy hammer. Ensuring that both ends are on the same plain. [see photo 2]. 
  4. Once you have worked out your rough lengths you can bend the stay at one end to match the curve of the guard [see photo 4]. We attach the stay to the guard drill your hole in the guards first and then work out the correct length of the stay and drill the other ends [see photo 5 & 8]  
  5. To attach the bottom ends of the stays to the bike we make a small plate that bolts behind the shocks [see photo 6]
  6. Once the 2 shock stays are in place you can then cut and place the 2 rear stays using the same techniques as before [see photo 9 & 10]
  7. Once all 4 stays are in place check the rear tire does not rub on any parts. The stays are ready for paint or powder coating.
Hope this helps and if I have missed anything out or it doesn't make sense please let me know.
Adam







Look at the swing arm to see the bracket welded on to hold the mudguard


photo 1

photo 2

photo 3

photo 4

photo 5

photo 6

photo 7

photo 8



photo 9


photo 10


Tuesday, 29 May 2012

BMW motorcycle tool kits and tire patch kits by Duane Ausherman


BMW motorcycle tool kits and tire patch kits

by Duane Ausherman

This page is about toolkits and other contents of the toolbox for the BMW motorcycle models R26, R27, R50, R60, R69, R50/2, R60/2, R50S, R69S, R50/US, R60/US, R69US, R50/5, R60/5, R75/5, R50/6, R60/6, R75/6, R90/6, R90S, R60/7, R75/7, R80/7, R100/7, R100S, R100RS, R80GS, and R80ST.
BMW has provided the best tool kit in the entire motorcycle industry.  The BMW tool roll has enough tools to do all maintenance procedures that an owner with an average mechanical background would need.  The tools are very strong and short enough to fit into a cloth or plastic fabric roll that fits in the small tool box or tray provided.  At least three companies have made the tools and all are good.  They aren't Snap-On quality finish, but will last as long.  One of the companies is Hazet.
The BMW tool kits were changed to go with the needs of the various models.  Since few changes were made from one year to another, the tools are the same or similar from various years.  I have seen a "new" model that failed to have some new tool in the kit that was actually needed.  It would take BMW some time to get the tools caught up, same as the owner's manuals.  Don't let this mislead you to think that your tool kit wasn't the one provided.  There is no way to tell.  Here are a few pictures.

R80GS and R80ST

This R80G/S and R80ST BMW tool kit photo provided by Ken.  It probably applies to other BMW motorcycle models of similar years.

This BMW tool kit photo provided by Ken.  It probably applies to other BMW motorcycle models of similar years. 

A new tool kit

This is a brand new BMW tool kit purchased recently from a BMW dealer.  It isn't quite the same as one from 30 years ago.  It can be purchased for about $90.  Photo courtesy of Albion Baucom

This is a brand new BMW tool kit purchased recently from a BMW dealer.  It isn't quite the same as one from 30 years ago.  It can be purchased for about $90.  Photo courtesy of Albion Baucom
These are the same BMW tools as above.

These are the same BMW tools as above.  Photo courtesy of Albion Baucom. 
It might be good to include a list of the tools that come with the toolkits.  Here's what the Huggett "original toolkit " (BMW part number 71 11 0 005 317) includes:
1.  Open-end wrench 8 x 10 SW
2.  Open-end wrench 9 x 11 SW
3.  Open-end wrench 12 x 14 SW
4.  Open-end wrench 14 x 17 SW
5.  Open-end wrench 19 x 22 SW
6.  Ring open-end 36 x 41 SW
7.  Ring open-end 17 x 27 SW
8.  Socket wrench 14 x 19 SW
9.  Socket wrench 21 x 22 SW
10.  Tommy bar
11.  Ring nut spanner
12.  Pliers
13.  Tire lever
14.  Tire lever
15.  Screw driver (large)
16.  Screw driver (small)
17.  Feeler gauge
18.  Carburetor spanner
The above list is from Allan Atherton, thanks.  The bikes had 14 mm fasteners up until about 63 or 64.  As they ran out of them, they began using 13 mm.  I don't remember when they changed the tool kits to comply.  By 1965 there were no 14 mm fasteners left that I can remember.  The popular stainless steel fastener kits available use the newer 13 mm fasteners.  If you have changed over, be sure to include the proper wrench. 
This is a rolled up tool kit from the early 70s.

This is a rolled up tool kit from the early 70s. 
Here is the unrolled toolkit for BMW motorcycles.

Here is the unrolled toolkit for BMW motorcycles. 
Here are the tools laid out in about the same order as the current tool kit above.

Here are the tools laid out in about the same order as the current tool kit above.  One of the tools isn't BMW, but a replacement.  It has two 17 mm wrenches to remove the shock.  The feeler gauges on the far left are original and in all kits from the mid 50s to late 70s or later.  The tire irons on the right are original and will work well for tires of that era.  I haven't tried them on a later stiff wall tire.  If you have no tools for a kit and would have to buy them retail, you are better off with the current BMW tool kit.  The tools are short and will fit in the space provided.  A standard 22 mm wrench is too long to fit and also so long that owners can easily over tighten the axle nuts with it.
This shows another example of a tool kit that is still available and the grease rag.   Photo by Allan Atherton

This shows another example of a tool kit that is still available and the grease rag.   Photo by Allan Atherton
The same BMW motorcycle tools laid out on the rag.

Photo by Allan Atherton
The same BMW motorcycle tools laid out on the rag.  The tool on the lower right is a screwdriver made from wire.  I have no idea where that came from.  I can say that of all of the /2 BMWs that I have owned, maybe 75-100, none had that tool.  They did have a normal looking small plastic slot screwdriver.  On the upper right is a 5 part feeler gauge.  They all had only 4 parts; (.15mm).006," (.2mm) .008" for valves, (.4mm) .016" for points and (.6mm) .025" for plugs.

Attached is the photo of the factory tool kit.  All Heyco where appropriate and looks virtually unused.
A "factory tool kit", thanks Steve

Hello Duane,

Attached is the photo of the factory tool kit.  All Heyco where appropriate and looks virtually unused.

Size of tool roll: 24" x 12".  Weight: 5 Pounds and 7 ounces

Contents:

BMW hand wipe rag
24mm single open ended spanner (oes)
7 x 8mm double oes
10 x 11 "
12 x 13 "
14 x 17 "
17 x 19 "
10 x 12 double ended flat ring spanner
19 x 22 "
1/4" Ratchet, short extension, and four sockets - 6,10,12, and 13mm. 
22 x 24mm tubular box spanner and Tommy bar
4 x Allen keys - 3,5,6 and 8mm
BMW tool for top fork nuts and swing arm bearing nuts
BMW pin spanner/top bearing nut adjuster tool
2 X tyre levers
Tyre pressure gauge
Tip Top tube repair kit
1 x Combination pliers
1 x wire cutters (side cutters)
1 x Flat needle file
1 x set feeler gauges including the distance gauge for the undertank master cylinder
1 x screwdriver handle with three bits (one flat and two sizes of posidrive)
1 x electrical test screwdriver (with neon bulb)
1 x wire lead with crocodile clip and plug for circuit testing.

In all about 37 pieces.  You may have seen this kit before.  If so, is there anything missing? If not, can you suggest anything to add to it? The only thing I can think of is a 4mm Allen key and a 8mm socket.
You are welcome to use this kit and the description of contents on your site or post it on the forum if you feel it's appropriate.

Regards

Steve Hennessey

 Note, I suspect that this wonderful tool kit is the one that I asked for below.  Duane

 Other items in the tool box

A very nice grease rag was included, the fabric of which was soft, fluffy and embroidered with "BMW" across it.  These were provided in a couple of colors over the years, but the most common was red on unbleached cotton.  In 1972 the factory assembly line was using a similar rag that was mostly red on unbleached cotton.
The BMW tool kit rag available today, photo by Allan Atherton, thanks.

The BMW tool kit rag available today, photo by Allan Atherton, thanks.
The BMW rag from a 1968, photo by Mike Spradlin, thanks.

The BMW rag from a 1968, photo by Mike Spradlin, thanks. 
You can see a figure 8 on the left of BMW and what looks like a key on the right side.

The BMW motorcycle tire patch kit

A tire patch kit in a metal box was standard and at least two types were used.  This metal box was oval shaped and had a top that just snapped on and off.  They tended to get rusted on and then get tossed out.  It was generally yellow on a black background.  A couple of different brands were used.  In about 72 the metal boxes were replaced with a blue/green plastic one.
A picture of the front and back of an original /2 patch kit provided by Mark Lewis, thanks.                     patch2.JPG (66498 bytes)

A picture of the front and back of an original /2 patch kit provided by Mark Lewis, thanks. 
One of the other brands of tire patch kit used during the /2 days.  Thanks Chuck S.

One of the other brands of tire patch kit used during the /2 days.  Thanks Chuck S. 
One of the later (71-72) tire patch kits provided for on the road repairs.  The plastic box didn't rust like the earlier metal one.                     The contents are assorted patches, glue, a "scratcher" and directions.

One of the later (71-72) tire patch kits provided for on the road repairs.  The plastic box didn't rust like the earlier metal one.  The contents are assorted patches, glue, a "scratcher" and directions. 

BMW motorcycle toolbox paper work

One or two pieces of paper work, such as a battery warranty, were included.  Again, the photos are by Allan Atherton.  By now I owe him big time, I better pick a fight with him before I see him or I will have to pay.
Front of the BMW motorcycle warranty                                               Back of the BMW motorcycle warranty

                         Front of the BMW motorcycle warranty        Back of the BMW motorcycle warranty

BMW /5 motorcycle cover for the owner's manual

This shows the front of a /5, /6 and /7 (I think) owner's manual protective plastic cover.  It is 7" X 9" (17.7 X 22.8 cm) in size.  The top part is clear and you can read my R27 manual through it.  The proper manuals are a bit larger though.  I don't have one to show.

This shows the front of a /5, /6 and /7 (I think) owner's manual protective plastic cover.  It is 7" X 9" (17.7 X 22.8 cm) in size.  The top part is clear and you can read my R27 manual through it.  The proper manuals are a bit larger though.  I don't have one to show.
This shows the back side of the cover with a pocket to hold a business card.

This shows the back side of the cover with a pocket to hold a business card. 

The super BMW motorcycle tool kit

A larger and more comprehensive tool kit has been available from BMW since the late 70s.  If someone would email me a .jpg of it, I would add it and give credit.  The two below are from the parts book and were donated by John R, known as "J" to us.
Parts book sketch of the large BMW tool kit.   
Parts book sketch of the large BMW tool kit. 
Inventory of the large BMW tool kit.

Inventory of the large BMW tool kit. 

Additional information on BMW motorcycle tools

Supplied by Allan Atherton, thanks Allan

Tools needed to add to the original toolkit

Marco Hyman, /2 List, 10 Feb.  2002
The new fasteners (from about 1964) use a 13 mm instead of a 14 mm.  The original kit did not include a 13 wrench or socket.  As I don't show my bike, I wanted my toolkit to be useful (if not correct).  It contains (* marks those items from the "stock" toolkit):  
Box wrench 10 x 11 SW
Box wrench 12 x 13 SW
Open-end wrench 7/32 x 1/4 (horn and points)
* Open-end wrench 8 x 10 SW
* Open-end wrench 9 x 11 SW
* Open-end wrench 12 x 14 SW
Open-end wrench 13 x 17
* Open-end wrench 19 x 22 SW
* Ring open-end 36 x 41 SW
* Ring open-end 17 x 27 SW
* Screw driver (large)
Screw driver (small)
Socket 10 mm
Socket 13 mm
Socket 14 mm
Socket 19 mm
Socket (sparkplug)
* Carburetor spanner (useless)
* Tommy bar
* Pliers
Pin wrench/Open-end 24 SW
* 2 tire irons
3/8 drive sliding T handle
6" "wobbly" extension
* Feeler gauges
Magneto/Generator rotor puller
8 mm hex key
6 mm hex key

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Business Plan idea from Micro Business Kid

Business Plan by Micro Business Kid


I'm going to do my own business plan from Marc's version. Click on the link and check out Marc's blog.

http://microbusinesskid.wordpress.com/

A business plan is something that most businesses don’t share with you. Most business plans are also 5-80 pages long. The more complicated, the worse. As is the case with most plans, they usually don’t turn out as planned so what’s the point in putting in so much time and effort into something that will more than likely change?
Short and simple is what we’re after. Since I’m showing you how to create and grow a micro business, you get to see my one-page business plan! A business plan is something that’s nice to refer to from time to time to see how close you are to your ideal business but it will probably change and your business will eventually not resemble your business plan at all. That’s totally fine! You’re creating a plan for something that you’ve never done before; things probably won’t go as planned! If your business is working but it doesn’t reflect your original business plan, there’s no need to do what your business plan says you should.
Please note that this format was taken from Chris Guillebeau’s $100 Start Up. You can download or print a free copy of your own customized plan at 100startup.com once his book is officially launched on May 8th, 2012.
OVERVIEW
What will you sell? I will sell ebooks, guides, and consulting.
Who will buy it? Anyone who wants to start and grow a micro business.
How will your business idea help people? It will encourage people to finally take that “leap of faith” and get started on creating a micro business. It will also help them grow their micro business.
KA-CHING
What will you charge? I will charge a certain amount ranging from $20-50 for the ebooks and guides. The consulting fees will start at $50 and go higher as my credibility and skills increase.
How will you get paid? People can pay me through my PayPal account.
How else will you make money from this project? I can create bundles so people can buy the guides and get consulting at the same time. I can also create an affiliate program and create physical products in the future.
HUSTLING
How will customers learn about your business? Mostly through word-of-mouth. I will share my posts on social networks and ask those who read my posts to share them with their friends if they find them to be helpful.
How will you encourage referrals? I will share most of my value free of charge and as I help more people, more and more, they will hopefully naturally refer my blog to others. I will also create a “hall of fame” of some sort to acknowledge my biggest supporters. I will also give away product from time-to-time.
SUCCESS
The project will be successful when it achieves these metrics:
Annual net income: Around $40,000 (or enough so that this will my full-time gig and I can live comfortably wherever I choose)
OR
Page Views: 100,000 monthly page views
OBSTACLES/CHALLENGES/OPEN QUESTIONS
Specific concern #1: Will people think I have enough credibility?
Proposed solution: Create quality posts, offer great value, ask for testimonials/post testimonials, possibly write a book
Specific concern #2: Will enough people see what I have to offer?
Proposed solution: Create great content regularly, ask for referrals, write guest posts on other blogs, have guest writers post on my blog, create great friendships with as many followers as possible
DEADLINE:
I will launch this project into the world no later than: oops, I skipped this part =P

Go ahead and copy this format and create your business plan! Don’t wait another day to get the ball rolling on your project. “Tomorrow” will kill any project before it even has a chance.

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Rob's front and rear guards / fenders


We have been working on the front and rear mudguards / fenders for Rob's bike. There is someting so satisfying about bending and shaping metal. Now we need to paint the stays and make the rear rack.

If you want to know how we do the rear guard stays I'm going to post some photos and info soon. It is very easy if I can do it so can you.

Cheers
Adam