Planet Minis

RonKMiller

I'm way too big to use the stock seat, plus it just would NOT look right for my project, so I'm going to mount an old school flat sprung saddle that will be mounted and supported from the FRONT only - just like they used to do!

The aluminum plates will have to support 215 lbs. and four times that amount under load when I hit a large bump. They'll be mounted to the 4 stock welded on lugs. They've been tapped for 10mm grade 8 allen head bolts. The seat will actually hang over the rear tail light on a leaf spring mounted underneath. The seat will pivot up and down from the front.

The space between the plates will be a great place to hide all the excess wiring from my 12V accessories.

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jmurray192

man that really looks like its going to be a cool project

RonKMiller

Thanks - I've got a looong way to go before it's ready - I figure it will take at least another couple of months.

Pretty much all of the re-engineering is complete, now I've got to work on the DETAILS.

RonKMiller

I've got the sprung seat finished except for replacing the foam with dual density visco elastic foam (memory foam) and then making a cover out of perforated Alcantara. Why not have a comfortable seat?

The shock is adjustable for preload and damping, the tail light group came with my Lifan accessories and is attached to the OEM tail light bracket. Carbon fiber license plate frame...

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FastMC

Great idea and great work, but isnt it a little out of proportion with the tank ? Will you raise the tank at all ?

50-50

I was thinking the same. It looks like the seat will be way too high and too big in comparison to that tank. Anyway, I'm very interested to see this project when it's complete!

RonKMiller

Well, since I'm 6' tall with a 50 inch chest and 220 lbs I'm just a bit out of proportion with the bike as WELL!

I think once the new fenders (Chaly) are mounted they will help to visually "balance" everything - since they are kind of heavy looking - even though they are plastic. I'll paint them black. I'm probably going to paint the front triangular seat support black to make it appear smaller.

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reynolds_brad

There are metal chaly fenders out there, they are hard to get a hold of but they do exist. the one on my chaly is a metal one.

Nice craftsmanship on the seat by the way. Just a bit high in my opinion though, but hey its your bike and if you like it then thats all that matters.

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pecore nere ufficiose

Motoshop Z - Honda50.com

RonKMiller

Yep, saw those. I think the one's I've picked out should be a bit easier to mount since it looks like I should be able to clamp them directly to the fork lowers - and if need be shorten them a little to better fit the 8" wheels. Since I'm going for an "old school" look if the fenders seem a little too massive they should fit right in... If you remember how some of the old Indian's and early BMW's looked.

The seat height is now 31" - about 5" higher than before and 6" farther back, but most importantly it will keep me from being so jammed - plus wheelies will be a cinch!

reynolds_brad

If you havent already ordered one of those plastic ones let me know i have two of them kicking around that im looking to get rid of.

B

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pecore nere ufficiose

Motoshop Z - Honda50.com

RonKMiller

Dang - I pulled the trigger too quick! Already ordered.

I finished the seat today - gettin' there... pretty comfy - I might be able to ride it for an HOUR non stop!

The reason I'm building this is to use it at trade shows to encourage potential customers to come up and sit on one of our seats. That seat would retail for $475.00. Our primary customers are 40+ with LOTS of disposable income for their toys.

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trizzbizzle

that's a beautiful seat man!

RonKMiller

Thanks - but it needs to be cleaned up a bit on the rear since it SHOWS. Normally we don't sweat the small stuff since it never sees daylight tucked under fairings.