Flying Merkel tribute build... the Flying Merkin??

Not sure where you're at with this but I have a bunch of Rock Shox (bicycle) fork springs laying around. OD on them is about 21-22mm ..... might work for a bottom out spring if nothing else? Let me know if you want them.

Excellent build

Thank you. I got the spring thing figured out, I just don't have anything for rebound dampening. I'll wait to see how it rides before worrying about it.

Friction?

I think our Gravely was probably a 1950's model.

Anyway this thread is about Rebuilder's build and not Gravelys.

I'm hoping friction will work... Uh, I mean my calculations show that the friction produced will be sufficient.

The last couple of nights I've been working on getting the motor mounted. Turned out to be quite a job.

First I had to notch the motor to fit around the frame. I wanted to set it as low as possible so the frame would curve tightly around the bottom.



Just like in the stock frame I had to make one side of the upper mounts removable so I can get the motor in and out.



I probably won't punish myself with flat heads here, but I'll use them for now.



The other side.







Now to set the motor and make the other mounts





This will be the pretty side of the bike (Only meaning the kickstand will be on the other side). I plan on making my own stator cover to look more the part of an old motor. It'll be hard to disguise this thing though. I'm hoping the bright orange paint and shiny things will be take the attention away from the motor.



This side looks really Japanese and will be harder to disguise.



The other mounts getting ready.



Front L side. Ugly weld so I ground it down. Guess I'll smooth them all now.



R side.



Gusset









Bottom rear.





Bottom front.



Best work stand ever. I used that to work on my BMX bikes when I was a kid.



Nice fit if I do say so myself.





I'm not sure what's next. It may be a few day before the next post. All the big stuff is done. Maybe I'll finish the wheels.

Bloody brilliant. I love it.

Thought you said you couldn't weld? Rear motor mount welds look good to me.

looks great doode! i can hardly wait to see the finished bike.

Further inspiration, in case you didn't see it. Blatently stolen from the Cannonball Run thread:

See it?


Heck.....at the very least I want to ride it......The way it is going I really want to buy it.

Love Merkles (it's an OHIO thing)
Love Yamahas
Love this YaMerkle!

Holy crap.:eek1

I am gonna go home and kick my tool box.

Awesome build.

You might consider some faux engine covers, kind of like a clam shell, for both sides. Wouldn't be hard to do and could really give it a good old look if done right.

Also, on the old XR600 hondas they would weld extra metal to the fins for more cooling. That could also give it an interesting look. From what you've done so far, either of those should be fairly easy for you.

YaMerkel... I like it. Sort of a Minnesota thing too. Ya You betcha.

Everything is for sale for the right price

So your not content with making us all jealous, you have to tempt us as well. <!-- / message -->

Rebuilder,
How about a mock-up photo with the engine, tank, wheels,seat,etc.?
Thanks,

Oh I can't wait for that either. These next pic's get me one step closer.

Somebody stop me... the paint on the rim isn't done... I don't know what I'm doing.... I'm supposed to send these to someone for this.... I can't stop myself..... too much temptation.

Too late....

Oh boy, this doesn't look good.



OK, this is going pretty good.




Oh, that wasn't so bad.



Home-made truing stand.



I guess if you think you can't do something..... try, you might be surprised.

Now I need to take it apart and finish the paint.

(This thread makes my sidecar project look like something from the "Flintstones")