XL600 Super Tracker

[Super Tracker]

Thought I'd share my project. Started life as an XL600R. Main frame/cradle and engine are the only things that will be original. I've put a lot of work into it, still have a lot more to do.... Final tank will be a custom aluminum, that'll be shaped like the old CZ tank, only sitting down on the frame, even with the seat pan.

Bikes that have donated parts:
2006 KX250f forks
2006 CRF250 swingarm
2004 CRF brakes
2012 CRF250 hubs
1982 CR250 shock
1999 CR250 linkage
2002 Ninja 250 dog bones
2003 CR subframe (some of it)
There's probably more; I'll add it if I remember.

[jimmyx]

Nice.........Looking forward to seeing this completed.

[kubiak]

great project! cant wait to see more pics!

[EmilianoXR650L]

[Cumbacheech]

[jgrady1982]

Awesome!

This engine is going to make so much power and be so much fun with this bike. Awesome job so far!

When I am bombing on mine I always think that this would make an excellant vintage track / supermoto bike.

Keep the pics coming!!!

[plugeye]

ooo good project

[kubiak]

looks like all good components so far, should be pretty light and run great!

[Andyvh1959]

I'm keeping an eye on this project. I have an 83 XL600 in my shop just waiting to turn into a retro-motard!

I already have a 17" rear rim that I plan to lace up to the front hub so I have 17 wheels front and rear. Then some dogbones to lower the rear. Clean up the frame. A hand made seat pan/tailpiece with number plate sides. Maybe an under frame muffler. A fuel tank in the shape of an old Elsinore maybe.

[Super Tracker]

Been slow going on the super tracker. Did get the engine together today. Need to get the outside painted.

QUICK QUESTION - Is it normal for the left intake valve to open less than the right? I was cycling the engine, after assembly, and noticed.....

[mcma111]

Noticed What???

[plugeye]

Originally Posted by mcma111

Noticed What???

Is it normal for the left intake valve to open less than the right?

[Super Tracker]

Originally Posted by plugeye

Is it normal for the left intake valve to open less than the right?

Yea, is that normal? I expect it is since there aren't any chunks gone from my cam, it just surprised me to see it open less than the right.

[Super Tracker]

Originally Posted by Super Tracker

Yea, is that normal? I expect it is since there aren't any chunks gone from my cam, it just surprised me to see it open less than the right.

So...... My dumb a$$ didn't make sure that the secondary rocker arm on that intake valve stayed up when the valve cover got installed. Long story short, I found it, after the engine was in the frame and wired up. I couldn't get the center bolt of the cover loose, while the engine was in the frame.

I put my mad skills, from the classic game "Operation" to test. I successfully dropped the wave washer and rocker arm into the head, magnetized a screw driver, found the wave washer, and spent 15 minutes with a curve pair of needle nose pliers and got the arm between the other rocker and the valve stem. I wouldn't recommend doing it that way.

Now the valve opens the same distance as the other. With that brain fart out of the way, on to the good news!
I started it, and rode the open header beast down the street. Seems to run really strong. It also goes STRAIGHT! I was worried after the mass amounts of custom suspension components. I think it's going to bring plenty of smiles. Now it's time to finish cutting the tail braces for the subframe and take it to my friend at Medusa Fabrications, to build the aluminum tank. Then take it all apart again, for paint and finishing touches.

Smoke in video is from back tire. I was coming in a little hot, towards my truck (camera was on rear bumper).


http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/6913/pgwi.mp4

[Super Tracker]

With a new baby in the house, progress has been slower than expected. I'm home on paternity leave now, so I've been getting some done, between the baby's naps.
On with the pics!