DR650 Hack.... Dual Sport.

[claude]

Looks good Kliff!
you wrote:
>>This hack actually is too light, and would have been better if built from heavier materials. Though not from a strength stand point, but mainly from a low speed handling point. The next rig will be 2" square, .250" wall thickness.<<

You may want to consider still using the 1/8" wall material if you plan to stick with square stock and then just plating the frame for additional weight if felt needed. That way you can still end up with a very strong assembly but will be abel to distribute the weight around as needed. Ballast if desired can be bolted to the plate to the rear or anywhere you see fit.

You had mentioned about criticism related to using all the heim ends. I may have been guilty of that one :-)

YOU are right in sdaying that if all the hookups are angled in such a way as to prevent any unwanted rotation within the heim ends you will be okay. I would ,however, make it a point to either sandwich the heims within two bracket members or at least add a large dismeter washer on th eside of the heim away from a singel bracket. I have seen the center of heim ends pull out of their socket if overstressed to the side. A large washer will at least keep the things from creating a total failure. Not my first rodeao either

Great looking outfit Kliff....keep us posted.

[kliff]

Originally Posted by claude

Looks good Kliff!


You may want to consider still using the 1/8" wall material if you plan to stick with square stock and then just plating the frame for additional weight if felt needed. That way you can still end up with a very strong assembly but will be abel to distribute the weight around as needed. Ballast if desired can be bolted to the plate to the rear or anywhere you see fit.

You had mentioned about criticism related to using all the heim ends. I may have been guilty of that one :-)

YOU are right in sdaying that if all the hookups are angled in such a way as to prevent any unwanted rotation within the heim ends you will be okay. I would ,however, make it a point to either sandwich the heims within two bracket members( The two main 3/4" attaching heims are sanwiched between 1/4" steel plate mounts) or at least add a large dismeter washer on th eside of the heim away from a singel bracket. I have seen the center of heim ends pull out of their socket if overstressed to the side(All the other heims used in this construction are stressed about 95%, in a linear pull or compression manner. The washers would be good precaution for a "twisting" load, but not entirely necessary on a linear load.). A large washer will at least keep the things from creating a total failure. Not my first rodeao either
I surrender, I give up..... Definitely not my forte.....headin' back to my shade tree.

Great looking outfit Kliff....keep us posted.

responses in RED...

[claude]

As far as the washers go it might never be an issue, probably won't...but...heck they cost peanuts. There are fancy washers out there but no real need for them. Click here:
http://midnight4x4.com/store/item/np-hs-sw.html

Regardless of my stupid rambling..you have built a really cool rig there and should be proud of it. Good job.

[jbcaddy]

I am impressed that Claude takes the time to help folks with thier personal projects. It seems as his suggestions are always done in a positive way and never any name calling stuff from him that I have seen. Thanks!
I am reading lots of these build reports to reduce my ignorance before starting my own build. Thanks Kliff, Claude and the many others that contribute. JB

[Gentleman Adventurer]

Kliff,

Question from a noob;

won't that exhaust be blowing in your passengers face, and maybe a little loud being right in front?

Nice looking outfit though, great job!

Thanks

Keith

PS I agree, Nice of Claude to chime in!