HPN frame modifications

Twinox · 06-02-2009, 05:38 PM

Surely in this great country of custom harleys and lawn mower powered bar stools there must be someone who does the HPN frame strengthening and the fork rake modifications with out taking two years to do it.New to this website and though I haven't had a bike for 9 years,I am really salivating for a monolevered RTW bike.I've built a /2 conversion and a R80ST based GS while working at Bob's motorcycle world in Chicago.I'm hooked on SunnySideUP,Chi-town and WorldRiders thread.But I digress.Who has done these mods in the states?

Johnny Boxer's bike is pretty much my dreambike.

never2old4fun · 06-02-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinox

Surely in this great country of custom harleys and lawn mower powered bar stools there must be someone who does the HPN frame strengthening and the fork rake modifications with out taking two years to do it.New to this website and though I haven't had a bike for 9 years,I am really salivating for a monolevered RTW bike.I've built a /2 conversion and a R80ST based GS while working at Bob's motorcycle world in Chicago.I'm hooked on SunnySideUP,Chi-town and WorldRiders thread.But I digress.Who has done these mods in the states?

Johnny Boxer's bike is pretty much my dreambike.

Have you looked into what "Framecrafters" might be able to do for you.
www.framecrafters.net/

P B G · 06-02-2009, 06:57 PM

There are pictures online of just what the HPN modifications involve.

You could have basically any frame or good welder perform those modifications, but it won't be an HPN.

Twinox · 06-02-2009, 07:34 PM

Thanks for the link,looking for somebody on the left coast.What would be a suitable donor for the white power fork?

Airhead Wrangler · 06-02-2009, 07:37 PM

I've seen frame reinforcement work similar to hpn done by anderwerks up in Calgary though HPN has the market cornered when it comes to work of their sophistication.

Twinox · 06-02-2009, 08:19 PM

Thanks Airhead,like your bike.Loved my ST but had to get rid of it when my son was born.

SOLO LOBO · 06-02-2009, 08:57 PM

Paul Rooney down under sells frame reinforcements ala-HPN that you weld on...ducsingle bought two kits and I believe R-Dubb used one on his G/S build

Dustdevill · 06-02-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinox

Surely in this great country of custom harleys and lawn mower powered bar stools there must be someone who does the HPN frame strengthening and the fork rake modifications with out taking two years to do it.New to this website and though I haven't had a bike for 9 years,I am really salivating for a monolevered RTW bike.I've built a /2 conversion and a R80ST based GS while working at Bob's motorcycle world in Chicago.I'm hooked on SunnySideUP,Chi-town and WorldRiders thread.But I digress.Who has done these mods in the states?

Johnny Boxer's bike is pretty much my dreambike.

HPN does more than just a few modifications and welding on some bits of metal to make it look good. Their reinforced frame comes with a lot of experience braking these in all types of rallies over the years. Other things that is as important to do when reinforcing the frame is to make the correct changes to the geometry of the frame as this will determine how the bike will handle and if it will be safe at high speeds. Before welding, the frame is checked for trueness and straightened if not, but once welded it needs to be de-stressed and straightened again. This takes time and is a backbreaking job. This part of the process no frame welder can copy as the jig used by HPN is quite involved and specific to the job.
The money spend(+-$2000) and the wait is well worth it. Besides it does not take two years to do the frame and because the frames from abroad can't stay in Germany for to long, HPN must make sure they leave in good time.

Perfection takes time but if you are prepared to go with second best and possibly risk your life, be my guest, I'm sure you will find plenty of people to copy what they think needs to be done to the frame.
Keep in mind as well that if it was done by HPN all their gear will fit. If you made it up yourself you will have to find or custom built a shock that will fit. Mount brackets to hold the tank etc.

The best donor forks is from a HPN. The forks has the right preload for the weight of the bike, the triple clamp have the right geometry and most important your GS front wheel and brakes will bolt straight on saving lots of money and time on making other items fit and work.

Ron Seida · 06-03-2009, 01:21 AM

HPN builds really nice stuff.
I re-enforced my frame with 1/8" plate at the neck and added an extra support to the shock attachment to handle the heavy load of two up with luggage. Nothing has been straitened and the bike rides true. I also built a new tripple clamp to accomadate WP4860 forks, which i had shortened to 8" and re-sprung. The geometry is the same as stock, but much stiffer. If you have gobs of money, go for the HPN, i would. Otherwise, if you get together with a good fabricator and lay out your geometry, it's not rocket science to stiffen up the frame and add an after market fork.

Phreaky Phil · 06-03-2009, 03:49 AM

Is this the sort of thing your after ?

Joerg · 06-03-2009, 05:23 AM

HPN modifications are made in Seibersdorf, Germany, and nowhere else. All else are copies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Seida

Otherwise, if you get together with a good fabricator and lay out your geometry, it's not rocket science to stiffen up the frame and add an after market fork.

Just don't forget that arbitrarily reinforcing one part of the frame (steering head, swingarm bearing area) will shift or create a weak spot in other areas ... this is not something that will happen right now, but maybe after 30 or 60 Mm of riding. This is where HPN's experience comes in ... and pays off.

Twinox · 06-03-2009, 07:34 AM

Thanks to all for the replies.Right now I'm in the dream mode of building the bike but all suggestions will be considered.My gramps said"you can learn something from anyone,even what not to do!"

igormortis · 06-03-2009, 09:14 PM

Thanks for those pics Phil! Where in NZ are you?

Tanami · 06-03-2009, 11:13 PM

You have the right idea twinox. Keep your ear to the ground for a while and look at what others have done and what has worked for them and why. When you know what YOU need then ask around at networks who might be in the know (such as this) and you can be specific in your requirements. HPN do fantastic work but I'd draw the line at saying any special not built by them might be dangerous, although I reckon If I'd forked out that kind money I'd be brand loyal too. Here in Australia there have been specials built for as long as there have been G/S's. I couldnt guess how many are cruising the by-ways but the ones I have ridden have handled superbly and have proven themselves as hardy global tourers and all out rallye bikes. I'd be mighty suprised if you didnt find the same in the US of A, what you seek is out there. Go well, ride well. dream...enjoy.

Phreaky Phil · 06-03-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by igorpeter

Thanks for those pics Phil! Where in NZ are you?

In the Naki

06-02-2009, 05:38 PM	#1
Twinox ^OP airhead admirer Joined: May 2009 Location: pyschoville,ca Oddometer: 20	HPN frame modifications Surely in this great country of custom harleys and lawn mower powered bar stools there must be someone who does the HPN frame strengthening and the fork rake modifications with out taking two years to do it.New to this website and though I haven't had a bike for 9 years,I am really salivating for a monolevered RTW bike.I've built a /2 conversion and a R80ST based GS while working at Bob's motorcycle world in Chicago.I'm hooked on SunnySideUP,Chi-town and WorldRiders thread.But I digress.Who has done these mods in the states? Johnny Boxer's bike is pretty much my dreambike.

06-02-2009, 07:37 PM	#5
Airhead Wrangler More tacos than you Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Manzanillo MX, occasionally Seattle Oddometer: 5,123	I've seen frame reinforcement work similar to hpn done by anderwerks up in Calgary though HPN has the market cornered when it comes to work of their sophistication. __________________ R80ST Gets The HPN Treatment Ducati Pantah 500SL Rebuild Seattle to TDF on an airhead WTB R100R Mystic sidestand and mount.

06-03-2009, 01:21 AM	#9
Ron Seida Adventman Joined: Jan 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Oddometer: 1,236	HPN builds really nice stuff. I re-enforced my frame with 1/8" plate at the neck and added an extra support to the shock attachment to handle the heavy load of two up with luggage. Nothing has been straitened and the bike rides true. I also built a new tripple clamp to accomadate WP4860 forks, which i had shortened to 8" and re-sprung. The geometry is the same as stock, but much stiffer. If you have gobs of money, go for the HPN, i would. Otherwise, if you get together with a good fabricator and lay out your geometry, it's not rocket science to stiffen up the frame and add an after market fork. __________________ "¿Qué sería de la vida si no tuviéramos el valor de intentar algo nuevo?" Van Gogh... "Your the only guy i've met driving a BMW who isn't an asshole." D. Irwin...

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06-02-2009, 06:57 PM	#3
P B G Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Greater Chicago Oddometer: 9,781	There are pictures online of just what the HPN modifications involve. You could have basically any frame or good welder perform those modifications, but it won't be an HPN.

06-02-2009, 07:34 PM	#4
Twinox ^OP airhead admirer Joined: May 2009 Location: pyschoville,ca Oddometer: 20	Thanks for the link,looking for somebody on the left coast.What would be a suitable donor for the white power fork?

06-02-2009, 08:19 PM	#6
Twinox ^OP airhead admirer Joined: May 2009 Location: pyschoville,ca Oddometer: 20	Thanks Airhead,like your bike.Loved my ST but had to get rid of it when my son was born.

06-03-2009, 03:49 AM	#10
Phreaky Phil Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2006 Location: NEW ZEALAND Oddometer: 1,186	Is this the sort of thing your after ?

06-03-2009, 07:34 AM	#12
Twinox ^OP airhead admirer Joined: May 2009 Location: pyschoville,ca Oddometer: 20	Thanks to all for the replies.Right now I'm in the dream mode of building the bike but all suggestions will be considered.My gramps said"you can learn something from anyone,even what not to do!"

06-03-2009, 09:14 PM	#13
igormortis Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Oddometer: 1,082	Thanks for those pics Phil! Where in NZ are you?

06-03-2009, 11:13 PM	#14
Tanami known agitator Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Launceston, Tasmania, AUS. Oddometer: 166	You have the right idea twinox. Keep your ear to the ground for a while and look at what others have done and what has worked for them and why. When you know what YOU need then ask around at networks who might be in the know (such as this) and you can be specific in your requirements. HPN do fantastic work but I'd draw the line at saying any special not built by them might be dangerous, although I reckon If I'd forked out that kind money I'd be brand loyal too. Here in Australia there have been specials built for as long as there have been G/S's. I couldnt guess how many are cruising the by-ways but the ones I have ridden have handled superbly and have proven themselves as hardy global tourers and all out rallye bikes. I'd be mighty suprised if you didnt find the same in the US of A, what you seek is out there. Go well, ride well. dream...enjoy.