Update on my Project SR: Sunmaster 14

An update has been long due. After the setbacks with powder coating the frame I finally got back on track and managed to get some work done.
The frame and front forks came back looking great. The forks were not assembled though, so that was the perfect excuse for me to order a pair of progressive springs from Webike in Japan.

I really love the new frame color!

Type 1 aluminium swingarm. It's a work of art, but I will change it to a more classic looking Type 2 swingarm today.

Only the best for my baby: a set of Ohlins!

Put the engine in by myself. First mask the frame with some paper tape or similar to avoid scratches. Next, lean over the engine and lift, inserting it through the right side of the frame. If you have a willing friend around, maybe better...

I installed the upper and lower steering bearings and this nice compression release setup that fits in the spindle mount and will considerably clean up the controls on the clip ons. (A detailed HOW-TO will follow soon).

Next, I started on something I really wasn't looking forward to: the electrics.

To clean up the ugly cable mess I used a battery tray that fits nicely under the seat. This way I can get rid of the big battery box.(Again, a more detailed HOW-TO will follow soon).

Still trying to find the best location for all the electric bits and pieces.

And here's the Type 2 aluminium swingarm. 

Which one do you like better? (A HOW-TO on how to install a swingarm soon on this blog!)

New arrivals at Omega Racer

I've been supporting the guys from "The Sports" from the start. Seeing how meticulously they work on their bikes and the painstakingly attention to detail they employ when crafting their custom parts, I knew I'm onto a winner. It was full sails ahead for me from then on.

I started with offering their custom seat cowl about 2 years ago. Now, I'm proud to introduce some of their new goodies, namely a very cool leather side bag that you'll find only at Omega Racer, clip on handlebars and headlight brackets for 35 and 41mm forks, mini switches and rear turning light brackets.

I can't overemphasize that when you're getting a "The Sports" part, you're getting the best money can buy. No compromises.

Just look at the pictures...they speak for themselves...

Leather side bag

  

Clip-Ons and headlight brackets

Mini switches

Custom seat cowl

Rear turning light brackets

Yamaha SR400 by Arden Fiegert

Arden is an Omega Racer customer who, very creatively, put together this unique Yamaha SR400.
This bike has stirred up some controversy online recently....Love for the creativity and hate for the unusual lines. 

I, for one, love people who's only care is to express their creative drive, without having to measure up to other's people ideas of what a cafe racer, or custom bike in general, should look like.

Love it or hate it, here it is:

Classic Ducati belt buckle

While constantly surfing on the waves of the web, I also visit countless Facebook groups where I share my passion with many other bike enthusiasts around the globe. One one such group dedicated to Vintage Ducati Singles I met a guy who put me in contact with another remarkable person: Tom Rolland.

Tom has restored 8 Ducati 750GT over the past years and has now just finished bringing a Guzzi 850 Eldorado ex LAPD back to life.

However, as great as it looks, the Guzzi is not why I'm writing this. Tom is well known for making stunning hand made belt buckles with the classic Ducati valve covers design.

They come in 2 versions, big for 1.5 inches belts and small for 1 inch belts. Also, both sizes come either made of brass or solid Sterling silver.

Here are the brass buckles I've ordered.

Tom is not really looking to make a business out of them, but if you're interested in getting one, I'm sure he'll be happy to make one for you. Send him an email HERE

Riding Course at Bira International Circuit

This has been on my bucket list for a while now.
To (re)learn how to ride a bike and gain experience on a track. In my case, I heard about this on the 'Expat Bikers (Thailand)' Facebook group.

Our instructor was Graham, who explained to us the basics of controlling a bike. The day started at 8am and finished after lunch. I opted to rent a Kawasaki ER6n from Graham, because I couldn't risk trashing my own. You never know.... Boots and leathers are provided, just bring your own helmet.

Now, I've been riding for over 25 years with a very small accident count. Riding safe and riding well are definitely connected, but they aren't the same thing. Just as I thought, there were several things I do wrong when riding. Holding the handlebar too tightly for example, sitting up too stiff, not shifting enough weight and wrong feet positioning in the turns, turned out to be my biggest shortcomings.

With Graham's help though, and several laps later, I started to get 'it' and my confidence grew accordingly. Hadn't it been for a sudden downpour, I think I would have put down that knee where it belonged, on the tarmac!

Bira is open for bikes in the morning and cars in the afternoon. You can just turn up there and for a fee of 1.200Baht ride your bike the whole morning. (Riding instructor not included!)

Verdict: A very enjoyable day. I would recommend all bikers out there to take such a course. The only thing I missed were some refreshments or the chance to make a cup of coffee.

Project Telos on Inazuma Cafe

Just got confirmation that Project Telos made it on the virtual pages of Inazuma Cafe, one of the most popular motorcycle blogs in Italy and beyond.

Thank you Luke!

http://www.inazumacafe.com/2015/05/telos-by-omega-racer.html

Project TELOS completed!

2 years.

That's what it took to materialize in reality what started as a glimmer of my imagination. Project Telos was going to be my first build and at the same time a bike that could showcase many of the nice parts I have in my shop. Telos was supposed to become a clean and straightforward cafe racer, an honest and purposeful thumper.
I was completely absorbed by my idea and had no doubt whatsoever that one day I would realize it. Armed with the strong conviction that I was meant to build this bike, I soon developed a design and a parts list.
That was the easy part.

Photoshop is so last century...

At that time I already had an SR400 here in Thailand, so I didn't really need another one here. My idea was to find an SR500 in Germany, import it in Italy and then customize it there. Of course, building a bike in Italy might be a problem if you live almost 9.000km away in Thailand. Not so,...if you have good friends, and I'm lucky enough to say that I do. In addition, having a direct link to the best manufacturers in Thailand is also quite handy.

Dominik Tress (from TeileTress) in Germany was recruited to acquire the bike, while Thomas Branca and his wrenching friends agreed to take it upon themselves to put everything together. My part was to provide all the funds and ship the chosen parts from Thailand to Italy, including the beautiful custom made aluminium tank, the seat cowl and side covers, an exquisite aluminium swingarm and racing rearsets, as well as countless shiny bits and pieces. A fairing was also planned but later dismissed in favour of a more 'essentially naked' design.

The plan was soon set in motion. In January 2013 a suitable donor bike was found (1990 SR500)  and brought to Italy. Whoever had the chance to build your own bike, will surely know that however easy it might appear, there are always pitfalls and unforeseen obstacles luring behind every bolt. Project Telos had its fair share of them, but the Italian wrenchheads dealt with them swiftly and often creatively.

The word 'Telos' comes from the Greek τέλος for "end", "purpose", or "goal". I find it remarkable that Telos is now the result of a variety of people from 3 different countries, all working together with one common goal. Nomen est omen!

PS: Telos will be put up for sale shortly. If you want to be first in line, please write to info@omegaracer.com.

My Precious! - Handcrafted SR Ring

I got my greasy hands on a (very) limited edition of cool SR rings and thought I'd share them with my friends.
If you're like me and you already have the t-shirts, the belt buckle, the 1:12 plastic model kit, the 1:10 die cast model, the clock, the painting, the key ring and and and......here's a great addition to your collection!

One size fits them all: 18mm diameter to be precise.

Get yours quickly here: >>>My Precious<<<

Sunmaster 14 - part 3 or Here we go again....

If you've followed the start of my project bike called Sunmaster 14 on a Yamaha SR400 base, you'll know that it hasn't been an easy one. I've been dramatically let down TWICE by the powdercoating shop, who not only fucked up (excuse the language) the job twice, but actually stripped all the threads present on the frame. Some I fixed, others will be fixed as I go along with the build. I even bought a Tap and Die set....

Well, the frame has been sitting for a couple of weeks, as I was too busy to work on it and guess what....
the color is breaking loose once again. There's no other option as to get it done again. This time however, I will select the shop veeery carefully. Already got a few leads to professional shops in Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai.