Very cool to see you back on this project. What a fascinating piece of home made DIY engineering. This is truly a unique one of a kind with many lessons in machining, fabrication, measuring, welding and more. Way to go!!!
First bike I ever race on, '68 DT1 enduro highly modified, git kit pipe, laid down Curnutt's. My first Dist. 37 desert race in 1975 out at Cal. City, got 10th overall beginner class. That's back when you'd have 200 beginners on the line. Great bikes for their day. Also had a '69 CT1 that was a great bike. Looks like you're doing a really nice job. My grandad was a fabricator, and did a lot of work for Preston Petty back in the day. The bike you see me sitting on in my profile pick, my granddad got in trade for doing fab work for Preston. Needless to say my '68 DT1 that I raced on back then was pretty tricked out, and dialed in.
Cool story Craig, yes that bike looks trick. It is amazing how things change but still remain the same in lots of ways. Fabrication is one of the most fun things for me. I think most folks like doing it.
Dale, I've been watching almost a year. I'm retired now and in the garage 4+ days a week working on the old bikes. Such great theapy etc. Your channel is wonderful & extremly helpful!!! I''VE LEARNED SO MUCH. I only have about 2% of your talent and tools but my life has been so much more gratifying becuase of this hobby. I hope many more use you as inspiration. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Hey Chad, thank you very much for hanging out with me in the shop. Sounds like you're getting in the swing of things. You are right it's great fun and therapy at the same time. After I retired, I spent about 60 days napping and doing nothing, then I slowly got started again in the shop and have never looked back. Sometimes I don't get much done, but I'm out there anyway. Good luck in your retirement.
Hey Chad, I grew up as a farmer, so we learned to fix everything, my dad saw to it that I could run equipment and weld. Early on I worked for a motorcycle dealer, then spent over 20 years in the military, then I did over 20 years as a mailman at the USPS. Lots of what I do I learned myself with the help of many youtube channels.
10:12 Just a quick question, do your pupils auto-darken? 😜 Anyway, you are doing a great job on that bike, its going to be a nice ride when it's finished.
Hi Dale, Do you have a playlist series for this build? I remember the rear suspension was terrible, travel was way too short and would put you 'over the bars' in a heartbeat. I'm interested in seeing the entire process (without having to search through all your video's)
Man, you are really bringing back the memories for me. Had one of these in 74, which I replaced with the 78 IT 175. You are spot on trying to improve the suspension,the stock shocks on mine literally bent in half! And just to keep me honest, the ignition pick up went wacky and made the engine run backwards. People thought I was full of it, but made it interesting many miles from home.
Thanks Russell, it sure is fun trying to figure all those mods out, and what parts will swap over pretty easy. More to come as I get started on the front end.
Good afternoon Dale. Just got back home from Phoenix a little bit ago. The Honda got sold and I picked up a 71 TS125. Couldn't resist it, got a good deal on it. Also stopped by the salvage yard and picked up the wire harness for the 185 along with some other parts that I was needing. All in all it was a good day.
Hey Dave, think you have more bikes than me. Got to get them when you find them, especially if they are at a good price. So, you're starting on the 185 now, think you said you were going to do the suspension upgrades to it. Let me know how that progresses.
@@montana2strokeracer I only have 10 Suzuki's. That's with the 185 and the 125 that I'm working on. I will be doing the suspension upgrades on both after I get all the frame gussets and alternate upper shock mounts welded in.
I forgot to ask, How did the test fit of the RM side panels go? I like your idea of going with the RM forks and front wheel on the Yamaha. Might make things a little easier for you. Something else you may want to consider is finding and modifying a TM250 exhaust pipe to fit the Yamaha. May save you some fabrication time.
Hey David, I haven't tried the panels but I sure they will not just fit. I kind of like it without side covers, don't need them for I am not racing. Yes, the RM forks are what I had. I just decided not to use the Yamaha AT1 hub, going to use the same year as forks, hub and plate......your right it does make it simpler and was not too much money, more to come on that part of the bike. I have the correct dimensions for the expansion chamber for this engine, so I will be trying to build one that will enhance the performance. I built a couple pipes a few years ago, not easy, slow going, but you can make them really fit nice if you take your time. I'm really not worried about fab time, I'm retired and have lots of time, I just enjoy the fabrication part of this hobby. Its more about the fun than anything.
@@montana2strokeracer You remember those cool old 70’s colors; I’m thinking in particular the F- series Ford pickups? Burnt Orange metallic and a cream color two tone, somehow it reminds me of those color schemes.
I know what you're talking about Kerry......madder of fact the Orange here is probably going to be close to Ford Grabber Orange that you are referring to. I have used it before for my Bultaco Alpina. It was perfect along with the Ford grabber blue. I think the white is a great contrast with the Orange.
Haven't really thought about side panels, this seems a bit narrower than the RM, I'm just a trail rider so I don't need number plates. But I will think about it anyways. I have some for an RM maybe I will try to fit them. Good question.
Thanks Steve, I enjoy being outside also. It was a nice day for winter, I don't mind the wind.....the chinook winds here keep the snow melted and the temps mild.
Not overkill . We were around in the 73-78 era when there were thousands of Long Travel Conversions and we surely remember plenty of poorly designed and or executed ones too
Yes, I remember the long travel stuff was really black ops back then and no one really knew how to do it. I don't confess to know much either. It's just a fun project done by a farmer. Lots of good suggestions coming in too.
Great work from a true fabricator. Nice redesign as well. I'm curious about the wire feed welder, because of how clean it seems to weld. What brand and model?
Well, thank you very much, but I just like to piddle with stuff. This kind of thing is just fun. Oh, the MIG welder I was using in the project is a Lincoln SP135, don't think they make them any longer. Think it may be a 140 these days, it is a 115-volt light duty model.
Good idea - Removing the original rear bar of the triangle significantly weakened the frame design geometry. The additional short piece added in front of the shock helped resolve this issue by tying the new parallel frame / shock member to the top horizontal bar. For the few grams involved, the frame could be further strengthened by adding a piece between upper & lower parallel bars above upper shock bolt. That would stiffen & counter increased lateral forces caused by the increased acute shock angle. Excellent decrease of unspring weight. Thinking the spring diameter may be too large for these design changes, but will depend on rider weight, dampening, etc. We added Konis to an old Kawasaki & needed to significantly adjust the spring rate.
Hi thanks for all the good suggestions. Are you the frame maker that commented a couple months ago? I learned a lot of good info from you. My intentions are to put a gusset in the spot you are suggesting in this comment. I believe as you state it will further strengthen the area. Yes, the jury is still out on the spring rate etc. Only time and riding will tell. Thanks for all the good info, sure appreciate it.
Hey Evan, I used the 78 1/2 Suzuki RM250, but you could use the RM 125 or RM 400 from the same era. Just make sure it is the Aluminum one. You will notice a little difference in the wheelbase depending on which one you use. I believe you could use the later full floater type, but you may have to modify the swingarm. I'm sure a Kawasaki, or Honda would work too, but you will have to modify the front of the arm instead of just making bushings like I did for this one.
Very cool to see you back on this project. What a fascinating piece of home made DIY engineering. This is truly a unique one of a kind with many lessons in machining, fabrication, measuring, welding and more. Way to go!!!
Thanks buddy, lots of fun doing this one. Lots of folks seem to enjoy the project also.
It's a very strong looking frame design Dale, expertly executed as per usual. Best wishes, Dean.
Thanks buddy, I think in my farmer way, it will do the job. Thanks for the kind words, Dean. You are a scholar and a gentleman!
First bike I ever race on, '68 DT1 enduro highly modified, git kit pipe, laid down Curnutt's. My first Dist. 37 desert race in 1975 out at Cal. City, got 10th overall beginner class. That's back when you'd have 200 beginners on the line. Great bikes for their day. Also had a '69 CT1 that was a great bike. Looks like you're doing a really nice job. My grandad was a fabricator, and did a lot of work for Preston Petty back in the day. The bike you see me sitting on in my profile pick, my granddad got in trade for doing fab work for Preston. Needless to say my '68 DT1 that I raced on back then was pretty tricked out, and dialed in.
Cool story Craig, yes that bike looks trick. It is amazing how things change but still remain the same in lots of ways. Fabrication is one of the most fun things for me. I think most folks like doing it.
It's going to be a Masterpiece Dale. Beautiful! Keep the orange 🍊!
Its a lot of fun and hard work at the same time, you bet.....Orange is the right color.
@@montana2strokeracer hard work is right but you make it look easy. Keep it up! Love it.
great job as usuall dale plenty of triangulation in those frame rails be strong as a ox keep up the great work next video please
Thanks Mark, I agree, should be just fine.
Dale, I've been watching almost a year. I'm retired now and in the garage 4+ days a week working on the old bikes. Such great theapy etc. Your channel is wonderful & extremly helpful!!! I''VE LEARNED SO MUCH. I only have about 2% of your talent and tools but my life has been so much more gratifying becuase of this hobby. I hope many more use you as inspiration. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Hey Chad, thank you very much for hanging out with me in the shop. Sounds like you're getting in the swing of things. You are right it's great fun and therapy at the same time. After I retired, I spent about 60 days napping and doing nothing, then I slowly got started again in the shop and have never looked back. Sometimes I don't get much done, but I'm out there anyway. Good luck in your retirement.
Thanks Dale, hate to bother you but really curious..I heard you mention delivering mail. I'm sure you must have been a machinist or ???
Hey Chad, I grew up as a farmer, so we learned to fix everything, my dad saw to it that I could run equipment and weld. Early on I worked for a motorcycle dealer, then spent over 20 years in the military, then I did over 20 years as a mailman at the USPS. Lots of what I do I learned myself with the help of many youtube channels.
10:12 Just a quick question, do your pupils auto-darken? 😜 Anyway, you are doing a great job on that bike, its going to be a nice ride when it's finished.
Another great job Dale . Look forward to your videos and talent.
Thanks Darren, it is turning out great so far. Having fun with this project.
Nice job Dale keep up the good work. It makes it nice when you have the tools and machines to do the work.
Watching and Learning with Carmel popcorn.
love the carmel popcorn, thanks this is a fun project.
Hi Dale, Do you have a playlist series for this build?
I remember the rear suspension was terrible, travel was way too short and would put you 'over the bars' in a heartbeat.
I'm interested in seeing the entire process (without having to search through all your video's)
Yes, sir here ya go!
th-cam.com/play/PLQyl8BUThyaLKXMuuOB_dk-lncOBYUpDF.html
also
th-cam.com/play/PLQyl8BUThyaJhgLWhJbEt4-G8nt-cikFn.html
Man, you are really bringing back the memories for me. Had one of these in 74, which I replaced with the 78 IT 175. You are spot on trying to improve the suspension,the stock shocks on mine literally bent in half! And just to keep me honest, the ignition pick up went wacky and made the engine run backwards. People thought I was full of it, but made it interesting many miles from home.
Thanks Ed, yes you are right, anything done to the suspension on these has to be an improvement. The IT was a much better bike, but these are cool!
Just amazing what you can do Dale. I absolutely love it.
Thanks Russell, it sure is fun trying to figure all those mods out, and what parts will swap over pretty easy. More to come as I get started on the front end.
That's a fine looking old machine !
Thanks John, this is a fun project., still plugging along with it.
You might cut a bracket for top and bottom to reinforce steering head , that’s where I’d had issues on conversions
Wow Dale! What a beautiful build. Very nice!
Hey Rob, it has been fun and challenging at the same time. Keeps the mind active, its turning out much better than imagined.
A lot of hard work has gone into the bike Dale, but it's looking really good & I'm sure it will ride even better!
Thanks Darren, this is really fun, bouncing on it really does feel good. But the truth is in the riding.....down the road a ways yet.
Good afternoon Dale. Just got back home from Phoenix a little bit ago. The Honda got sold and I picked up a 71 TS125. Couldn't resist it, got a good deal on it. Also stopped by the salvage yard and picked up the wire harness for the 185 along with some other parts that I was needing. All in all it was a good day.
Hey Dave, think you have more bikes than me. Got to get them when you find them, especially if they are at a good price. So, you're starting on the 185 now, think you said you were going to do the suspension upgrades to it. Let me know how that progresses.
@@montana2strokeracer I only have 10 Suzuki's. That's with the 185 and the 125 that I'm working on. I will be doing the suspension upgrades on both after I get all the frame gussets and alternate upper shock mounts welded in.
I forgot to ask, How did the test fit of the RM side panels go? I like your idea of going with the RM forks and front wheel on the Yamaha. Might make things a little easier for you. Something else you may want to consider is finding and modifying a TM250 exhaust pipe to fit the Yamaha. May save you some fabrication time.
Hey David, I haven't tried the panels but I sure they will not just fit. I kind of like it without side covers, don't need them for I am not racing. Yes, the RM forks are what I had. I just decided not to use the Yamaha AT1 hub, going to use the same year as forks, hub and plate......your right it does make it simpler and was not too much money, more to come on that part of the bike. I have the correct dimensions for the expansion chamber for this engine, so I will be trying to build one that will enhance the performance. I built a couple pipes a few years ago, not easy, slow going, but you can make them really fit nice if you take your time. I'm really not worried about fab time, I'm retired and have lots of time, I just enjoy the fabrication part of this hobby. Its more about the fun than anything.
She’s coming together nicely .
Thanks John, I am more than happy so far.
I really like that white and Orange.
Looking great Dale.
Hey Kerry......I'm with you, think it's a great combo.
@@montana2strokeracer You remember those cool old 70’s colors; I’m thinking in particular the F- series Ford pickups?
Burnt Orange metallic and a cream color two tone, somehow it reminds me of those color schemes.
I know what you're talking about Kerry......madder of fact the Orange here is probably going to be close to Ford Grabber Orange that you are referring to. I have used it before for my Bultaco Alpina. It was perfect along with the Ford grabber blue. I think the white is a great contrast with the Orange.
Nice bit of fabrication work Dale! Looking good!
Thanks Dave, it is coming along, now I have to sort out the front.
I do have a question for you. I know you are planning on a down sweep pipe and since you have altered the frame, what are your plans for side panels?
Haven't really thought about side panels, this seems a bit narrower than the RM, I'm just a trail rider so I don't need number plates. But I will think about it anyways. I have some for an RM maybe I will try to fit them. Good question.
Very nice mods Dale ! .. Great work my friend , Enjoyed ..
Thank you Shawn, still got a ways to go.
Looking fantastic Dale! And I wouldn't change the tank colour.
Cheers, Peter.
Thanks Peter, nope.....orange it stays.
Thanks for taking us outside looks like a gale blowing, maybe we'll see you riding the bike?
Thanks Steve, I enjoy being outside also. It was a nice day for winter, I don't mind the wind.....the chinook winds here keep the snow melted and the temps mild.
Not overkill . We were around in the 73-78 era when there were thousands of Long Travel Conversions and we surely remember plenty of poorly designed and or executed ones too
Yes, I remember the long travel stuff was really black ops back then and no one really knew how to do it. I don't confess to know much either. It's just a fun project done by a farmer. Lots of good suggestions coming in too.
Lots of great fabrication there! It will certainly be a custom machine once it is finished. Will this one be a keeper?
Thanks Pete, proof is in the pudding, so they say. Let me see how it rides.
Looks great brother.
Great work from a true fabricator. Nice redesign as well.
I'm curious about the wire feed welder, because of how clean it seems to weld.
What brand and model?
Well, thank you very much, but I just like to piddle with stuff. This kind of thing is just fun. Oh, the MIG welder I was using in the project is a Lincoln SP135, don't think they make them any longer. Think it may be a 140 these days, it is a 115-volt light duty model.
Good idea - Removing the original rear bar of the triangle significantly weakened the frame design geometry. The additional short piece added in front of the shock helped resolve this issue by tying the new parallel frame / shock member to the top horizontal bar. For the few grams involved, the frame could be further strengthened by adding a piece between upper & lower parallel bars above upper shock bolt. That would stiffen & counter increased lateral forces caused by the increased acute shock angle. Excellent decrease of unspring weight. Thinking the spring diameter may be too large for these design changes, but will depend on rider weight, dampening, etc. We added Konis to an old Kawasaki & needed to significantly adjust the spring rate.
Hi thanks for all the good suggestions. Are you the frame maker that commented a couple months ago? I learned a lot of good info from you. My intentions are to put a gusset in the spot you are suggesting in this comment. I believe as you state it will further strengthen the area. Yes, the jury is still out on the spring rate etc. Only time and riding will tell. Thanks for all the good info, sure appreciate it.
Looks good!
Thank you, thanks for watching the channel.
wow, everyone is here, sorry im late!
Wicked Dale
Super nice.
Thank you, this is a really fun project. It is turning out better than I imagined..
That brace is not overkill
👍👍👍👍👍👍👌
I may
have missed this but what swingarm did you use?
Hey Evan, I used the 78 1/2 Suzuki RM250, but you could use the RM 125 or RM 400 from the same era. Just make sure it is the Aluminum one. You will notice a little difference in the wheelbase depending on which one you use. I believe you could use the later full floater type, but you may have to modify the swingarm. I'm sure a Kawasaki, or Honda would work too, but you will have to modify the front of the arm instead of just making bushings like I did for this one.
Hey If you ever want to sell that bike I’d be interested. I’ve had a couple of DT1 250 . Thanks for the refresher!
Thanks Ron, this is a fun project, it is turning out better than I imagined. Time to work on the front now.