Bumble Overlander Project.

[tri boy]

In Aussie you used to be able to buy "Overlander" kits for Holdens/Falcons etc. Basically, a high rise/big wheel/suspension package, that would transform standard sedans and station wagons into outback savy station cars. Big V8s were the best, and so i started to think that Kannys wee Volty could be adapted in a similar way, so it could accompany the Scrambler on adventure runs.

So this thread will detail the mods, and have some pic's included.
I plan a sort of 3 stage kit, that can be easily removed so Bumble quickly returns to retro street cred.

Stage one:
Trail Wing tyres are going onto the front 18" and rear 17" rims for better gravel control.

Forks are receiving a freshen up, and gaitors are being fitted to protect the tubes.

A alloy bash plate is being designed on the cheap, to save the crankcase from rock damage.

A pair of slightly longer shocks will be fitted in conjunction with the forks sliding lower in the clamps.

A Ventura pack rack to compliment the saddle bags.

Stay tuned.:devil2:

[tri boy]

Bumble in standard trim.:confused:
Let the fun begin.:devil2:

[deanohit]

Oh man, this is gonna be good!

[skelstar]

Should be good for a laugh :)

[Ian.S]

Of course another approach could be that I ride up, meet you at Murupara and swap bikes with Kanny.

I think she'd be great on the Exxon V.

Ian

[NordieBoy]

A alloy bash plate is being designed on the cheap, to save the crankcase from rock damage.

You need a bashplate like mine.
Designed on the really cheap.

[marks]

Bumble in standard trim.:confused:
Let the fun begin.:devil2:

you could call it ReVolty

[PLUG]

Bumble :devil2:

... ya givin er' a paint job as well ... :niceone:

[klingon]

Poor little bumble. I think she's just perfect as she is!

[NordieBoy]

The Volty really has the potential to be made into a "mini-scrambler" pipes and all.

[Mental Trousers]

Mate, start up a blog (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blogs/) and use that. Much better suited to recording progress on mods like this one.

[tri boy]

Blog started.

Have faith Klingon, Kanny will chop my nuts off it i harm Bumble. It will be a modest modification that can return to street trim easily........i hope. (quite like my testicles):laugh:

Not allowed to paint it as the leash hasn't been let out that far.:no:

[Crisis management]

Mate, start up a blog (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blogs/) and use that. Much better suited to recording progress on mods like this one.

The problem with this concept is that the story is all one sided, I don't want to read a book about it, I want to contribute and participate...stick with the thread Brent.


You know I only make meaningfull and considered comments.:pinch:

[young1]

... ya givin er' a paint job as well ... :niceone:

You couldnt go wrong with KTM Orange!

[Rosie]

What are you going to do about the front guard? An aftermarket plasticky high guard would be suitably adventurous, especially if you could get one in yellow/black (and within the project budget). And it would keep the current guard pretty and shiney for on road use.

[NordieBoy]

Paint it the same colours as the scrambler.
Wear matching gear.

[Rosie]

Paint it the same colours as the scrambler.
Wear matching gear.

:puke:
:nono:

[Mental Trousers]

The problem with this concept is that the story is all one sided, I don't want to read a book about it, I want to contribute and participate...stick with the thread Brent.


You know I only make meaningfull and considered comments.:pinch:
You know that anyone can comment on blogs don't you?? Posts are just arranged differently. The owner of the blog has all of their posts listed one after the other and each post has comments grouped under them. So it's just like a forum where only 1 person can start a thread.

[Crisis management]

Ooooh....well thats my new bit of info for today. Thanks MT.


I still want to keep the thread going tho, cause I resist change something awful.


Tri-boy, the mad max volty needs tassels....like that bloke in Taumaranui!

Actually, what we really need is Steam involved with this, he's the resident mad maxer nad has true adventure credentials now.............don't you just love these little dots..........I could do this all day!

[young1]

Team I am very worried, there appears to be a trend developing here, first started by Clint in Rotorua and now taken on board by Brent. Do we really want women on these trips with us?

Will it mean that we;
Can no longer ride for 10kms down the road as we do now, then drink alcohol all weekend, and when we get home pretend that we have in fact done thousands of kilometres on the roughest roads in the country?
Can no longer sit round at night in our white Y fronts scratching our nuts, farting and belching?
Have to take a change of underwear if the trip is more than 4 nights?
Can no longer take an interest in that little blonde in the back paddock - baaabaara?

And worse, what happens if they are better riders than the rest of you (I know already that they will be better than me!)

[chanceyy]

Blog started.

Have faith Klingon, Kanny will chop my nuts off it i harm Bumble. It will be a modest modification that can return to street trim easily........i hope. (quite like my testicles):laugh:

Not allowed to paint it as the leash hasn't been let out that far.:no:

:lol: :killingme Kanny does know you well Brent :laugh:


Team I am very worried, there appears to be a trend developing here, first started by Clint in Rotorua and now taken on board by Brent. Do we really want women on these trips with us?

Will it mean that we;
Can no longer ride for 10kms down the road as we do now, then drink alcohol all weekend, and when we get home pretend that we have in fact done thousands of kilometres on the roughest roads in the country?
Can no longer sit round at night in our white Y fronts scratching our nuts, farting and belching?
Have to take a change of underwear if the trip is more than 4 nights?
Can no longer take an interest in that little blonde in the back paddock - baaabaara?

And worse, what happens if they are better riders than the rest of you (I know already that they will be better than me!)

wtmi :crazy::blink:

[Crisis management]

Stop lurking Rosie...get stuck in!

[Rosie]

Team I am very worried, there appears to be a trend developing here, first started by Clint in Rotorua and now taken on board by Brent. Do we really want women on these trips with us?

Will it mean that we;
Can no longer ride for 10kms down the road as we do now, then drink alcohol all weekend, and when we get home pretend that we have in fact done thousands of kilometres on the roughest roads in the country?
Can no longer sit round at night in our white Y fronts scratching our nuts, farting and belching?
Have to take a change of underwear if the trip is more than 4 nights?
Can no longer take an interest in that little blonde in the back paddock - baaabaara?

And worse, what happens if they are better riders than the rest of you (I know already that they will be better than me!)

No Christmas card for you :nono:
@ Crisis - I'm not lurking, I'm composing

[young1]

what does "wtmi" mean?

[chanceyy]

what does "wtmi" mean?

wtmi = way to much information

[deanohit]

wtmi = way to much information

WWCYJSI?



















Well why couldn't you just say it?


Crisis, if I could find a woman willing to travel with me, I would go for it!
Just imagine, no more cold nights in the tent, no more cooking or packing up, and if they start harping on, give them a wine, and if they're still going on, just say 'what was that noise, did you hear it? Be quiet and listen for it again.':woohoo:


Just joking ladies! :bleh:

[xwhatsit]

Heheh, this is a cool project :D

Tell me, though, why do you want to fit longer shocks to the back, but drop the front down? I thought dirt bikes liked a more relaxed rake?

It's already got the right motor, at least; DR250. What dimensions are the front forks? I may have some gaiters you can have that don't fit my bike.

[tri boy]

So armed with a carton of beer, and some dollars for the retail stuff, i went hunting.
The alloy got cut/supplied/and bent for a doz beer. (love xmas time), thanks to Geoff Flower Fabrication in Hamtown.
The 2nd hand TW42 is for reference only, as its the one off the Scrambler. (too big), but the TW35 is going on the front.
No turning back now.:niceone:

MT, if its ok, i'll do brief comments here, with some pics. And write the big waffle in the blog, and include shake down runs etc there.

The shocks need some mount sleeves to go from 14mm ID-12mmID.(Cylinder head locater dowels do this nicely).

Xer, the tubes are being pushed through the clamps to Raise the front.:yes:

[tri boy]

Bumble put up a bit of resistance to this mod.(Right side pillion peg bracket, and fulcrum arm on the brake pedal snagged in a couple of places, stopping the swing arm dropping far enough).
However, after a few waves with the gas torch, and some pinch bar persuasion, all settled in nicely.
Fortunately, the chain has swing arm clearance, and after a short ride up the drive, the suspension seems fine, with about 30mm sag while sitting on it, with preload on the softest of five settings.:cool:
Has a more determined stance in the arse end now.:2thumbsup

[deanohit]

Haha, wee bumble is starting to look tougher already!

[Mental Trousers]

MT, if its ok, i'll do brief comments here, with some pics. And write the big waffle in the blog, and include shake down runs etc there.

Ya don't have to ask my permission mate.

I suggest you get really detailed pics etc and put those in the blog with the full write up.

[skelstar]

+1 the thread. Easy to be reminded that its still going... and each post from others has the same weight.

Sorry Shane.

[Crisis management]

Don't forget the water wings Tri boy!

Be a bit careful with those rear shocks, it won't take much to upset the handling if the bum gets too high. Maybe some front spring spacers to stiffen the front?

Looks good tho, wish I could see the inaugural outing. :niceone:

[tri boy]

Knocked the bash plate up this arvo. It sticks out more than i wanted, but I'll drill some more holes tomorrow.

Time for a beer or three.:cool:

[NordieBoy]

Nice and tidy there.
For the front guard, I'd make some extensions for the existing side mounts and raise it up so it's got 7-10cm clearance.

[tri boy]

Typical inland stinking f**king hot day in the Waikato today. (too hot for leathers etc).
So I hid in the garage and gave Bumble another tickle.;)
The forks got stripped and cleaned, new seals, fresh oil etc, and a 6mm spacer under the top cap to put slightly more preload on the springs.
Mudguard extension plates were knocked up and fitted chucked the front TW35 on the rim, and assembled the wee beastie.
Its got a higher, more agressive stance now. The forks have more firmness, but not harsh through the stroke. And with them lowered through the clamps about 10mm, it looks pretty good to my eyes.
What do you reckon? Shades of the old TR6 Triumph maybe?
Bash plate needs to come in closer to the pipes, but its beer drinking time for me.:drinkup:

[deanohit]

Mate, that looks AWESOME!!!!!

So has Kanny tried the seat height yet?

[tri boy]

She had a sit on it last night and loved it.:shifty: She hasn't seen it today, but i'm picking it's got about a 45mm seat lift, and with the rear tyre in, it might pick up about 5 more mm.

I can't wait to give it a shake down ride out on the gravel. Realistically, it needs better front springs, but that can wait till the new year.
Plus this is only stage 1 of the mods, i might have to wait till kanny has her full license, so i can take posession of the Volty, and work my evil magic.
NZs meanest Volty?.........:devil2:

[deanohit]

She had a sit on it last night and loved it.:shifty: She hasn't seen it today, but i'm picking it's got about a 45mm seat lift, and with the rear tyre in, it might pick up about 5 more mm.

That much under the engine? Thats a good lift.

So the Scramblers gonna be parked up for the short trips while your giving wee Bumble a hard time aye!:2thumbsup

[NordieBoy]

Mudguard extension plates were knocked up and fitted chucked the front TW35 on the rim, and assembled the wee beastie.
What do you reckon? Shades of the old TR6 Triumph maybe?
Bash plate needs to come in closer to the pipes, but its beer drinking time for me.:drinkup:

Oh yeah, thassa way to do it :D
Now for some small dia stainless headers coming back on the right side to small mufflers.

[tri boy]

Dug out Roy Bacon's Illustrated guide to Triumph. (Classic reference book).
Looking at the models between 1945-1969 to get some ideas.
The TR5, TR6 models have about 15 variations over the years, including the US market, and I've even got some ideas off the baby T20m models.

I must cut up some rubber and trial some tank knee pads.;) But if i damage the paint Kanny will take to my nuts with the cleaver.:eek5:
So best I wait for a while. High pipes or mid height are on the cards in stage 2.:clap:

[tri boy]

A few pic's to show you guys where my head is at on this project.
The mufflers are the std ones of the Scrambler. They may or may not be suitable, but the Waikato is full of stainless fabricators due to the dairy industry, so something could get sorted in the new year.

I like the look of the 50's Trumpys. Esspecially these ones.

[tri boy]

Even the baby Tigers were pretty cool, and the Volty may suit that style more, being a single etc.
Now time for another Wild Turkey, (for inspa...insperat.....for thinking):whistle:

[kanny]

Blog started.

Have faith Klingon, Kanny will chop my nuts off it i harm Bumble. It will be a modest modification that can return to street trim easily........i hope. (quite like my testicles):laugh:

Not allowed to paint it as the leash hasn't been let out that far.:no:

Wont just be just your nuts Triboy:

[deanohit]

Bwahahahaha, found out mate! Guess we'll have to pm all the big ideas now!

And Kanny, wicked bike!

[kanny]

Paint it the same colours as the scrambler.
Wear matching gear.
Get real.:spanking:

[kanny]

Mate, that looks AWESOME!!!!!

So has Kanny tried the seat height yet?

Yep i have :banana:I cant wait to try it out.Triboy not going fast enough:lol:

[deanohit]

Yep i have :banana:I cant wait to try it out.Triboy not going fast enough:lol:

Grab the drink out of his hand and kick his butt into action then! ;)


Sorry mate! :dodge:

[kanny]

Bwahahahaha, found out mate! Guess we'll have to pm all the big ideas now!

And Kanny, wicked bike!

She sure is :2thumbsup Thanks to Triboy though.:hug:

[NordieBoy]

Get real.:spanking:

Paint it the same colours as the scrambler.

Then you have the excuse of "Oops, I didn't mean to grab the Triumph, I thought I had grabbed Bumble, I wondered why she could do 120kph sideways around the corners all of a sudden".

[tri boy]

Too late NB. She's got you in her sights now.:gob: Prepare to be hit by Potato Salad at 100yds.:lol:

[NordieBoy]

Too late NB. She's got you in her sights now.:gob: Prepared to be hit by Potato Salad at 100yds.:lol:

Any meat in the salad?

[tri boy]

Waiting on rear tyre.:yawn::wait:

[Crisis management]

I've been here for half an hour so far, how much longer we got to wait?

[tri boy]

Stretch out on the couch Ian, tyre will not be here till tomorrow.
Modifyed the bash plate, so it sits in close to the headers, and reshaped the top of it for extra clearance under hard braking/full suspension compression.

[tri boy]

...so the rear tyre is in Hamilton, so a quick drive to pick it up this morning, whack it on the rim, do a few more minor adjustments, and bumble Stage1 is 99% complete.(the Ventura pack rack should be made up about xmas time).

[Rosie]

Niiiiice. Looking forward to hearing how it goes on the gravel. :scooter:

[tri boy]

Bumbles first gravel test was quite a good one. I took it out the back of Raglan harbour, up Ruakiwi/waimai Valleys, and back into town on hwy 22.
Firstly, it brakes on the front extremely well, (nice and light), rear braking is just as good. The Trail Wings are fine on such a small bike, and so long as the road isn't super rutted, the suspension is fine also.
Another 5-10hp would be great, as power slides out of corners only happen if your riding at about 10kph.:woohoo: Highway speed is a bit of an issue, (its revving quite high at 100kph), so a tooth less on the rear might be the go.
All up good first shake down run.:sunny:

[deanohit]

Damn mate, that is looking so cool with those aggresive tyres on it.
I love it!
I can't wait to see it after stage 2 when that happens.

[Crisis management]

Looks good Brent, great effort there!


Now, where's the photo of Kanny on Bumble?

[tri boy]

Weather permitting, Kanny will tackle the old Raglan road to Kawhia with me this weekend. (will hopefully stay at the bach, and do a few runs from there SAT/Sun).
So long as she feels comfy and safe, then we will keep practicing for Clints ride. A Waiheke run will be sorted before then, just to get some road distance up on it, and to do the eastern loop rd over there.
Probably just after xmas, so will post a date for any interested in a few wines and rides.:niceone:

[Rosie]

We're probably going tramping over New Year's. But may be able to squeeze in a trip to Waiheke, depending on timing. Assuming Clint has his bike back :(

I'm going to do a bit of cruising around some of the Rotorua Lakes backroads on Sunday, for a bit more gravel practise.
Can't have Bumble showing up the Super Sherpa. :rolleyes:

[Mental Trousers]

+1 the thread. Easy to be reminded that its still going... and each post from others has the same weight.

Sorry Shane.
Far canal, people who don't know how to subscribe to a blog :Pokey:

[cooneyr]

Looking seriously cool in a retro scrambler kinda way. Keep up the good work. Hope it all works out OK and handles good.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Damn mate, that is looking so cool with those aggresive tyres on it.

And the Willie & Max bags :D

[GaZBur]

I think its starting to look like a retro 60's scrambler. Like the BSA? Bronson used to ride. Actually looking cool!!! :niceone:

Edit - I now see I missed that Cooneyr already said that. Well I agree.

[kanny]

[QUOTE=Rosie;1337906]Niiiiice. Looking forward to hearing how it goes on the gravel. :scooter: Doesnt she just look hot.Looking forward to my ride this weekend.So hoping weather be great for all.And over the holidays 6 more working days.Whos counting :clap:Wonting to get in some time on the bike :scooter::Looking forward to meeting you Rosie

[klingon]

... A Waiheke run will be sorted before then, just to get some road distance up on it, and to do the eastern loop rd over there.
Probably just after xmas, so will post a date for any interested in a few wines and rides.:niceone:

Yes! Yes! A Waiheke run! We'll be in Auckland for Christmas then up to the Bay of Islands for New Year. If there's any time for Waiheke between Xmas and New Year I would love to tag along. I really want to meet the New Improved Bumble :D (oh and Kanny and Triboy and Rosie... but mostly Bumble!)

[xwhatsit]

Heh I'd be up for Waiheke too. I simply loved those gravel roads on the CB, would really like to try them one-up so I can take a few more risks :D

Looking absolutely fantastic. Needs scrambler pipes, though -- what does it cost to make up headers?

[tri boy]

Now, where's the photo of Kanny on Bumble?[/QUOTE]

As you wish.
Only drama of the morning was a dumb prick on a Triuph Scrambler losing control of his mount at about 5kmh.:shit: WTF is with that???
Hit the deck, and bent the foot brake lever up, couple of little dents in a header pipe, but the beautiful tank survived another tumble.:sweatdrop
I had my little "Man Sulk":crybaby::baby::angry2:,(mainly cause my right forearm took the weight, and was hurting like a bitch).
Kanny putted up:scooter:, saw the fat scrambler laying over, and did a bloody good job holding back the laughter.:laugh:
So, Bumble outshone the Triumph, and alls good again.:woohoo:

[dino3310]

i just spent the last half reading this thread,enjoyed the read,great photos, awesome job on the volty bro:2thumbsup

[deanohit]

Haha, the Volty out does the Mighty Scrambler! Now you've got me really worried!

Nice job mate, so it was a successful shakedown run, what did Kanny think of it on the gravel?

[Crisis management]

Bumble & Kanny look awesome!!! :cool:

Not the same can be said for the "sleeping" submarine eh Tri-boy?

[young1]

Triboy I am getting worried about this, so she doesn't show all of us up can you wind the back break on a bit, something to slow her down, you obviously dropped your bike trying to get away from her!

[GaZBur]

Great story - enjoyed reading this thread as it people doing their own thing and having fun. It's great to see a few mod's can completely alter the character of a bike and looks like you made a good one there. Much better than a story from one of those people who have a specialised bike for every possible type/condition of riding. I only have one minor complaint - can we see more pics please, please, please - especially Waihiki trip as it looks like a great trip and I don't know that part of the country.
:woohoo:

[tri boy]

Not the same can be said for the "sleeping" submarine eh Tri-boy?

The Scrambler is now officially amphibious:yes:.
It falls over on land, and in the marine environment.:Oops:
If I could get it to "Hover", the military would be banging on my door.:lol:

Looks like the Waiheke run will be between xmas and new year. (there will be another visit after Clints ride). I will put something up in the Meetings thread this week.

[deanohit]

Looks like the Waiheke run will be between xmas and new year. (there will be another visit after Clints ride). I will put something up in the Meetings thread this week.
Oooooohhhh, I could be keen for that! :yes:

[kanny]

Haha, the Volty out does the Mighty Scrambler! Now you've got me really worried!

Nice job mate, so it was a successful shakedown run, what did Kanny think of it on the gravel?

Hi I enjoyed it.Have to admit scary :eek5:going down hill when going round corners with the loose gravel.:sweatdrop A total granny.But not bad i think for a 1st timer.Just have to practise.Triboy has being great.But think he needs to head to turn off point so he can go at his speed and enjoy.After all thats what its about,Dont wont a divorce yet :laugh:

[deanohit]

Yea, let him go his speed, when I was riding with him, he absolutely blasted away on one stretch, no way was I trying to keep up, I was like :shit: he's moving!

Great to hear you are going at your own pace and loving it, thats what it's all about! :niceone:

[kanny]

Triboy I am getting worried about this, so she doesn't show all of us up can you wind the back break on a bit, something to slow her down, you obviously dropped your bike trying to get away from her!

You have no worries mate.You will be at the other end :drinkup:While bumble and i ::ride::cruise at 20 to 35 still wont me to tag along

[Ixion]

Even the baby Tigers were pretty cool, and the Volty may suit that style more, being a single etc.
Now time for another Wild Turkey, (for inspa...insperat.....for thinking):whistle:

Here y'go, for a model. They even used tan seats , too . I have said many times that the GN250 and its cousins would be jolly good on gravel.

[young1]

still wont me to tag along

Of course!!!!

[tri boy]

Excellent pic Ixion.:niceone:
That is the style that never will age.

One little extra mod is under way. Went out to the local wreckers, and got a FZR250 sidestand to compensate for the extra height.(about 40mm longer). Just got to modify it a bit, and Bumble will have a safer lean angle on the stand.

[dino3310]

You have no worries mate.You will be at the other end :drinkup:While bumble and i ::ride::cruise at 20 to 35 still wont me to tag along

thats smart thinking, if its an over nighter the triboy will have already set up camp and have the billy steaming all the hard work will be done,you'l arive just in time for the drinks:apint::woohoo:

[deanohit]

thats smart thinking, if its an over nighter the triboy will have already set up camp and have the billy steaming all the hard work will be done,you'l arive just in time for the drinks:apint::woohoo:

Thats if his bike stays upright and outta the water! :dodge:

[tri boy]

Thats if his bike stays upright and outta the water! :dodge:

I make you SPECIAL billy tea next time mister:devil2:

[deanohit]

I make you SPECIAL billy tea next time mister:devil2:
Ok, guess I'll be bringing my own billy next time then! :sweatdrop

I do like dino's thinking though, you'll have to watch Kanny doesn't get to far behind. :msn-wink:

[kanny]

smart thinking, if its an over nighter the triboy will have already set up camp and have the billy steaming all the hard work will be done,you'l arive just in time for the drinks:apint::woohoo: :gob: Dam your on too me already.I just wonted too seem innocent :innocent::devil2:

[tri boy]

Innocent?????? Bwaaahaaahaaahaaaa:lol:
I'm going for a ride tomorrow:shake:
Oh yeah, painted the new side stand, but need to mount it sometime...........

[young1]

but need to mount it sometime...........[/SIZE]

Brent I think what you do in the privacy of your own home should really stay private.....

[dino3310]

Oh yeah, painted the new side stand, but need to mount it sometime...........[/SIZE][/SIZE]

sounds kinda painfull bro:crybaby: