Hi-Bird 200 build and help

[zingshoen]

good looking bars. a spot of red with the white n black? as for tanks, does a clarke fit? i have clarke tanks on the zong and the suzi. i would put one on the xl, but the old metal tank has more character.
otherwise, if there s a bike wrecker nearby, take the bike and try to find a matching looker. a metal tank and no side panels, everything neatly tucked away, may be a style option?

[Killerbracing]

Originally Posted by zingshoen

good looking bars. a spot of red with the white n black? as for tanks, does a clarke fit? i have clarke tanks on the zong and the suzi. i would put one on the xl, but the old metal tank has more character.
otherwise, if there s a bike wrecker nearby, take the bike and try to find a matching looker. a metal tank and no side panels, everything neatly tucked away, may be a style option?

What model of Clarke tank are you running?

[Killerbracing]

Bars are ready!

[Killerbracing]

Ok, made side panel templates. I think I'm going to do those in psuedo carbon fiber. Cut down the ktm fender and said so long to the gay scooter type handlebars. Here it is thrown together. Just imagine it all black.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by Killerbracing

What model of Clarke tank are you running?

Since he rides a Zong (a TW clone), I presume his Clarke is for a TW200. It would not likely be a match for your bike.

I've had excellent luck with Krylon Fusion for painting plastic.

[Killerbracing]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Since he rides a Zong (a TW clone), I presume his Clarke is for a TW200. It would not likely be a match for your bike.

I've had excellent luck with Krylon Fusion for painting plastic.

Cool. I'll paint the tank and the rear fender with it.

[SpudRider]

Indeed, the Krylon Fusion is excellent spray paint for plastic. You can puchase the Krylon Fusion at Walmart, among other stores.

[zingshoen]

What model of Clarke tank are you running?

the largest which fit, i think they are these:

http://clarkemfg.com/xt225-yamaha-19...ons-p-306.html

the XT225 tank fits the zong, not the TW200

http://clarkemfg.com/drz-400s-200020...gal-p-288.html

which frame is the hibird modelled upon? xr? just wondering if one could fit larger clarke tank.

[Killerbracing]

Didn't do too much tonight. Got brackets and zip ties off the fork tubes. Guess ill put it on the lift and yank those leaky bastards off this weekend. The scrapers are good. Worst case scenario is I'll have to order new seals at work next week.

Uncovered the seat pan. It's not only ugly and wide, it's busted like crazy. 2 mounts and 2 rubber bumpers obliviated.

The engine runs great, sounds kinda mean without the muffler. Too bad the best things about the bike is the motor, brakes and fork.

The ignition switch has a short in it. Have to hold the key to keep connection.

I know it'll be worth it when I'm done. But this thing is a pile of poop.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by Killerbracing

Cool. I'll paint the tank and the rear fender with it.

I wouldn't paint the tank. Gas fumes will permeate the tank and blister the paint right away.

[SpudRider]

X2; nobody has ever had any success painting a plastic fuel tank. The gasoline fumes passing through the tank will definitely cause the paint to blister.

[Killerbracing]

Broke down the fork tubes tonight. I'll remove the seals tomorrow night and hopefully re anodize the tubes this week. Depends on the weather. Then I can go back to body mods.

I can't wait until I buy tires. That will mean the nightmare is over. Lol

[culcune]

Originally Posted by Killerbracing

I can't wait until I buy tires. That will mean the nightmare is over. Lol

Since your Hibird is pretty much the same bike as the Lifan GY-2, the wheels for the majority of these are 1979 Honda Xl185 based, at least as far as aftermarket rear sprockets are concerned. I don't know if you have taken the angle to look into if anyone has successfully found motard wheels for an old XL, in addition to seeing if you can find wheels via the Chinese bike route. Just thought of that...

[Killerbracing]

Originally Posted by culcune

Since your Hibird is pretty much the same bike as the Lifan GY-2, the wheels for the majority of these are 1979 Honda Xl185 based, at least as far as aftermarket rear sprockets are concerned. I don't know if you have taken the angle to look into if anyone has successfully found motard wheels for an old XL, in addition to seeing if you can find wheels via the Chinese bike route. Just thought of that...

I was going to relace my hubs, but if I'm not opposed to replacing them altogether with something else.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by Killerbracing

Broke down the fork tubes tonight. I'll remove the seals tomorrow night and hopefully re anodize the tubes this week.

My son and I broke down the fork tubes on his Lifan last year, and we used oven cleaner to remove the anodized coating. Simply spray it on the aluminum, watch the gold anodizing turn purple and fall off and then rinse really well.

We painted the outer fork tubes red with high-heat engine enamel, and they held up well. Next time I take them apart, I hope to have a powdercoating setup.