Project Varaturnipstorm or Fireturnipdero.

[Varastorm]

Now I know I’m still working on the Tracker project, but after thinking of this name I just had to start a thread before someone else does & pinches the title. Ha.

The idea has come around after reading up about various Harley XR750 flat track based racers. I was originally going to complete the bike that I’m making at the moment & maybe knock out another tracker with all the bits that I’ve picked up whilst hunting for stuff for this one. Also, a second tracker should be relatively easy as I now have all the tools & knowledge of what does & doesn’t fit.

Then I thought, where’s the fun in build two the same?

After lots of searching, reading & looking I learnt that a few tweaks to the Harley XR chassis can make it into a different beast altogether.

The XR750 / XRTT & the Turnip eater are quite similar chassis & engine wise, so if they can do it with a Harley engine & a mild steel frame then I/we should be able to do it with the Vtr engine & a mild steel Varadero frame.

Now I’ve never been attracted to old 60’s/70’s race bikes but I’m changing (male menopause?).

Is it a good thing? I dunno, but it’ll be an interesting project IF I have a go at it.

Here's some pictures.









The fairing can still be had from these guys

http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/Har ... peater.htm

For the tank I've seen a Sinnis Hoodlum 125 jobbie.

[fabiostar]

thats a strange looking bike looks like somebody fat sat on it lol.

kinda on the topic but, whos the guy has the storm engine in what looks like a Ducati trellis frame?.

[Varastorm]

thats a strange looking bike looks like somebody fat sat on it lol.

kinda on the topic but, whos the guy has the storm engine in what looks like a Ducati trellis frame?.

Close your eyes Fabio & imagine I've been photo shopped from sitting on the bike & it would look like that

The frame, I was thinking on making a jig around the spare Varadero frame. 6 engine points & head stock angle placement. The engine would then have say 20/30mm'ish long (what ever's length's needed) 12mm holed 4-5mm thick tubes bolted to the jig then fitted'n bolted to the engine making sure the headstock is in the correct position. I was thinking of a hinged headstock jig to enable rake change.

Once thought out & lived into, anything would be possible. Maybe a home for my 4" extended CR/Varadero fork combo

[Wicky]

Mmmmmmm No brakes or rear suspension. Good if you've got a smooth ¼ mile+ driveway or sumfink...

I'd like to see a Pariserdero-DakarStorm bike - big knobblies, 40Lfuel capacity, step ladder high to get on - something practical post March 29th ;-)

[AMCQ46]

i am most worried about that bracket sticking up between the tank and the seat ............ perhaps I am over sensitive about damage to the family jewels

or perhaps that's where the name Turnip Eater comes from ... that bracket will rip your turnips off

[sirch345]

Crackin' name(s)

I still admire your enthusiasm

All I can says is make sure you finish the Varatracker first, if you start on another bike the Varatracker won't get finished, it'll be sidelined,

Chris.

[Varastorm]

It's just me thinking out loud Chris, I've no room to start another build atm either

When I posted this Turnip thread I was still lost with the wiring on the tracker, but yesterday I feel that I turned a corner & managed to fit the loom into the bike quite tidily

Today I made a load of tapped fasteners/lugs for the tracker battery box.

So things are slowly getting there now

[Varastorm]

I spotted this modern take of the old Turnip eater.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5vmqtbf9fY

[sirch345]

It's just me thinking out loud Chris, I've no room to start another build atm either

When I posted this Turnip thread I was still lost with the wiring on the tracker, but yesterday I feel that I turned a corner & managed to fit the loom into the bike quite tidily

Today I made a load of tapped fasteners/lugs for the tracker battery box.

So things are slowly getting there now

It's always good to get a job you don't enjoy out of the way

Chris.

[Varastorm]

i am most worried about that bracket sticking up between the tank and the seat ............ perhaps I am over sensitive about damage to the family jewels

or perhaps that's where the name Turnip Eater comes from ... that bracket will rip your turnips off

That had me giggling hehe.

Right then, I'm so busy in work & being stuck with fitting the wiring on the tracker project (as in making it look tidy) there's not much to report. I appreciate that I've not completed the tracker project & it should be finished before this project starts, but I feel that by collecting parts when they pop up saves time & money in the long run. If only the Misses could see it this way..

I have many searches on ebay & am constantly looking for odd's & sod's, these searches are checked every day & many purchases are made well before they're actually needed.

Here's some recent purchases for the Turnip build.



On the left is a complete Varadero 1000 front end & on the right is a CBR600 F4i front end.

I also have the calipers & master & braided lines for the cbr front.

Not sure if the turnip build will require headstock modification chop/change or a complete new frame to allow for the shallower fork rake.

I now have both so no problem which ever way it goes.

If I did use the Varadero forks I was thinking of removing the left (linked) caliper & clean (grind & smooth) the fork leg & run only one right disc & caliper for a super clean look.

Both sets of fork seals have failed so I've bought two sets of seals & since they are both 43mm diameter I treated myself to one of these.

[Varastorm]

I've also found a dent free Tank.









The plan is to remove the tabs from the underside. Oh, I forgot I got one of these too..



I was lucky with the mounting plate, fits spot on to the Hoodlum Tank.

These will go on the CBR forks if fitted.