Here's a mock up of my Tr1 / XV920 projtcs [ two of them ! ].

Since the mock up the tank has been reduced by 12mm at the lower front edge and 20mm at the rear kick up to bring the proportions better. When completed the moulds will be made for a dummy tank cover to go over the stock tank. I might make up a smaller overall tank by using a Virago shaftie tank.

Wheels are Xs500 and will be fitted with Flanged alloy rims and stainless spokes. One bike will get a Grimeca 4LS front brake / hub, whilst the poor relation will get twin discs !!

tank is in the style of the 6 gallon TT AJS7R version, while the seat is a direct copy. The seat will be lowered around 2" at the rear edge to look more 60's.

I've made up tubular footrest hangers and used Tarozzi folding rearsets. The clip-ons have also been changed for Tarozzi and are located more forward. Headlamp is 7" chrome, but I've used the original mounts, which look sixties anyway !



I've lowered the forks by 2" and am currently having some 2" shorter progressive springs made to see what effect. The rear end has a RAM alloy bodied shocker that was originally developed for the BMW Kay series.



The rear swing arm subframe has been shortened by 2" to reduce the overall wheelbase - all is still ongoing - lots to do.

Thanx Odin,

I've built literally 100's of Cafe Racers and Specials - started in the late 1950's when I was 13 or so. and built my first bike with help of course when I was 14 - MAC Velo Sprinter.
Triton's, Tribsas, Manx/Goldie, Tricati .................. but never a Vee twin. In the day that meant Vincent. Too expensive, too complicated and just fuggin uggerly.

Then 50 years or so later - along comes my first TR1. Completely stock, fairly bland, but with lots of potential. That opportunity slipped through my hands [ 15 years ago ] and I forgot all about it, until I was looking for "one last project".

A friend alerted my to this forum - and that was it - hooked.

I'm like that 16 year old kid again - can't wait to get into the garage. Only this time I have a life's knowledge from working in the auto design and manufacturing field - specifically my own range of replica Cobras, Jaguars and Porsche.

Although I retired [ ha,ha] 11 years ago, I still carry out consultancy engineering design. It's thanks to one of those guys who has become a lifelong friend, that I am able to work on my bikes with engineering facilities on hand using his workshop.

It's also given me the opportunity to keep developing parts for my project bikes ! Especially shock absorbers - first for my BMW Kay Streetfighters, and now of course for my TR1 !

Hi guys been absent for a while. I was blocked from entering the forum ??????? Resolved now I found my CORRECT password

I've been real busy with a Reverse Trike project I've been working on with my pal over at Realm Engineering.
It's reached the pre-production stage now and is just having the body prepped and painted for the production moulds to be taken. Won't bore you with details, but it's a Hooligan style using BMW Oilhead powertrain.

Anyway - It's kept me away from working on my TR1 Cafe Racer.

A few bits happened in the meantime - I managed to score another pair of XS650 wheels with alloy rims. Rear one will work on the front, saving me another £110  for a new rim !!
I've also managed to get another very low mileage donor - 1983 and in excellent condition...ooohhh, apart from starter issue ! That makes THREE Cafe Racers to build now.

So, work will now start properly while the Reverse Trike is being productionised.

Had plenty of time to think and plan, so - at least the colourways are decided.
Real FO Red for Frame, swingarm, footrest hangers, tank, side panels, m/guard, fork bottoms, instrument housings, yokes, and rear brake plate. Gold painted hubs.
Satin Black engine - maybe with filed fins - various covers - cam, starter, clutch mech, tappet - highly polished. Gold coachlining to tank and side panels. I've decided on "Vindicator" for the name and I'm having some transfers made for the tank and side panels in the Vincent style but with the word Vindicator.

I've gone for roller bearing conversion for the cams and have ordered a set of Amal Mk2 Concentric carbs to play with. When I've got them working properly - they will form the basis of a conversion kit, doing away with the mixture control valve.

I've trialled out the RAM alloy bodied shocker based on the successful BMW K100 /1100 unit, and it performs very well - transforming that wallowing feeling at the rear end !