2002-03-07

Building Magellan, Part 2

Bark Busters. A thick aluminum rod that might very well save my fingers in a spill. Note the clutch handle has been shortened to make room. The original hand guards will be attached to the Bark Buster to provide wind and weather protection.

A good view of the engine guard. It does triple-duty by providing protection to the radiator and highway footpegs. The engine guard looks exceptionally tough. I joked with Tim that if the worst should happen the engine guard would be the last thing to go. The bright color should make me more visible too.

A possible improvement might be to add a means of attaching a toolkit to the engine guard in order to keep the tools easily accessible and the weight down low. I've seen some riders making a toolbox from a piece of PVC pipe and attaching it to the frame with metal clamps. It's a great idea and should be possible to make it work as part of the engine guard.

Tim Bernard modelling the bike.

Jason Ward and Tim Bernard. The turn signals have been relocated to make room for the panniers. While we were at it we raised the license plate. The stock position has a habit of hitting the wheel when the shock bottoms-out with the result being that you will eventually lose your license plate.

A quick test-drive around the parking lot. This photo shows a good view of the replacement windscreen.

It's begun snowing in Boise and it looks like it might be impossible to get back home. I hope it will be better tomorrow.