R1100S Custom Triple Clamps Preview - Page 2

GotRoad? · 11-03-2006, 06:02 AM

I'm interested in a set. Thanks!

EZ-RIDER · 11-03-2006, 06:23 AM

I would like a set! count me in !

motoyoyo · 11-03-2006, 06:53 AM

Thanks for the interest and comments guys. All good suggestions on possible machinist sources. So far, I've had three local shops not want the job, most likley because it's too small, but could easily be a liability issue as well. The last shop that actually took a look at the drawings won't return my calls and still has my stock top clamp parts. Hopefully they haven't tossed them yet before I go down there and get them today.

At this time, Rapid Dog and his machinist buddy are taking a look at the parts. They have both already given me some great feedback on the machinability of the parts as well as other issues pertaining to the manufacture and sale of parts of this nature. I just sent him a redesigned lower clamp that will hopefully be more straight forward to machine. I want to give a big thanks to Rapid Dog and Oscar for taking the time to look at these parts and give some very realistic input. It's nice to have someone look at the parts with the intent of actually making them for a change.

If and when these clamps look like they are going to go forward, the plan will be to make just a run of 5 or so sets and have plenty of testing and feedback before any more are going to be available. Plan on signing plenty of liability release forms if you want some of these. At this point it is too early to even say what or when or how much. As more develops I'll post more info.

motoyoyo · 11-08-2006, 07:32 AM

Ok, here's an update on the tripleclamps for anyone that is interested. I do not have all the quotes in yet, but I need to get an idea how many people are willing to pony up for these clamps once I get ready to roll on them. I've got one quote back and at least three pending right now. Tony (tm1100s) has been a big help in casing out shops in his area for us. Thanks Tony! I hope to get some better prices coming in but the first ones weren't too bad for 20 sets of clamps. I don't expect to be able to get rid of that many, so I'm going to try for the best price I can get (and highest quality) for at least ten sets of upper and lower clamps.

My main goal here has been to design and have built the best tripleclamps I can get for at least myself and a few others, at as reasonable price as possible. If I were to try to have just one set made for myself the price would be around $2500. Obviously that ain't going to happen. So, the only way I can get a set for myself is if I can find at least 9 other buyers. Judging from the first quote I'm hoping for a price as low as $500 but not more than $800 per set of top and bottom clamps. No prices are final at this point. This is merely an expected target range for your consideration. The price you pay is the actual cost for the parts and no profit is being made by anyone but the machine shop.

I will provide the BMW roundel and assorted stainless steel bolts and washers including shipping for an additional $25. This will likely be a one time deal. I'm not really interested in trying to market these triple clamps since there really isn't much demand for aftermarket parts for discontinued bikes. That option will not be completely closed, but it would again required at least ten sets to be made at a time and therefore not likely to happen. I don't have the time any more to spend on this and have to concentrate on other things that will pay the bills.

So, here's where it stands right now. I think I have at least four sets confirmed sold, including myself, at the target price range I have mentioned. I won't place the order for tooling untill I get at least 8 sets confirmed so start thinking about it now if you want them. I will post back the final prices for ten sets as they are finalized. Obviously the price would go even lower if there a more sets ordered, but I will go with ten if I get them and be done. One more thing. I intend to inspect, install and test the first set that is made to insure proper fit and function before I release the rest to be machined. I have no doubt that these clamps will be a signifcant improvement in strength and looks (IMO) over the stock clamps. A simple stress analysis within the solid modeling program shows a factor of saftely about 4-5 times greater than stock for the upper clamp and about 8-10 times more than stock for the lower clamp at the same basic loading.

Here is what you will get: A machined Upper Tripleclamp and Steering Stop/Ignition Mount, a machined Lower Tripleclamp, a new OEM BMW Roundel (same as stock), assorted stainless steel bolts and washers. Finishes will be black or silver anodize or plain unfinished. The price will be cost plus $25. If you want polished aluminum then you'll have to do it yourself. The material will be either 6061 0r 7075 aluminum so you should be able to maintain a good polish, if so desired. Again, I'll post back final prices when I get them so post if your even considering joining in on this deal so I can get and idea when to start. I'm willing to front some cash to get started if there's only 8 or so confirmed but not really interested in laying out $6,000-$8,000 cash to get the whole thing going on my own.

EZ-RIDER · 11-08-2006, 08:03 AM

I am in

motoyoyo · 11-08-2006, 08:14 AM

Cool, EZ-Rider makes 5 sets. Thanks!

Here are the top and bottom clamps in black without any hardware attached. Note the lower clamp is the final design and different than the one at the beginning of the thread. This version has a cleaner profile and will be better for machining as well. It is the same as shown above in the silver exploded view.

mtne · 11-08-2006, 08:33 AM

Just wondering.........
Am I correct in figuring that each set will require a new ball joint to be fitted? The stocker I dealt with needed to be heated in order to take the old one out which melted what was left of the boot.

Nice part is it was easy to make the "custom" tool for doing it.....

BTW - these look great!

mtne

motoyoyo · 09:07 AM

mtne, it is not necessary to buy new ball joints if your old ones are still good. Both my original ball joints are still in good shape and I have over 50k miles on them. They are a SOB to remove as you probably found out. They do not require heat since they are not loctited in place. I posted a response to a thread on this topic not too long ago here: Ball Joint Replacement

I made the "custom" jig for holding the clamps out of some cut pieces of 3/4" pipe and a 1" square tubing welded together, wrapped the pipe with tape and went at the ball joint with an air impact wrench. I'm sure the dealer could do this job for you as well ($$). I would also be willing to change out the ball joints for anyone purchasing the clamp sets. All I would need is for the stock sets to be removed from your bike and shipped to me. I would only remove and install the ball joints and not be responsible for wheteher or not you should have new ones installed. Probably an additional $10 to send the old clamps back with the new sets.

This brings up an additional step in changing out the clamps that I forgot about. The ignition assembly has two tamper resistent 8mm screws holding it to the top clamp. They will need to be drilled out to get the igntion off the clamp. I am replacing them on the new top clamp with two plain socket head stainless bolts and washers. I plan to just fill the bolt head area with silicone sealant to make them semi tamper resistent. I really doubt anyone would take the trouble to try and steal a bike by this means anyway and the silicon would take a lot of time to go through to get at the bolts. I could probably also be persuaded to help out with this part too if anyone needed it done for them.

VetteRacer · 11-08-2006, 09:05 AM

$500 is too much $ for me, but they look like they will be a beautiful peice. I am sure I will get to see and try them out if Jeffro gets a set

Wish I could get in on it. But the Ohlins rebuild calls for #1 priority on the bike right now..

motoyoyo · 11-08-2006, 09:10 AM

I hear ya Matt. Anything in this price range is definitely in the "have to do some esplanin" category, lol. Well, you know you could always cash out that boat anchor you call a K-bike...

captainasty · 11-08-2006, 09:20 AM

Moto, send me some prints in *.dwg (2000ver.) in I'll work a price. captainasty@bellsouth.net
Mike

Seventies Man · 11-08-2006, 09:22 AM

Triple Clamps or Wilber rear suspension? I wonder which would have more effective results. For my uses running bags and trying to tour on the S It would probably be the Wilbers. -Martin

Dan Alexander · Dan Alexander's Garage

I'm interested ... do you think the two bolt upper will be available?

motoyoyo · 11-08-2006, 09:47 AM

Mike, I sent you some 3d views of the parts.

Martin, yes the shocks should definitely be a first priority. It was only after my bike was well set up suspension wise that I was able to push the bike hard enough to notice the flexy front end.

motoyoyo · 11-08-2006, 09:54 AM

Dan, most likely not. I had been determined to have that one for myself as well, but I now realize that a stronger lower clamp would be much more effective than a two bolt top clamp. I love the look of it though but the single bolt clamp with the new lower clamp should be way strong enough.

Now...bling is another story. It definitely adds more bling and is therefore worth considering. I'd say it depends on the interest generated. I know JonyRR wants one too, so I'll tentatively put you down as number 3 interested in the two bolt top clamp.

JonyRR · 11-08-2006, 10:19 AM

I can swing $500.00. 8 is really pushing the 'mama will find ouot and b!tch' category.
If they're 5 bills, I'm in. Even mo-bettah if I can get a 2-bolt upper.
Scott, yer da man

Dan Alexander · Dan Alexander's Garage

ditto

captainasty · 11-08-2006, 11:02 AM

Check your dirty mail.

motoyoyo · 11-08-2006, 11:06 AM

Ok, noted. Keep in mine the total price will include both top and bottom clamps together as a set.

As far as the two bolt top clamp is concerned, it would not have the "same as stock" bar position. Bars would be .250" lower underneat the clamp and .090" higher on top. Again, it is a different tooling setup due to it not being flat accross the bottom and would probably be add significant cost in small numbers.

Jony, I really think you will get the front end performance your looking for with the combination lower and single bolt top clamps. There is so much distance between top and bottom clamp positions that one top clamp should not be any better than the other. If the lower legs are held more rigidly then there will be much less twist occuring up top.

Mike...checking now,

Rapid Dog · 11-08-2006, 11:20 AM

Quote:

and would probably be add significant cost in small numbers

Definitely going to cost more in material, set-up, and programming time from any commercial shop...IMO, you guys are going to be better off just ordering all the same parts.
Doing a couple/few similar-but-different sets are gonna cost ya, and cost Motoyoyo and extra headache...

Think about it...ref: "PVM Wheels Group Buy"...