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Marshy
17-06-2014, 08:50 PM
It's not a build thread yet, because it's still being un-built.....

Currently, the folding bike looks like this. If only it would stay this short, the turn-in responsiveness would be unbeatable!

http://tarmactalk.com/images/ape2-1.jpg




Then this needs to be fitted somewhere.

http://tarmactalk.com/images/ape2-2.jpg
Marshy
18-06-2014, 09:50 PM
And in another 'Well, there's your problem" moment, check out the steering head angle on the old frame compared to the new one.

http://tarmactalk.com/images/ape2-3.jpg


http://tarmactalk.com/images/ape2-4.jpg
Mr.Ed
18-06-2014, 10:28 PM
So is that a newer spec frame? Say, 2014? It looks like the old one was a bit more aggressive but then again, what do I know... :loco:
stevem
19-06-2014, 03:46 AM
So is that a newer spec frame? Say, 2014? It looks like the old one was a bit more aggressive but then again, what do I know... :loco:

or it has smacked something pretty hard
Marshy
19-06-2014, 07:21 AM
or it has smacked something pretty hard

This ^

Very hard. The front was rather ploughed in. But everything is new - frame, triples, forks, radiator, oil cooler, exhaust, fly-by-wire throttle etc etc - so it'll be perfect when finished. :thumb:

Big job, but. It's taken some time (and cost a fortune!). :bolt:
Phat3R
19-06-2014, 07:52 AM
Compliance plate gets moved over too ???
Mr.Ed
19-06-2014, 08:38 AM
Fuark... Didn't think you could push the neck that much withouth leaving some very obvious signs on the metal. It might be the first time but it seems I was wrong.
Marshy
19-06-2014, 08:54 AM
Compliance plate gets moved over too ???

Moved it already. At some point I need to find some number/letter stamps to stamp the VIN in the new frame (they come blank, designed for you to transfer the number over).


Fuark... Didn't think you could push the neck that much withouth leaving some very obvious signs on the metal. It might be the first time but it seems I was wrong.

To be honest, Ed, it took me a month to realise that the bends in the frame between the headstem and the air intake holes weren't meant to be there!! They look like a factory moulding, and they are exactly the same on both sides, further adding to the illusion. I finally checked the other bike and suddenly realised that the frame was flat at those points on the unbent bike ;)
James_
19-06-2014, 09:26 AM
Thats a huge difference.
Must've been a pretty big off to bend it that much! ouch.
Little Mick
19-06-2014, 07:50 PM
was this the no 1 bike Marshy?
Marshy
19-06-2014, 09:51 PM
was this the no 1 bike Marshy?

Fortunately no, it's the No. 2, which will become the No. 1 bike because it's getting even more bling than the current one! I bought it this way (cheapish) but it's still gonna have cost an arm and a leg by the time it's finished. Which I'm hoping will be in time for next Friday.

Unless I have another one ready by then.....

I want to test and have ready a spare bike for ASBK at PI in a month.
Marshy
19-06-2014, 09:56 PM
Thats a huge difference.
Must've been a pretty big off to bend it that much! ouch.

I gather these Ape frames bend fairly easily, as the main spars are forged aluminium, joined at either end to cast alu headstock and back section, and with the engine-mount triangle hanging off below. So the lightweight spars just bend with a front impact. You can see a nasty crease in the frame at the back of the forged bit, at the back of the triangle.