Frame retardant

Untouched for a few weeks now the new frame has been receiving some attention. Most of the material around the headstock had been removed but i was unable to get the headstock tube to bend back, today however i took it to see a man i know and we got it to play ball by taking the oxy torch to it and getting it real hot.
To ensure everything stayed straight the frame remained in the jig for this operation. A large snug fitting bar running straight through the head tube and down between the jig rails meant it would only bend in one direction. It still took quite some effort but we managed to move it back 6 and a bit degrees, the target was 7 so it's pretty close. This change of angle alone will lower the front of the bike by 2 inches, plus if needed there will now be enough space between the front wheel and exhaust to shorten the forks further still.

With this major task accomplished i made a start on fitting the replacement top tube which will double as the fuel tank. It's a touch wider than the headstock so is an odd fit at that end but i needed the diameter to ensure it will hold enough fuel to get down the track. Calculations have it at 1.1litres.

I picked up a wider back wheel at the last event too, I've now decided not to use it however so it will go on ebay soon. It did come with extra rims which I'm keeping and hopefully will be using to make a new wheel from scratch. I just need someone with a bigger lathe than mine to turn up the hub. The center piece with the bearings in I'll turn myself.