I’m just getting restarted on the Pro-Tour ‘S’ which will make it’s debut in the early months of 2009 so I figured it was about time to set up my blog in order to post images and comments about the build as it progresses. This is where you’ll be able to keep up to date on the scoot as it comes to life. Here’s an image showing where we’re currently at, and Yes it is a real deal ‘drop seat’ design… 22.0 inches will be the finished seat height!
I know – I know, your first thought is “But its a Sportster” & honestly, I used to feel the same way, but after many years of working on Big Twins and Sportys I’ve begun to realize just how many design facets of the Sportster make so much sense. The reality is the Sportster platform is PERFECT for what I’m trying to accomplish here.
First of all, I have a history of being quite at home on a Drag Strip so a bike with a drag racing stance is one thing I want. I also like the idea of being able to actually GO SOMEWHERE on the bikes I build other than from one bar to another, so I want a ‘Bagger’ of sorts. So to build a truly FAST bike it makes sense to start with something lightweight so you can conserve your money on ‘go fast’ parts and use that dough in the areas where the bike is lacking. On the stock Sportster the biggest drawback is the extremely short wheelbase. They ride like crap and with the ‘Stuffed in the ass’ look there’s little you can do to give the bike a good stance plus you feel like you’re riding ‘on top’ of the bike.
So here’s what we’ve done so far to address those issues: We’ve stretched the swingarm. (the one on it now is for mock-up purposes only – we’re making a new, beefier one for the finished bike) That swingarm stretch gives the bike slightly MORE wheelbase than a stock FL which in itself will give the bike a much improved ride quality, plus we’ll be using the FL air shocks on the bike to make the rear suspension totally adjustable. The other thing the stretch gives us is the opportunity to turn this into a real deal drop seat scooter. The finished height of the seat will be only 22 inches off the ground! Keep in mind, this is all based on a bone stock Sportster chassis!
With the next image I’ll share more design short comings and how we’re addressing them as well as the design high points that make this a smart scooter conversion. Stay tuned…