Hi Rob, Vince and all,
the frame I have is the one on Option 3,4,5,6 and 8 of the competition. I like it a lot more from the styling side, though I think the other frame is way lighter (less tubing...) and not that "dominant". My frame though offers at least SOME lines you can work with, so hopefully, I will be able to shape things less ugly than the examples on the 1st page...
I do have a tank that's rear part I do like quite much, however, the builder seem to have lost patience when it came to the top and front...
But as I have to make up a tank myself anyway (bottom does not give enough space for longer bellmouthes etc. and shape is ugly of the tank I have), I will use this tank as a basis shape for the rear and work from there.
Seat unit I must admit I haven't seen ANY lately, that does fit the bike perfectly. THAT will be the biggest challenge to get right, besides the overall line...
Fairing is the least problem, as I do have 3 that would fit the bike and at least 2 are not the most ugly ones. Also, the frame provides a lot of mounting-points already for the (half-) fairing I am thinking of. But first, I have to collect the front rim and tripple clamps from Piet, put some rubber on the rims and some other things to get the thing onto its wheels. Then I can start shaping the tank's upper side and get an impression what to do with the seat etc.
Finding the right position for the footrests is the next issue then... Seating position is influencing not only the comfort but also the handling in curves etc.. To much forward and you end up with a bike that slips over the front and has to much rear-wheel spin as well as a less effective wind protection from the fairing, to much backward and you arms might be to short and sitting might be very uncomfortable for long distance rides and turning in to small bends might be a problem. I will need some help of some experienced person here, I fear...