Suzuki Tank?

Found this tank a while back, it is in better shape than the XL tank I was going to use.  It is a little more narrow and shorter and seems to fit the bike a little better.  I just cut off one of the mounting tabs on the rear of the tank and it fits right over the frame perfectly, and is nice and snug.  I do need to figure out a way to attach it.

New, Free workbench!!

Got a free workbench off of Craigslist tonight!!  I did a little modification to the legs and attached the whole thing directly to the wall.  This will come in handy when working in the garage.  It pays to search CL for hours!

I have come up with a name for this build, "The Side Hill Gouger" it will be known as!  This name comes from a mythical creature my grandpa invented that lived in the hills and valleys of Wisconsin and Minnesota.  This is what I would think it would look like.

Its coming together!

 I started putting the bike back together to see how it would look with the frame welded together.

There is obviously a lot to do with the frame before its complete but I couldn't wait!  I will need to sand the frame and get it cleaned up and then painted, also think I will add some metal pieces to the joints just for a decorative look.

Welded frame

I was able to get the hardtail welded onto the original CL frame recently!  I think it turned out pretty good, just had to take it back once because it sat a little cocked to one side.  It is not the pretties frame around but it fits with the build.

The original CL 19" tire vs. the XL 21" tire.

Here are both tires next to each other.  The CL original tire is in forks obviously.  I think the knobbies will add a bit of personality as well.  I wanted to incorporate a dirt bike feel to the build as well.  Along with the knobby tire, the new fuel tank should give it that look.

I will have to figure out a new axle however, the XL axle is much thinner.

Back to work!

It has been a while since I have done anything with "The Side Hill Gouger" build.  I have continued to accumulate some new parts however.

I found some wheels, tires and a fuel tank off of an old Honda XL on Craigslist.  I got the whole package for $50 from a very cool lady who rebuilds old Honda mini bikes.

I love the look of the tank, this is exactly what I have been looking for.  The only down side is that it has a nice dent on the opposite side and does not fit the backbone on the CL frame.  Pretty rusty on the inside as well.

The front tire I am really excited about.  It is a 21" tire, the original CL front was a 19". I like the look of the tall skinny tire.  I plan to lower the front forks to accentuate the height of the tire and to keep the frame level.