My custom TL1000R is almost finished,so can finally start getting back to my VTR build
have aquired a few more parts since last time

main one is maybe the HRC works swingarm (with kit suspension links and other bits)
the axle parts are a kit CBR1000RR axle with the kit CBR1000RR end pieces shaved down to fit the VTR axle slots
also needed custom clips ons and fender mounts made for the forks,as they are much larger than standard and as you can see need endurance type fender mounts

the wheels are HRC (will paint the front black)
front is a 3x 3.75- I think for an RC45.the rear a 17 x 6 VTR kit wheel

need to get the rest of the rear wheel parts (not cheap-the sprocket mount is about 1,500us and all the other bits add up,so I hope to find used,but not easy to get used marchesini race parts anymore)

cool HRC kit discs (they are new but have a few scratches I will have to touch up) and race CNC nissin front calipers and rear Ladybird caliper braket (SP1) and just a usual CNC brembo (the ladybird SP1 bracket was the only one I had that fit with the swigarm)

HRC ecu(very rare now-I think Ive sold most the used stock in japan to my friends/customers overseas and havent seen anymore in a couple of years now so I think all gone),magical racing supercoat screen
forks and triples are a new TSR/White Power ACM set up (from their CBR900 bike they made in 2000 or so.luckily the triple stem etc slot into my SP2 like a glove-bit of luck as bought without knowing if they would fit)
showa stickers are maybe a bit more correct-so there they are!

the fork action is really awesome,so will be good forks I think
fender is a 2006 cbr1000rr pre preg moto plan one (to fit the fender mounts)

the bags are titanium bolts (mostly from the old HRC supplier, which I have collected over 15 years,but a few bits from chinese makers on ebay-their titanium machining is getting very good now)

and of course Peters lovely metal funnels and a galespeed and brembo master (might use both galsepeed as have a few here)

of course have other bits not shown,and might get a custom paint job,but again have basically completed my TL1000R custom (its a beast I think-will post photos soonish) can start getting back to the VTR build

also since I have these HRC mag wheels and rotors maybe will get rid of my unused galespeed rims and T drive rotors (and my forks with the DLC stantions)

and must say the most horrible parts of my build so far is the italian race radiator (took over a year to get,and I think they stopped making them after mine were delivered, as havent saeen them since-shame as quality is great-just the fit is horrific) and carbon Moriwaki airbox (I wish I never installed that as a total nighmare,but I think the intake noise will make up for the stress)

also have my own custom made active high throttle,which feels much nicer than stock. (active throtles rule!)

and not boasting I hope-this is my career,so have to expect some interesting parts,and just want to inspire some people to keep going with their hobbies/passions,as this site has died recently (one reason is the companys stopping of people like me selling cool parts and showing new info with the stopping of their vendor programme-no idea why have asked but havent got a reply from verticalscope..)

and also its fun seeing if stuff fits,as there is quite a bit of experimentation and modding to get things as they are so far (next will be the ohlins shock end piece to fit the showa race link)
also I wont forget the chain cover I modified to look like the HRC works one (looks pretty cool I think! just hand shaved)

also I will be getting an SP1 this year,so will get ladybird to make a slip on (I think like the high mount ethos one will be best,nice elegant design)

I have a few sets of the Nissin calipers (2 new)
but will used the used ones I havbe as need to shave a little off them to fit the forks(Nissin changed the design a little in 2001 or so) as too sad to modify the new ones (the photo of the calipers below is just to show my little obsession/collection sorry)

the caliper supports are made by an old HRC supplier (the brembo ones are copies of the TSR ones,but he had nissin spec mounts in his database,so coulkd make those easily)
Clever wolf racing sell the same thing (brembo 40mm caliper mounts for sp1/2 OEM forks) for over 500us,so Im glad I have these for a lot less

next we will be making (well he is making and I am buying from him at maybe high prices as difficult to push the masters like him to make cheaper as its a matter of pride and these parts are hard to make) the HRC kit RC30/45 rear axles,as sin ce he made for HRC he has the software (made from chrome moly-very difficult to machine..)
and actually I have the missing link for these parts-the wheel locking pin!

there is not stock in the world,and to get more made would mean an order of 1500 pins (bit too many for me...)

but I have 5 new ones here...so I can get 5 axles made (RC30 and RC45)
these axles are works of art (have one on my CBR900) and are extremely strong-HRC refuses to use titanium for these types of parts(i know as stupidly I didnt tighten my rear wheel correctly a long time ago,but I could get home with a loose wheel without any damage to the wheel/axle)

also I just read today in a just released mag here in japan that Honda will be releasing a super trick V4 road bike soonish,so might be something to look foward to (but I think will be 25 grand or so at least-similar to the RC30 etc)

Day'm Simon , those caliper brackets and the polished Nissin's are the titts ! All of it porn , Cant wait to see it done ( love those rotors too )

Shamefully I've owned the bike for almost. 5 years and ridden maybe 20km total
I think it will be maybe just a ornament when done and I will work on something else

Working from home and also looking after kids etc really hinders things like bike builds but I'm very happy I've finished the tl1000r and it actually starts! (Also I don't have a garage so have to work outside in the harsh Japanese summers)



But I'm actually very happy as was almost impossible the last few years to enjoy myself playing with my bikes (was like a mental block or something)
But at last I have this little pleasure back!
Next I will ride them again!


Another problem is my fussy nature

I can't leave things as is and often make more work for myself (the TL took a long time as changed many things so had issues like having the wrong front wheel so when finally that was sussed had to get different/custom parts made,and even mounts to get the correct rotor offset
And the tank was totally rusted so needed quite a bit of work to get back to normal -many many hours spent on that bike!

But other things make up for it (unique bits and bobs)

So next week will show you all my Suzuki twin and then will start on the Honda!

Biggest hassle will be the swingarm I think
I suspect need some parts to fit as I think for an SP1

After that my dream is to get back to the track as haven't ridden on one for many years
Would be great to enjoy my passions again after being a slave to the wife/kids for so long.(probably all self inflicted but maybe others with kids and domineering wives might understand

Next not really sure what I will do bike business wise
I can easily keep going as is and survive ok but might try something else
I would love to make titanium necks for ibanez rg guitars as I could transfer the exhaust making technology (I know in the past metal necks did not catch on but titanium has great Sonic qualities and shred/metal guitarists need perfect action and wood always moves even a tiny bit

Anyway I hope to make money for my friend at Ladybird and the exhaust maker and need to find other business as the bike industry is shrinking every year so I might take a Gamble and try to find other usages for titanium (drone chassis would be cool made in exhaust tubing- light and easy to form

Biggest hurdle with new ventures is convincing the Japanese companies ( took me 6 years or so to get the hrc ladybird exhaust made..
But at least they believe me now so just a matter of commiting to it

Anyway I think guitar necks with cool welded and polished titanium construction would be great (maybe fingerboard is wood-small detail!)

If anyone is a major professional guitarist here and is interested in titanium replacement necks for your Ibanez RG/Jem etc let me know!

And also just want to say nothing is for sale here just showing off as will all go in my bike

I really did think about getting some replica swingarms made but it's a big project (will need to be either all cnc like Kenny Roberts ones or will need molds for the stampings

And even those caliper supports took a while to get sorted so something like a swingarm could have major issues

Is that a realistic inside scoop there Simon....??

Was from young machine (sometimes dubious) but I think genuine and seems a real race replica (Ducati 1199 type frane design)

Trouble is the price...I think Honda will be asking top dollar for it

At least im hoping as Honda needs to release something decent again (the new fireblade is a bit of a joke to me and shows their current cooperate condition and attitude to their products- it's just the old bike with a cbr600 front and a few tweaks

I will try to take some photos of the bike and post here

Great stuff Simon! BTW, are you on Facebook? I'll be placing an order with you tomorrow and would like to chat if you don't mind.