BMW F650 Ignition Switch Mount, Preview

[cg 2005]

I got a drawing from WayneC a couple of weeks ago. The drawing was for an ignition switch holder to convert the F650 to USD forks. It took me a while to switch around the mill and the lathe and to get the sludge upstairs in thinking mode again.

Here is the sequence to date:

Fire up the foundry and cast the ingot. This time I did the melt in the mold since this would be a larger than normal melt;










Working the ingot to the basic shape;








Starting the finish rough cuts to hold the cylinder;







I need to bore out the cylinder hole, and drill and thread the holes.

Then I will send it to WayneC for his critique. If he says go, then I will make them available.

 

[bmw rider]

Interesting project, looking forward to more on this. Which F650 model is this for?

 

[cg 2005]

Most people convert the Dakar to USD forks using Yamaha forks, but some also convert the the 650GS.

 

[bmw rider]

I wasn't sure if you were working on the older ST or the GS single or the later GS twin. I sort of figured it was most likely one of the GS variants with the thumper being the most likely. I had an 03 F650GS followed up by my current F800GS.

 

[cg 2005]

I don't see why the Classic could not be converted. I thought the twin F800 bikes had USD forks. How do you like the twin?

 

[bmw rider]

Yes, the F800GS has the USD forks but the 650 twin doesn't. I am really happy with my 800, it's the ideal GS for my use, lighter than the R-GSs and more power than the thumpers. I was really enjoying my F650GS while I had it, but it met with an early demise after a deer took it (and me) down. The F800GS had just been introduced at the time, so I took the insurance payout, put in my order for one and never looked back.

 

[komatias]

Funny that we find eachother on this forum too!

Also have the alias Komatias on F650.co.uk, .com avdrider and ukgser....

 

[cg 2005]

A lot of knowledge here as well.

 

[bmw rider]

Funny that we find eachother on this forum too!

Also have the alias Komatias on F650.co.uk, .com avdrider and ukgser....

I frequent ADV Rider as well, my user name there and on a few other motorcycle forums is MCMXCIVRS.