The Rocket
A strange name for a bike you may think, especially a bobber! Well it's all down to Ron's (our customer) friends who nicknamed him Rocket Ron, so he decided that would be a good name for the bike and means something to him. Maybe it's the way he rides! I guess his friends know.
Based on a 1978 R80, Ron wanted this build to be a bit special, a bit different and a bit 'old skool'
The colour was chosen from a Dulux household paint range and matched to an automotive colour which is almost 'Old English White' and I think it looks stunning.
Here's what's been done.
Before the complete strip down could be done, fabrication of the new laid down shock mounts (there's no subframe on this), extending the main frame spine in matching oval tube for the single seat mount and new rear mudguard stays which have to move with the swinging arm.
That done, the frame was de-tabbed of all unwanted brackets and sent off for blasting and powdercoating in satin black.
The engine got the usual treatment of a strip down and refreshed with a new timing chain kit, seals, clutch, a new lightweight more powerful starter motor and digital electronic ignition.
To live up to the Rocket name, more go was required, so the old 800cc barrels and pistons were junked in favour of a 1000cc Siebenrock Power kit which comprises of new lightweight, Nikasil lined alloy barrels, lighter, short skirt high comp pistons and stainless pushrod tubes. These mated up with bigger Mikuni carbs and Ram Air filters give a significant increase in performance, around 30%, and you can really feel it!
Of course, modern looking silencers just wouldn't cut it with this bike, so 'fishtails' were the order of the day and mated up with custom stainless headers and all aquablasted for that satin look.
In keeping with the style, a period looking headlamp was fitted which incorporates a neat GPS speedo and a range of LED warning lights.
A set of SRC stainless pull back 'beachbars' were made and 'satined' which really complete the look and give the right, relaxed riding position.
Up to date electronics were required so a full Motogadget kit was fitted and a neat LED strip containing stop, tail and indicators was fitted under the sumptuous leather single seat.
A decorative tank strap and grips in the same tan leather were made to Ron's requirements and in our opinion look great.
The front rim was swapped out for a wider 18" item and both rims were then powdercoated in satin black, fitted with stainless anodized black spokes and topped off with 'old skool' white wall tyres.
We're really pleased how it's turned out and Ron's been instructed to keep it clean as it's being exhibited at the forthcoming Bike Shed show.
It's show and go with this build!
Side Rock Cycles