Robert Adams: VStorm Build

[Karlo]

RobertAdams Build Log below

http://www.classicbikehire.com/VStormHome.html

What are the details on your new Kit? Engine, Options details?

Karlo

[RobertAdams]

Hi Karlo, right now I've put myself down for all the packages produced by SDR, so that's chassis, suspension, bodywork, steering rack etc. I'm planing to stick with the Aprilia Mille R engine, I like V twins, and it means I can use the factory supplied engine mounts, silencer etc. While I'm quite capable of making up missing bits and pieces I value the time saved by using bits someone else has made! Other than that I'll use a Sierra LSD, (as per standard V Storm). I've mused over a solenoid gear change as well as ventilated discs, I think I'll use a conventional cable shift to start with, then may play with gadgetery, and I suspect the standard Wilwood solid discs will be more than adequate, although ventilated would look cooler!
Right now I have a space problem in the garage and I plan to start work in May (once my daughters 2CV has 'gone'!) The UK Kit Car magazine for February should have an in depth article on the V Storm, not sure if you can get it in the US?

[Karlo]

RobertAdams

When is your ETA on your VSTORM?

[RobertAdams]

May 08 for delivery, I could get it earlier but I'm waiting for space in the garage. I will buy all the packages (chassis, suspension, engine mounts, bodywork etc) together, makes for one trip to collect, and I'll need them all anyway, not sure on how long the build will be, hopefully on the road for the end of summer.....;)

[Karlo]

Robert

Are you the first sale of the Vstorm?

[RobertAdams]

I dont think I'm the first, there were others at the trackday who had paid their deposit and the first batch of 10 is now in production. I'm doing all sorts of fun 'research' into accessories like wheels, instruments and switches, I like the idea of the SPA Design 2 function digital instruments, but they are not cheap! Savage do some nice switches, but I quite fancy going retro and using old aircraft switches, sure none of the labels will line up with the function, but who cares if you have to set the position to 'De Ice' to turn on the rear for light?

[Karlo]

What Kind of wheels are you thinking?

The production of the first 10, I suspect is for the UK. Any Ideas on what might come to the USA?

[RobertAdams]

Hi Karlo

I havent fixed on a wheel yet, I fancy something quite minimal with multiple 'spokes' I'm not sure if split rims are a good idea, probably just go for cast ones, and weight is important, as is price! Black will go well with the colour scheme (I've gone for signal yellow), and wont show the brake dust.

You'll have to ask Simon about US availability, while the US market always seems enticing, there are many car manufacturers who tried the US market and failed, best launch into the US from a strong UK base.......

Do you know the name of those really cool instruments which have a central control box and then daisy chain the instruments, Jananese I think, I found them on the web yesterday, now using a different computer and cant find them again!

Rob

[Karlo]

Robert

Any new News on your delivery. Still on schedule?

[RobertAdams]

Hi Karlo

It's all on schedule, I can't accommodate the V Storm in my garage until May, just as soon as my daughter completes her 2 CV rebuild, then I plan a complete repaint of that bay and set it up for the V Storm build.

I've been in regular contact with Simon, every time I call I hear the sound of metal bashing in the background, he ships the first kits this month, so he's a busy boy!

I'm tracking an engine, have the differential, just need to choose some wheels and instruments.

I like the idea of a one litre engine, sure you could go faster with a car engine, but for me there is something cute about a light car, small engine, minimal design etc and with 'gas', as you guys call it, at about 10 USD a gallon and car tax pro rata on engine size, just 1000 ccs has its advantages.....

Rob

[Gage]

Wow. $10 dollars a gallon. I understand aiming for fuel economy then. It will still be a very fun ride.

[RobertAdams]

I'd hate you guys to get the wrong idea of just how cheap life is over here, 'gas' is only 8.5 USD for a US gallon, 10 USD for one of our original and far superior gallons (not that we use them any more!), or 2.2 USD per litre, which you probably spell as liter, yes yes, two nations divided by a common language!

[RobertAdams]

I've fixed up with Simon to collect mine on the 9th of May, I think I'm going to go for powder coating in a sort of graphite grey for the tub, I've ordered the body panels in yellow. The garage is clear, the floor freshly painted, all very exciting. I'll run a build log, not sure where I will host it, Karlo, is this something you could add to this website? If not I'll post it on mine and link it, Rob

[RobertAdams]

A quick update, I've asked Simon to arrange the chassis to be powder coated in silver grey, so I will collect around the 22nd May, which means I should be able to collect the bodywork at the same time. (it's a 500 mile round trip, so one trip is better than two).

I collect the Aprilia engine tonight, I need an ECU, starter and wiring harness, the instruments are coming together, I just need to find out how a rev counter from a Lancaster bomber is wired to an Aprilia mille loom, should be a doddle!

One big benefit of getting the frame ready coated is that I should be able to start the fun of assembly straight away, the garage is cleared and painted, just 10 days to go....

[Karlo]

Wahoo:yipee:

Robert How long do you expect to be up and running?

[RobertAdams]

I've found an Aprilia Mille R engine, which should produce 138bhp, I've got some 51mm throttle bodies, and need the ECU.

I've stuck to the standard engine (see previous/other posts) for simplicity and economy.

I noticed that there is now a rear wing available, which looks great so I'll go for that, the main area of customisation will be the instruments, I've gone for old stuff from WWII aircraft with the exception of the speedo (which is ex Jaguar). the use of old instruments makes no sense in terms of weight or simplicity, but I like the idea of selecting 'De-ice gunsight' to get main beam and 'Stb Tank drop' to turn right! I may admit defeat with the rev counter, it's a clock style face, i.e with a hundreds and an thousands hand like an hour and a minute hand, I think blipping the throttle on a V twin might send the 'minute' hand wizzing round, if all else fails I'll rip the guts out and replace with a modern analogue movement keeping the old face and case.

[RobertAdams]

The great day has been and gone! I went 'up north' yesterday to collect the V Storm, managed to get it all in my white van (except the body panels which arrive next week). Simon had everything ready and I asked for the frame to be powder coated to save me the job. All has been unloaded into the build bay and I started straight away with the front suspension, great fun! I will be running a build log and documenting the build for others who follow in my footsteps. I'll post the url as soon as it's up and running. Enough of this typing, I'm off to the garage!

[Karlo]

Great News, Cannot wait for the pictures!!

As was hoping you could use this forum for your build log?

[RobertAdams]

Hi Karlo and all the others, the build diary is on the web, it's very creaky, and the color scheme makes it look like a gardening diary, but it's there!

http://www.classicbikehire.com/VStormHome.html

Only the suspension page is populated, as I build I will complete the others.

So far the build has gone well, all the parts fit!

Rob

[Karlo]

Nice beginning Robert.

Did the VStorm come with a build manual?

[TheBigG69]

Karlo

There is no build manual currently but with a series of photos from Simons original build and a well documented nut and bolt pack figuring out how and where things go is not too bad.

[RobertAdams]

Hi Karlo

I'm hoping my build diary will act as a build manual

http://www.classicbikehire.com/VStormHome.html

Hopefully Simon will check it when he gets back from his weekend away.

I've spent 4 leisurely days on the suspension, transmission and ancilliaries, so far everything has fitted, and only 2 bolts left over!

I'm off on hols myself this coming weekend, so I'll be quiet for 10 days, hopefully some more bits will arrive, then I start the time consuming bit of the wiring etc.

Rob

[RobertAdams]

I've just updated the build dairy
http://www.classicbikehire.com/VStormHome.html
I've completed the engine electrics, I think I extended or shortened every wire in the original Aprilia loom, I might as well have chopped all the connectors off and started from three!
I've started on the bodywork, it's looking good, but still a lot more to do, specifically the pedal box, hydraulics, exhaust and then the dreaded SVA test.
Rob

[Simon Storm]

:cool3:

Hi Rob,

Glad to see you are winning,the car is looking really good,and I like the colour scheme,I think it works extremley well battleship grey and yellow.

I might have to do my nexy demo that colour,but Ill have to wait and see Garys car !


I think its going to look the fantastic.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Simon:thumb2:

[Karlo]

Rob

That gage cluster looks like it fits perfectly?

[RobertAdams]

I've just updated the website http://www.classicbikehire.com/VStormHome.html
Simon had made a few modifications to the rear suspension to give better travel and handling, and the pedal box and headlight brackets have now arrived. Just the exhaust and mudguard brakets to go and the build will be complete, just in time for winter! (not that we had a summer here!).
I'll reassmble all the body work and roll her out for some better overall pictures soon, just as soon as it stop raining. Rob