In between sorting out the CB350 moviestar bike Adam has been back at work sorting out Rob's Beemer, and now that the frame is painted the wheel can go back in.

Previously Adam has been back at work on Rob's Beemer, sorting the stubby silencer (not sure how 'silent' it's gonna be!), and a fat-footed sidestand (just in case he wants to park it on the grass?). Keep up with progress on UMC's blog, but meanwhile here are some of the latest snaps from the workshop.

Previously... This week I have been doing lots of grinding and welding. Getting rid of all the parts that aren't needed any more on the frame and subframe. The first thing to go was the really well welded on bracket that held the battery box. This is way over engineered for what it does. It took me ages to remove and gave me a bad back in the process! See photos 1 and 3. The bracket that holds the subframe to the frame has a lower hole that is not needed see photo 2. I have cut that away and will smooth it to a good shape with the grinder. I actually don't know why it's there I have never seen it being used. If anyone knows why it's on the frame please tell me. Now that the exhaust is being changed to our custom version. I will make the exhaust hanger look better than this utilitarian part - photo 4. When I remember I will take a photo of the new shape. I might have a photo of Mark's bike somewhere on the blog. Today I spent welding the subframe back together grinding and welding till it's nearly done perfectly. We cut about 5 inches out of it to make our 1 and 3/4 length subframe. We then bend the hoop using a vice and a large tube until it matches the cut section of the subframe. We also have to tilt it up so the wheel doesn't hit the rear end hoop. To add extra strength we add solid bar to inside of the frame and to the bottom part we add brackets for more strength. See photos 8 and 9 of it finished Anyone can do this to a BMW it just needs time and some tools. Just make sure you don't cut off anything that might be needed when putting the bike back together. I usually go round the bike before taking it apart looking at the frame to see what is not being used. I mark it with a white pen and then cut that bit away after I have taken the bike apart. One thing it's much easier to grind the frame without the engine in place. That's why I got a bad back doing this frame. You can't move the frame around to get at bit's more easily when that engine is in it..... Hope this helps anyone embarking on customizing a BMW

Previously...

Rob's motorcycle is now on a bench. The subframe has been cut and the rear loop has been bent into shape awaiting welding. The loop has a good lift to it now which will stop the rear wheel hitting it. The wheels are now off and the hubs and rims are ready for powder coating in satin black. Our next job is to clean up the frame by cutting all bits off it. Then we need to make and weld the brackets for the new battery box.