Alt Bike Culture - MotorLiner

Hey there guys and gals. I think this is my first post to the Alt Bike forum. I usually post to the Classic and Vintage group but figured I would share my newest build with you guys.

The build is actually being done for a build off porject on another site but figured you guys might appreciate it here.




** Photchop concept. Source photo care of JoeyMac's DevilWing (the coolest Spaceliner around!)
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/2813507263_13f36db036_o3.jpg


I highly doubt that I will be able to finish the motorized version of my build for this build off so instead I am aiming to at least get a rolling bike (minus motor) in before deadline.

So far, this is what I have:
**650c wheels are used for mock up only (AND to make "Zipp-crazed-roadies" mad - lol)

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/space_mock_up1.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/space_mock_up2.jpg

The seat was a $25.00 ebay purchase that was listed under "Antique Motorcycle Seat". It had some very rusty hardware and leather that was so dry that it literally crumbled in my hands.

Seat when purchased:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/MVC-013S.jpg

Seat after cleanup:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/SEAT.jpg

The fork was another Ebay purchase. For some reason the previous owner thought it would be a good idea to paint the hardware on this for silver. Scraping off the ugly paint revelaed some decent chrome:

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/fork1.jpg http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/fork-2.jpg

Here she is with a huge 7" headlight and proper wheels:

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/DSC_5267.jpg

Lookin' cool. :)

I kinda liked it with the zip wheels, too.

Gotta love the over sized headlight. That's going to be a spare and beautiful bike. The previous poster is right, those thin tires do look good.

definitely looks better without that motor thingy gunkin up the middle.

definitely looks better without that motor thingy gunkin up the middle.

Seconded. Leave off the fenders and the chainguard too. Really, your bike already has a stronger look than that sample. Make it easy, stark and simple. You'll have a winner.

I disagree about leaving the fenders off. The old frame/fork/light combo demands fenders to set it off right. I would find a large set in aluminum if possible, and an aluminum tank as well.

Is the gasoline motor really necessary? Have you ever ridden a bicycle equipped with an engine? It's easy on the legs, but noisy, smelly, and you are prone to getting burns and shocks while getting the damn things set up.

Have you thought about an electric set up? The new Schwinns seem to use a front hub with a drive motor, and the battery pack could be fit into the tank. Your bike would be able to keep it's clean lines, and the electric front hub would look like an old-school drum brake.

A 7 or 8 speed hub (or the Rohloff 14 speed, if you've got the bucks) would make it very versatile, and easier to ride up the hills if the battery (or engine) gives out.

You should consider electric. It's far simpler, probably no more expensive, and would be much more cutting-edge.

I think I got some bars that I'm happy with. $7.00 for these flipped risers. I wanted to go for some real clubman bars but I really didn't want to spend too much on this project.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/DSC_5280.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/space_bw1.jpg

Here she is. I hope to get better pics soon since these were taken in the rain with little thought.
Hope you like her :D

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/Final_Spaceliner_quarterbac.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/Final_Spaceliner_FR-2.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/Final_Spaceliner_Quarterfro.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/Final_Spaceliner_Side.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg128/steppinthefunk/Final_Spaceliner_nondrive.jpg

I know the "other site" well, followed it there. Amazing bike! Nicely done.

Awesome build! I have Spaceliner too and am thinking of ratting it out....what kind of bike did the springer fork come off of?

if you liked the zipp wheel but want to keep that tire size there's a site in germany that makes 24 and 26" wheel covers similar to what the old bmx bikes had. i'll stick a link in when i get home and find it.

omg that bike is so hot, and amazing.

here they are

http://www.classic-cycle.de/oxid.php/sid/c522214ccf106b3e585d1e3697b24481/cl/details/cnid/57d41ac52198ad096.80471172/anid/aec446b2385ef9bb6.37619215/tpl/-/pgNr/2/lang/1/listtype/list

i'm wanting a set myself, but the only place i've seen them is this german site and the shipping about doubles the price. sooner or later i'm getting some though.

edit 'cause i should have added mooneyes makes them too, but again the price is pretty high (spun aluminum, though)