Hi,

I am new to the sport this website and motorcycles in general.  I participated in my first trials event this last October and decided to jump in with both feet.  I am currently restoring and modifying a TY175 for the coming year and have a second restoration waiting in the wings.  I have learned a lot already from this site and it has helped shape my project.  I am new to trials bikes but have been building, wrenching and racing cars for several years.  Below are some pics of my TY frame in process.  

Enjoy!

 

Quick question. Have you extended the rear wheel hangers with the new welded in plate or is it just a replacement. I was wondering why you'd increase the wheelbase!

cheers, Jon.

After a significant amount of reading and a several conversations with bike setup experts, I believe that extending the wheelbase would improve certain aspects of handling such as traction on steep sections.  If you compare the wheel base of the TY175 to other successful designs it is on the short side. Although this mod may increase the turning radius a bit, many feel it improves the overall balance.  To accomplish this I purchased the shedworks plates and cut the old tabs off and welded the new plates in place.  At the same time I purchased Tyoffroad shock relocation mounts to lower the upper attachment points laying the shock down like the Majesty frames.  The advantage of this mod is supposed to be longer more progressive travel and steeper head angle. The other mods were implemented to reduce weight.  Was any of this mandatory? No, but I got carried away and enjoy personalizing my rides. It is also important to note that I have a stock frame on hand that I can swap back too if I am not happy with the end result.  

Just thought I'd ask, nice job, I'd be interested to know how you think the ride is when finished.

TYs seem to be the frames people modify the most. I'm still trying to come to grips with all this. Looking at your photo it looks like you have also cut off the rear frame loop and the bit under the engine. Is that right? I worry a bit about removing the rear loop in case it allows the rear suspension pickups to clap hands a bit. (Any comments, anyone?) What was involved under the engine? New, thicker, bashplate? Any other extra brackets?

The mods mimic the majesty frames where the hoops were cut.  I looked at how the frame is likely to be loaded and I do not believe they add any structural benefits.  If I sense any flex I will add a cross member near the fender tabs. I also intend to use a different fender and muffler, so the rear fender mount is not required. My goal for removing the hoops and all of the extra tabs and brackets along with the tubes under the sump was to reduce frame weight.  For the sump I added a front cross brace salvaged from the rear sump bracket and shaped to fit.  I added two 1/8" thick steel tabs on the cross bar the holds the rear engine mount to allow for attachment of the thicker flat sump plate.  Finally I added some small additional gussets along with profiled end caps to the cut tubing ends to cosmetically clean up the frame.  I plan to add an inch of material to the rear of the sump plate so it rests on the engine mount cross bar and will perforate it to reduce weight. Once it is back together I plan to ride it back to back with a stock TY175. I will also make sure I have a much more experienced rider do the comparison.  I am not sure any of this makes sense but I enjoy the process and can do it all in my shop. Next step is powder coating.

Very interesting. Thanks.