The bike featured right here started life as a normal 1984 Honda Gold Wing, however it not resembles the manufacturing facility model. Over time, it was fully reimagined with main adjustments to its body, suspension, gasoline system, and general design. The builder drew inspiration from each private historical past and a racing legend, giving the mission a novel id and theme that set it other than different customized builds.
The machine now blends components from completely different Honda fashions, trendy efficiency upgrades, and handmade parts. Cautious consideration was given to each perform and look, with particulars starting from suspension geometry to customized paint and lighting. The result’s a motorcycle that carries the character of its authentic mannequin whereas reflecting years of creativity, technical talent, and private imaginative and prescient.
Key Takeaways
- The mission reworked a inventory bike right into a totally customized construct.
- Fashionable components and handmade options improved each efficiency and magnificence.
- The design balances mechanical perform with sturdy visible particulars.
Historical past and Inspiration
Early Manufacturing unit Situation
The bike started as a 1984 Honda Gold Wing in its authentic inventory kind. It got here from a second proprietor, had low mileage, and was nicely saved. Over time, it shifted from a normal touring bike into a completely reimagined customized construct, with almost each main element altered or changed.
Key manufacturing facility particulars:
- Mannequin yr: 1984
- Situation at buy: Inventory, low mileage
- Authentic setup: Twin shocks, storage compartment rather than seen gasoline tank
Naming After a Champion Horse
The bike carries the identify “Ruffian”, impressed by a well-known racehorse from the mid-Seventies. Ruffian, a mare, gained each race she entered till a tragic breakdown on the monitor ended her profession. Standing at 16.2 palms, she left an enduring impression, and her energy and presence influenced the theme of the bike.
The identify additionally seems on the tires, created utilizing customized lettering from a specialty firm. The letters had been glued onto the sidewalls after cautious preparation, giving the wheels a clear, factory-like end.
How the Bike Was Acquired
The builder looked for the precise Gold Wing for about a yr and a half, checking listings on Craigslist and eBay. The chosen bike got here from a cautious proprietor and offered a strong base for modification.
Acquisition timeline:
| Step | Element |
|---|---|
| Search interval | ~18 months |
| Supply | Craigslist and eBay |
| Situation | Effectively-maintained, second proprietor |
This cautious choice ensured the mission began with a reliable machine earlier than it was reworked into the customized construct referred to as Ruffian.
Key Customized Work
Entrance Part Modifications
The unique entrance suspension was changed with inverted forks from a 2014 Honda CBR600RR. This gave the bike a contemporary setup whereas maintaining it inside the Honda household of components. Customized lettering was added to the Pirelli tires utilizing adhesive sidewall decals, giving them a factory-style look.
Key particulars:
- Inverted forks from CBR600RR
- Customized tire lettering utilized with adhesive
- Maintained Honda parts the place doable
Suspension Modifications
The inventory dual-shock design was eliminated in favor of a modernized setup. Customized fabrication allowed two shocks from a CBR600RR to mount to the body. Strengthened metal channels and brackets had been welded in place to deal with the load.
Notable factors:
- Twin shock system tailored from CBR600RR
- Strengthened with welded metal brackets
- Gives smoother trip regardless of non-factory geometry
Gas Tank and Consumption Conversion
The unique Gold Wing storage compartment was changed with an actual gasoline tank from a late-70s Honda CB550. This required main changes to gasoline stream and throttle linkage. The manufacturing facility air field was eliminated, and pod filters had been put in to permit correct filtration with the brand new tank structure.
Modifications made:
- CB550 tank fitted and modified
- Customized throttle linkage constructed after eradicating air field
- Okay&N pod filters added for clear airflow
Rear Body Rebuild
The rear part of the body was reduce and reworked to assist the brand new suspension and styling. A customized hoop with built-in lighting was added, together with flip alerts and brake lights. The design saved the rear clear whereas enhancing visibility.
Rear body updates:
- Fabricated body mounts for brand new suspension
- Metal reinforcement added for energy
- Built-in hoop with LED lighting and license plate alerts
Efficiency Upgrades
Steering and Management Modifications
He changed the inventory entrance finish with inverted forks from a 2014 Honda CBR600RR. This modification gave the bike a trendy entrance suspension setup whereas maintaining it inside the Honda household of components. The up to date geometry altered the way in which the bike behaves in corners, with the forks tending to observe the lean extra aggressively than the manufacturing facility setup.
Key changes:
- Inverted forks from CBR600RR
- Modified body mounts
- Lowered turning radius at low speeds
Consolation and Suspension Setup
The unique twin rear shocks had been eliminated and changed with a customized twin monoshock association, additionally sourced from the CBR600RR. He fabricated metal brackets and bolstered channels to deal with the load, because the Gold Wing’s driveshaft housing was not designed for such a stress. Regardless of the heavy modifications, the trip feels easy and never overly stiff.
| Part | Authentic | Modified |
|---|---|---|
| Rear shocks | Twin manufacturing facility shocks | Twin CBR600RR monoshocks |
| Body assist | Inventory | Strengthened metal channels |
| Experience really feel | Softer, touring model | Clean however extra managed |
Wheels, Rubber, and Customized Lettering
The bike runs on Pirelli tires, however he customized them with customized sidewall lettering. Utilizing adhesive lettering from a specialty provider, he scuffed the sidewalls to make sure correct bonding earlier than attaching the decals. The result’s a clear, factory-like look that matches the bike’s distinctive id.
Steps taken for tire customization:
- Chosen Pirelli tires
- Designed customized lettering via a web based service
- Ready sidewalls by scuffing for adhesion
- Utilized and sealed lettering for sturdiness
This element ties into the bike’s general theme and provides it a definite look that enhances the remainder of the construct.
Electrical and Display screen Features
Digital Gauge Cluster
The bike makes use of a Moto Gadget unit that exhibits velocity, RPM, and temperature. The show can swap between miles per hour or kilometers per hour, in addition to Fahrenheit or Celsius. It additionally tracks particulars like radiator warmth, acceleration, and braking. Whereas the display is dependable, its dot-matrix model may be tougher to learn at a fast look.
Constructed-In Rear Lighting
The rear body hoop holds built-in lights that perform as brake lamps and switch alerts. Further alerts are additionally constructed into the license plate bracket. This setup retains the again of the bike clear whereas nonetheless offering good visibility on the highway.
Adjustable Readouts and Items
The system permits the rider to customise measurements to private choice. Choices embrace:
| Function | Selections Accessible |
|---|---|
| Pace | MPH / KPH |
| Temperature | Fahrenheit / Celsius |
| Further Information | Radiator temp, acceleration, braking |
This flexibility makes it simpler to match the readouts to completely different using types or areas.
Visible Options
Paintwork and Floor End
The builder painted the bike himself in a house paint sales space. As an alternative of maintaining the standard black body and silver motor, he reversed the scheme. The body carries a lighter tone, whereas the engine stands out in a darker end. This selection offers the bike a cleaner and extra distinct look in comparison with its manufacturing facility setup.
| Part | Manufacturing unit Look | Customized Look |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Black | Gentle coloration |
| Engine | Silver | Darkish end |
Bars and Seating Stance
The handlebars rise barely, giving the rider a extra upright place. This setup avoids the heavy ahead lean usually discovered on low customized builds. It balances consolation with management, making the bike simpler to deal with throughout longer rides.
Key factors:
- Slight rise in bars
- Upright seating posture
- Lowered pressure on wrists and again
Distinctive Design Touches
A number of particulars make the bike stand out. The tires function customized lettering utilized with adhesive after the sidewalls had been prepped. The rear hoop contains built-in lighting for flip alerts and brakes, paired with a license plate gentle system. A digital show from Moto Gadget sits up entrance, exhibiting velocity, RPM, and temperature in a compact structure.
Notable components:
- Customized tire lettering
- Built-in rear hoop lights
- Compact digital show with a number of readouts
Driving Emotions
First Time on the Street
The rider famous this was the first time seeing the completed construct in particular person. The bike began with a deep, regular sound that stood out immediately. Pulling onto the road, the restricted turning radius grew to become clear, particularly at low speeds, however it didn’t have an effect on regular using as soon as shifting.
Seating Place and Controls
The seating setup felt extra upright than anticipated for such a low and customised construct. Handlebars with a slight rise saved the rider from leaning too far ahead, making a relaxed stance. This association made the bike simpler to regulate and extra snug than many different customized initiatives.
Cornering and Experience High quality
The suspension, constructed with twin shocks from a more recent sport mannequin, gave a easy trip regardless of heavy fabrication. The rider anticipated stiffness however discovered it dealt with bumps nicely. In corners, the entrance finish tended to tug into the lean, a trait seen on different customized builds too.
Key factors noticed:
- Clean trip regardless of modified suspension
- Forks react shortly to lean angles
- Balanced really feel as soon as underway
A small digital show added trendy knowledge equivalent to velocity, RPM, and temperature, although the rider discovered it tougher to learn at a look. Even with that, the bike delivered a strong mixture of consolation, model, and distinctive dealing with traits.
