The bike featured right here started life as a normal 1984 Honda Gold Wing, nevertheless it not resembles the manufacturing unit model. Over time, it was fully reimagined with main modifications to its body, suspension, gas system, and total design. The builder drew inspiration from each private historical past and a racing legend, giving the undertaking a novel id and theme that set it aside from different customized constructs.
The machine now blends elements from totally different Honda fashions, trendy efficiency upgrades, and handmade parts. Cautious consideration was given to each operate and look, with particulars starting from suspension geometry to customized paint and lighting. The result’s a motorbike that carries the character of its unique mannequin whereas reflecting years of creativity, technical ability, and private imaginative and prescient.
Key Takeaways
- The undertaking reworked a inventory bike right into a absolutely customized construct.
- Fashionable elements and handmade options improved each efficiency and magnificence.
- The design balances mechanical operate with robust visible particulars.
Historical past and Inspiration
Early Manufacturing facility Situation
The bike started as a 1984 Honda Gold Wing in its unique inventory type. It got here from a second proprietor, had low mileage, and was properly saved. Over time, it shifted from a normal touring bike into a totally reimagined customized construct, with almost each main part altered or changed.
Key manufacturing unit particulars:
- Mannequin yr: 1984
- Situation at buy: Inventory, low mileage
- Unique setup: Twin shocks, storage compartment rather than seen gas tank
Naming After a Champion Horse
The bike carries the identify “Ruffian”impressed by a well-known racehorse from the mid-Nineteen Seventies. Ruffian, a mare, gained each race she entered till a tragic breakdown on the observe ended her profession. Standing at 16.2 fingers, she left a long-lasting impression, and her power 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 have been glued onto the sidewalls after cautious preparation, giving the wheels a clear, factory-like end.
How the Motorbike Was Acquired
The builder looked for the suitable Gold Wing for about a yr and a halfchecking 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 | Properly-maintained, second proprietor |
This cautious choice ensured the undertaking began with a reliable machine earlier than it was reworked into the customized construct generally known 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 conserving it throughout the Honda household of elements. 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 potential
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. Bolstered metal channels and brackets have been welded in place to deal with the load.
Notable factors:
- Twin shock system tailored from CBR600RR
- Bolstered 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 gas tank from a late-70s Honda CB550. This required main changes to gas circulate and throttle linkage. The manufacturing unit air field was eliminated, and pod filters have 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
- Ok&N pod filters added for clear airflow
Rear Body Rebuild
The rear part of the body was lower and reworked to help 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 bettering visibility.
Rear body updates:
- Fabricated body mounts for brand new suspension
- Metal reinforcement added for power
- 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 conserving it throughout the Honda household of elements. The up to date geometry altered the way in which the bike behaves in corners, with the forks tending to comply with the lean extra aggressively than the manufacturing unit setup.
Key changes:
- Inverted forks from CBR600RR
- Modified body mounts
- Diminished turning radius at low speeds
Consolation and Suspension Setup
The unique twin rear shocks have been eliminated and changed with a customized twin monoshock association, additionally sourced from the CBR600RR. He fabricated metal brackets and strengthened channels to deal with the load, because the Gold Wing’s driveshaft housing was not designed for one of these stress. Regardless of the heavy modificationsthe trip feels clean and never overly stiff.
| Element | Unique | Modified |
|---|---|---|
| Rear shocks | Twin manufacturing unit shocks | Twin CBR600RR monoshocks |
| Body help | Inventory | Bolstered metal channels |
| Experience really feel | Softer, touring type | Clean however extra managed |
Wheels, Rubber, and Customized Lettering
The bike runs on Pirelli tires, however he personalised 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 total theme and offers it a definite look that enhances the remainder of the construct.
Electrical and Display screen Capabilities
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 hourin addition to Fahrenheit or Celsius. It additionally tracks particulars like radiator warmth, acceleration, and braking. Whereas the display screen is dependable, its dot-matrix type will be tougher to learn at a fast look.
Constructed-In Rear Lighting
The rear body hoop holds built-in lights that operate 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 Models
The system permits the rider to customise measurements to non-public desire. Choices embody:
| Function | Selections Accessible |
|---|---|
| Velocity | MPH / KPH |
| Temperature | Fahrenheit / Celsius |
| Further Information | Radiator temp, acceleration, braking |
This flexibility makes it simpler to match the readouts to totally different driving types or areas.
Visible Options
Paintwork and Floor End
The builder painted the bike himself in a house paint sales space. As a substitute of conserving the same old black body and silver motor, he reversed the scheme. The body carries a lighter tonewhereas the engine stands out in a darker end. This alternative provides the bike a cleaner and extra distinct look in comparison with its manufacturing unit setup.
| Element | Manufacturing facility Look | Customized Look |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Black | Mild 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 typically 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
- Diminished 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 have been prepped. The rear hoop consists of built-in lighting for flip alerts and brakes, paired with a license plate gentle system. A digital show from Moto Gadget sits up entrance, displaying velocity, RPM, and temperature in a compact structure.
Notable parts:
- 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 instantly. Pulling onto the road, the restricted turning radius grew to become clear, particularly at low speeds, nevertheless it didn’t have an effect on regular driving as soon as transferring.
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 manage and extra snug than many different customized tasks.
Cornering and Experience High quality
The suspension, constructed with twin shocks from a more moderen sport mannequin, gave a clean trip regardless of heavy fabrication. The rider anticipated stiffness however discovered it dealt with bumps properly. 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, type, and distinctive dealing with traits.
