Rickman Polaris for Z1000ST

[Saxonplace]

I now have the 2 locking fairing compartments working, I found a similar Lowe & Fletcher double sided key and was able to easy the lock barrels out, filed down the 2 incorrect brass lock pins to suit the key I have and rebuilt the locks, probably not as secure as original but they now lock.

Picture below is my attempt at persuading the plastic edging trim strip around the front of the light housing to return to its original shape using clamps, pegs and a little warmth from the radiator.

 

[Kynan C.]

I am very interested to know how well this works. Rather creative!

 

[Saxonplace]

I am very interested to know how well this works. Rather creative!

Worked out quite well, the clamps and the heat have now made it a snug fit onto the light box, shame the centre chrome (plastic) strip has gotten a bit tarnished over the years although most of it will be hidden.

WJ mounting frame should be delivered in the next couple of days, 5 days to cross the US and fly to the UK, 5 days to clear UK customs and just had to pay customs duty of £17.50 on a £23 purchase, but what can you do.

Stainless Steel replacement nuts and bolts on order along with 2 Osram Nightbreaker 60/55W H4 headlight bulbs, should be pretty bright with a total of 120W on main and 110W on low beam.

 

[Saxonplace]

Well bit of a setback, the mount shipped from the US is bent, cracked and does not line up with the mounting holes, perils of long distance purchase via Ebay!

I decided to attach it temporary with cable ties and long bolts and washers to see how it will look.
These are "first fix" pictures and still a long way to go not least getting a frame to mount properly!

 

[Kynan C.]

I am starting to really like the look of that fairing. It's just so far out there its cool. What year do you think it was produced?

 

[Saxonplace]

I am starting to really like the look of that fairing. It's just so far out there its cool. What year do you think it was produced?

I believe it was produced late 70's early 80's and I would guess the single round headlight version came first then the twin headlight after as the compartment covers on the twin are solid and hinged and lockable as opposed to the Vetter style pop clip type on the round light models.
I think Rickman made the "Hondastyle" range for Honda themselves from around 1976.
One thing I have noticed is that even though the WJ frame I have is bent when the Rickman body sits on it the height for tank, bars and engine clearence is almost perfect which is strange for 2 different manufactures don't you think.

 

[Saxonplace]

Just recieved these Rickman lowers NOS but one has some damage, they are for a Gl1000 Goldwing but hopefully be able to repair, cut and paint to suit the Z1000, they are quite a size!

 

[Kynan C.]

This is super exciting! Cant wait to see the progress and images. Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[Saxonplace]

A welder friend of mine came over Saturday morning and we had a look at the bent WJ mount, what we decided on was to cut the WJ frame 2 hole mount plates off and cut the 3 hole mount plates off a Rickman frame and weld the 3 hole plates onto the WJ frame after we have straightened it up. Height wise the Rickman fairing sits almost perfect on the WJ frame.
Will post some pictures of the conversion after completed next weekend hopefully.

 

[Saxonplace]

The Rickman / Vetter frame combination parts ready for final straightening and assembly.

Due to the mounting cross bracket brace on the Vetter section I may only be able to use 4 of the 6 Rickman mounting bolt holes.
Each of the Rickman mounting bolts are M6 size and there are sleeved rubber bushings to go in the oversize frame holes which gives some leeway in alignment with the bottom of the fairing which has the same bushing arrangement.
The two central holes will attach a clamp piece which locks behind the front of the bike frame where the horn used to mount, I still need to design / construct this.

 

[Kynan C.]

It looks as it is coming together nice. Great job so far, can't wait to see the final results.

 

[Saxonplace]

Thanks to my welder friend the frame is now complete and mounted, still needs paint after final adjustment.
It was not easy to jig up as it meant rough fitting fairing each time to make sure of engine and tank clearance.
I decided on 2 35mm exhaust clamp U bolts to attach to frame uprights insted of Jubilee clips as I felt they were better for the job. The 2 bolts in the centre of the frame go to a plate behind the upright bracing and clamp the top section. I have decided to remove the floating M6 rubber Rickman mounting plugs and use 4 M8 bolts to mount the fairing to the frame insted as Rickman normally have 6 M6 and due to the Vetter underframe 2 of these mounting holes in the middle of the mounting rails are partially covered. A Rickman rubber gasket goes between the top of the frame and the bottom of the fairing to cushion it a bit.

 

[Saxonplace]

Rickman Polaris now fitted, as with the boxes still a bit of tidying up to do.
Really needs Kawasaki lowers as I had to cut loads off the GL1000 to get them to fit anywhere close.

 

[Saxonplace]

This is the Rickman / Vetter mounting frame after removed for painting, not the best finish in the world but using spray can outside is not ideal this time of year.

 

[Kynan C.]

Saxon, the bike is looking sharp! I dig that fairing. Talk about unique. Great job on the mount, it looks pro!

 

[Saxonplace]

Saxon, the bike is looking sharp! I dig that fairing. Talk about unique. Great job on the mount, it looks pro!

Thanks for that, for unique read "parts unobtainable", I would be interested if anyone finds a picture on the net of another twin headlight Rickman Polaris I have looked repeatedly but can only find the single round headlight version.
Going to have to build up some spares now, researched a bit and found the side light and indicator are a Lucas part from a Triumph 1300 saloon (see below), problem is these were only made between 1965 and 1970 so even these parts are fast becoming rare.

 

[AspectOne]

I'm digging it! Thank you so much for pointing me to this thread.... you have more pics?

A1

 

[BBBikes]

Hi,

Just came across this thread when researching the Rickman Polarised fairing that I have just purchased. It appears complete with twin headlights, indicators, screen and lower panels with a mount frame too. I have no use fir it so if anyone is interested, let me know.
Needs some work as it's clearly been "modified" but should be easily repairable.

Cheers, John

 

[BBBikes]

Sorry, Rickman Polaris fairing, bl##dy spellchecker....