
The Tricklidz Blog
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Sunday, January 22, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I think I may be wired up wrong, but let me explain.
Today I find myself at Sears looking at the latest Dremel tool attachments during my free time because, I find it necessary to get every bit of rust off the clutch springs in my Ducati, hence the quest for the best tools for the job. And if I find any bolt to be slightly corroded I'm off to the hardware store to get a stainless replacement that I clamp into the vise and drill out for safety wire.
I'm just not right!
I sometimes justify this abnormal behavior with the belief that while I have the parts in my hands while cleaning them, I'll run every coil of the clutch springs through my fingers, inspecting for cracks and wear. While I'm cleaning every link of the drive chain, for instance, I'm also taking a good look at it's wear. Detailing your motorcycle might turn up a missing fairing screw or a loose mirror attachment, (noticed how I brought YOU into the picture- gotta feel I'm not alone in my obsession!) Okay, but taking the time and effort to coat each bolt head with clear lacquer before reinstalling. Really? Yeah, I may have a problem....
I wonder if there is support group for someone like me?
Me: "Hello, my name is Steve and I have a detail problem".
Group:"Hello Steve".


LEFT: Dremel's awesome 120 grit, quick-release buffing wheel attachment.
Today I find myself at Sears looking at the latest Dremel tool attachments during my free time because, I find it necessary to get every bit of rust off the clutch springs in my Ducati, hence the quest for the best tools for the job. And if I find any bolt to be slightly corroded I'm off to the hardware store to get a stainless replacement that I clamp into the vise and drill out for safety wire.
I'm just not right!
I sometimes justify this abnormal behavior with the belief that while I have the parts in my hands while cleaning them, I'll run every coil of the clutch springs through my fingers, inspecting for cracks and wear. While I'm cleaning every link of the drive chain, for instance, I'm also taking a good look at it's wear. Detailing your motorcycle might turn up a missing fairing screw or a loose mirror attachment, (noticed how I brought YOU into the picture- gotta feel I'm not alone in my obsession!) Okay, but taking the time and effort to coat each bolt head with clear lacquer before reinstalling. Really? Yeah, I may have a problem....
I wonder if there is support group for someone like me?
Me: "Hello, my name is Steve and I have a detail problem".
Group:"Hello Steve".



Monday, January 16, 2012
Contour camera using Go-Pro mounts
After many hours searching the Internet for suitable mounts I decided to dig out the old stuff that I had for my old GoPro camera I threw away (it was a PITA to use and had taken enough abuse before finally quitting)
Below: A few GoPro pieces and the Contour.

BELOW- are the instructions to make this piece fit the threaded insert in the bottom of the camera.


Above is the arm in the vise so that I can remove the raise insert that normally holds the acorn nut for the through bolt that tightens the arms. Above right- is the arm in the vise being drilled out with a 1/4 inch bit.

Bottom: Here's the modified GoPro piece mounted to the camera. Later I decided to replace the allen head bolt with a button head allowing more clearance.



The 1/4" X 20 bolt that goes through the bracket into the Universal mount has to be .947" from the bottom of the head to the end of the threads. The only stainless button head bolt I could find was a 1" which is .983" from the bottom, so I cut .036" off the threads. (See the picture right above for the specs)
Below left: The GoPro uses mounts that use stick-on curved or flat bases. The arms then slide and lock into these. Below left: a curved base on the right side of the front fairing.



I stuck the base on the top of the fairing close to fairing support, figuring this is the sturdiest place on the fairing. I can buy more bases and stick them anywhere on the bodywork or my helmet. I can't attest to the performance or video quality of the camera mounted here because I won't be able to test it until I get back on the track in the Spring, but it's as sturdy as the GoPro was when mounted on the fairing and it's quality was fine.
This modification also allows the use of GoPro's suction cup windshield/tank mount which is actually a quality Panavise unit. I've checked out Contour's suction mount and it didn't look as nice as this one.


So, with a minor modification of a small part, all of GoPro's excellent mounts can be used with the Contour.
I also decided to shorten the vertical mounting arm I made to attach the Contour to the right side of the subframe. Note: click on my other blog listed on the right of this page for info on that mount.


While I was at it I also added another rivet to the baseplate from the GoPro that I had mounted to a aluminum plate that mounts under the muffler, facing rearward.



The camera mounted up under the exhaust...I'll be adding safety wire lanyards before taking it out on the track. BTW: the lanyards that come with the cameras don't seem to be very sturdy and I'll be making better ones.
Right: another useful purpose of the camera mount in the rear- makes a great attachment point for checking rear suspension sag!!

I even found a used padded vinyl bag I had laying around that the camera and all the mounts fit in nicely. A little double faced tape and the label from one of the Contour boxes stuck to the top of the bag. NICE!


Oh yeah......sometimes I'm kidded about be somewhat "anal retentive" (actually, not somewhat...)......anyway, below I've added a picture of my toolbox.
You think?