[Von Zacho]

So this bike is floating around my parts these days and seems to be pretty much as is from the original build minus a few things. It's Kosman on the hubs/sprocket/rotors and forks but I've been trying to ID the frame. Its all chromoly and small stock every where but the back bone and down tube, and rumored to be built in Richmond or Oakland. This bike is fuckin bitchin and I'm wondering if any one has any info/pics of it in it's day. Mainly because it has a battery box set up (minus box, tabs only) on the front down tubes and I would like to see how they did it originally. This bike is gonna stay mostly as is so some insite into it would be cool. Thanx in advance.

 

[victm]

Looks like a early Ness/universal eng. Frame, they were c-molybdenum with small dia. Tubing. That looks like a bike Roland had for sale? Do you know Roland from Sebastibol (every one in nor-cal knows Roland!)?

 

[Von Zacho]

Yeah it is from Roland and yeah everybody DOES know norcal Roland! Anywho, the tubing size and dimensions scream Ness/Universal to me but I am not savy enough to positive ID it. It has some unique fork stops off the frame too which I haven't seen. That and the battery box set up have me thinking. Actually Roland himself said it was Oakland or Richmond built but couldn't remember exactly.

 

[Zeeman]

Here's some pics of a Ness frame I have to compare. Think this one is an earlier version.

 

[Von Zacho]

Thanx Zeeman, I definetly see more simularities than differences between your frame and this one.

 

[victm]

This is a latter Ness frame (as in late '70s early '80s). You can see the front motor mounts and top tube angle are the most obvious differences.

 

[Von Zacho]

Spoke to Sandy Kosman and he is sure he didn't build the frame after my half ass description over the phone. Seems like a good guy and is open to letting me pick his brain in person once I get it rolling. Anywho, here are some closer up's. Thanx for everybody's input so far.

 

[Von Zacho]

Alright Vic, you are the winner. It's a Jim Davis built Ness frame. Of exactly what vintage I'm still not sure, at this point I'm assuming later maybe mid to later 80's before he died. Anywho, not a game changer, but I like to know all the little details. Threw a sidewindered 93" cone in it backed by a cal products cased for speed so I'm stoked to put down some miles. Changed the tins up a bit too.

Zach

 

[RAGBAK]

that bike looks like it means business! Please put up a bigger pic!

 

[JAWS]

Um.....rocket is word that comes to mind.

EDIT: Badass!

 

[HD48FL]

that bike looks like it means business! Please put up a bigger pic!

Yeah, what he said!

 

[spent]

Changing up the tank and ditching that front fender went a long way towards making that thing look killer,and with the 93" in it, you should be able to put those miles under it with a quickness.

 

[Von Zacho]

Thanx guys, the pic manager is busting my balls with URL links. At the risk of being ripped for blog links, I have posted a better, larger pic on our blog...

shiftheadspeed.blogspot.com

 

[RAGBAK]

neato!

 

[Von Zacho]

RAGBAK, thanx for getting that pic up. I'm not sure why its giving me problems but oh well. And that's the older pic, if you get a chance swap it out for the latest blog post that has me cut out and the updated version of the bike.

 

[RAGBAK]

oh yeah, that position of the tank is much better on this version,
nice job mang

 

[takehikes]

oh yeah, that position of the tank is much better on this version,
nice job mang

For sure much better in this picture, tank sits better...not to mention I don't have to look at Zach's ugly mug!

I know Zach he is a fellow Napan, knows his stuff and loves chops.

 

[Von Zacho]

Thanx RAGBAK, that's the one. Also swapped out the rear trailer fender for the flipped up finished end flat fender and rolled it forward about 2 1/2".

Brent, I FULLY agree and thanks for the kind words!

 

[HD48FL]

For sure much better in this picture, tank sits better...not to mention I don't have to look at Zach's ugly mug!

Ain't that the truth!

 

[JAWS]

I like the van!!!


Nice bike too!