This thread had gone into dormancy for so long that I had even forgotten it existed!
Happily though, when I took over delivery of the Little Phantom from the mechanics, I remembered that this thread indeed existed, so I thought it best to drag it out of the boondocks where it had been residing for so long!
Some amazing things have happened with the Quad. Firstly, in terms of the engine and mechanicals.
The engine has undergone a complete overhaul, and is working absolutely brilliantly. The piston has been changed, the pieces, the sleeve, the valves, the disc brakes, the auto-clutch, the transmission, the transfer case, the shafts, the joints, the springs. the axles, the self-starter, the electricals, the wiring...in short EVERYTHING has been stripped down to the tiniest nut and bolt, has been cleaned, repaired or replaced where necessary (mostly replaced!), lubed, and refitted. Along the way, the engine has received a huge amount of care with regards to cosmetics, too. Where chrome has been possible, each individual part has been plated. Where not, it's been buffed and polished. It's so very pretty!
The body has undergone some radical styling changes, too.
All of the extraneous / superficial add-ons on the body have been removed, the frame has received some attention from a grinder, and a lovely, lustrous deep "taxi black" paint has been sprayed over it. The nasty-looking (and incredibly uncomfortable) seat from earlier on, has been replaced by a broad, exceptionally comfy seat which is upholstered in olive green and ivory. We got some custom solid steel knobs for the reverse gear, the diff-lock, and the transfer case made...which look absolutely stunning, in their high-polished chrome finish.
I had opted for a chameleon "colour-shifter" paint for the front metal cowl of the bike...which, individually looks nice, but clashes with the seat colour quite horribly. I plan on redoing the front cowl by upholstering it in the same olive-green leather that coats the seat. The back of the seat is adorned by a battery box, which has temporarily been painted black. This box too, will be upholstered in the matching green-and-ivory leather of the seat.
Temporarily, not one, but TWO original lights from a Honda CG125 have been arranged at the front of the bike in a cross-bar arrangement. The beam power is exceptional. At some point in time, though, these lights will be shifted higher...so as to give a better field of illumination. A large, custom LED brake-light (in red) has been mounted to the rear, with fantastic visibility. The indicator lights, have been sheared away completely.
A few days will be spent here, in Kharian, designing the Little Phantom's fairing. I want this to be a completely customised affair...for which we'll build the mockup/model in wood, and later, create a fiberglass mould for it. Shayad mein khud hi fiberglass ke saath kuchh D.I.Y. khilwaar karoonga, instead of getting it built from a specialist! At the same time, I'll also look into the possibility of fitting spacers and hollow car rims to the axles...so as to widen its stance, and give it some nice thick, road-going rubber, rather than the worn, de-shaped off-road wheels that currently adorn it. I look at it this way...the beast is going to spend VERY little time off-road, and spend most of it's time on-road. Road tires would look and ride better, than the old ones, I think. Finally...building custom mudguards for the beastling is also on the cards.
The engine is currently undergoing "running". It's done about 300 km already (with the mechanic) and will be doing about 300 km more. The mechanic assures me...once its engine settles down, after it's brand-new state...this beastling is going to give its bigger brother, the Phantom, a run for its money!
And...at the very end of this LONG post, an assurance...pictures in a couple of days. I promise!