Phantom Menace

[kyle808]

that's pretty cool, I like the mix of old and new. Kind of a klunker of steroids with that crazy front fork

[Johnpayne]

Yeah, I know it's not a traditional "Rat" since it's not old and crusty. But it's following the rat tradition of mixing parts and creating something new and different.

My aim is to create something that the Black Phantom would have evolved into if Schwinn had kept producing them. The Z06 Corvette is a far cry from a 1953 Vette, but at the end of the day, they're both Corvettes. This bike is an attempt to create the ZO6 of Black Phantoms. If that makes any frickin sense.

I've got another build going simultaneously that's based on a 1949 DX frame. It's more of the traditional "Rat", nice and crusty. And I might switch over to that bike for the final submission. I like where the "Phantom Menace" is heading, so I'm gonna keep going with it for now.

[icyuod2]

i'm loving the bike, but i think i'd like it even more if the clip on's where between the triple tree's.

not sure my back would like it, but i sure would.

can't wait to see what you do next.

[Johnpayne]

Here's one I built 15 years ago. It's got a Nexus 7 speed disc brake in the back and an Indian minibike fork with a drum break up front.
The thing weighs about 70 pounds, but it's brilliant going downhill.

[Double Nickle]

UMMMM WOW

[bikeriderx]

UMMMM WOW

Yea! Dude, you're good! Where'd you get the bars?

[Johnpayne]

They're called "Clubman" bars. You usually find them on cafe bikes from the 60's and early 70's. When they're flipped over the other way, they act like "Clip-ons".

[icyuod2]

$20 will get you a set from any decent motorcycle parts store.

that being said, a $20 isn't as nice as the ones above. (lower quality welds, and ya better check to make sure there straight.)

that old ones a cool ride. the 70lbs just makes it harder to steal.

[jiminyshiznit]

This bike is an attempt to create the ZO6 of Black Phantoms. If that makes any frickin sense.

Makes perfect sense.. love the concept, and can't wait to see this done! The pink one is awesome!

[bombshelterbikes]

Dude, you just keep doin' what you're doin' and leave the definitions to those on the sidelines! Creativity and artistry are what make the "outside the box" world o' RAT.

Love your previous work and excited to see where the Phantom Menace ends up.

[sensor]

Dude, you just keep doin' what you're doin' and leave the definitions to those on the sidelines!

took the words right out of my mouth

[bikeriderx]

They're called "Clubman" bars. You usually find them on cafe bikes from the 60's and early 70's. When they're flipped over the other way, they act like "Clip-ons".

Right on! Thanks!

[aggiechad2005]

How did you get that fork to fit in the 1" headtube of the phantom.

[Johnpayne]

I took the frame and fork to a bike shop that specializes in mountain bikes, and they dug through the parts bin to find sealed bearings for it. I had to shorten the tube about an inch. Usually the gooseneck clamps to the top of the head tube. But since I used the clip-on style bars, I just put a cap on the top of the head tube. Nothing on this build was easy... or cheap.

[JOScatRATrod]

this bike is quite possibly the coolest bike I have ever seen ever. a real hotrod. I want to make one, if only i could get the parts!
well done!