Dong Fang DF 250 RTB Bobber Information

**GUN ROD** · 01-15-2012, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by david3921

Nice looking bike Gun. Just a bit of advice on the wiring. The wire gauges are different as you have noticed. Eliminate the stock plug if you haven't already and splice the wires together. I found that the higher amp draw melted the plug on my CB and I lost light.

Thanks David. I assume the connection plug under tank. Need the room anyway with new tank. What wattage are you using now & fuse size? Will be using 16/22 crimp connectors & taped, ok?

**alleykat** · 01-15-2012, 05:34 PM

Tom_df250rtb.jpg

Out for a cruise... Nice day yesterday, this was taken before I lost the right mirror head.

**bobber250** · 01-16-2012, 12:42 AM

alleykat, That nice looking box grew into a beautiful bike. I can't wait for the weather to warm up here so I can take mine out for a spin. You look pleased as punch in the picture, I hope you had a fun ride.

**GUN ROD** · 01-17-2012, 05:17 AM

Hey guys, changing your tank is not easy. Interior tunnel width is important. I thought 3" was over-kill. Holy sh-t all kinds of adjustment. Five hours of cutting & planing, but figured it out (I hope, tired need sleep). Thought I would be painting new tank, tonight. Buy the way , they come rougher than I thought. Will need a allot of sanding & filing than I expected. Weld down the center not flat.

**BellaCorse** · 01-17-2012, 06:14 AM

What I did to fit my tank was to cut-down the voltage regulator mounting bracket just wide enough so I could still reinstall it in the original position should I ever want to. It ended up being relocated rearward and facing down under the tank. I also did not want to cut off the fuel tank frame mounting plates, so I just bent them upward again the backbone. It just turned out that the Gilera tank had forward facing side mounting plates that lined up with the 6mm wellnuts in the frame.

M

**barnone** · 01-17-2012, 02:09 PM

Bella,
Thanks for the tip about just bending the rear mounting brackets. What about the front mounting brackets? Were they a problem?

GUN,
I still debating changing the tank but will probably just rattle can paint it. I'm going for the rat bike look. Could you post a photo of your rearranged wiring and bracket removal with the tank off?

**BellaCorse** · 01-17-2012, 02:33 PM

The tank I used (a leftover from another project) has mounting tabs facing forward, on each side of the tunnel. I do not recall the tunnel width other than, when I cut-down the reg. bracket so it was no wider than it's two predrilled holes, the tank -just- fit around the bracket with plenty of room for all the wiring. The forward facing tank tabs were predrilled for it's OE application and just happen toline-up perfectly with the wellnuts in the frame neck. I used rubber grommets and largehead buttonhead screws up front and a spring retainer clamp at the back ala classic cafe racers.

The twin petcock locations on the Gilera tank gave me a bit of drama as the RH petcock did not clear the carb. I blanked it off and I'm using just the left side for now, but I did find a pair of low profile/90° bung petcocks off another Italian bike which I think will fit perfectly on both sides.
DSCF0589x800.jpg

/M

**GUN ROD** · 01-18-2012, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by barnone

GUN,
I still debating changing the tank but will probably just rattle can paint it. I'm going for the rat bike look. Could you post a photo of your rearranged wiring and bracket removal with the tank off?

New Tank 001.jpg New Tank 003.jpg Sorry about the bad pics, seem to be having a problem with the motion option on camera.
Before primer, you can see the shinny spots where I removed (cut off) the frame tank brackets, wire clips & tapered fins on condenser. Top engine bolts shortened as well. Fit is finished, now glazing & sanding mfg welds to an acceptable finish.
Will use DuraColor 'rattle can' to paint tank, rear light, headlamp & horn.

**GUN ROD** · 01-18-2012, 10:29 AM

Regarding wires. Moved all to left side (including ignition). Lost the room under tank. need to work out placement after paint. Did install an led neutral light in new headlamp case (speedo removed permanently)

**euphonius** · 01-18-2012, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by GUN ROD

Regarding wires. Moved all to left side (including ignition). Lost the room under tank. need to work out placement after paint. Did install an led neutral light in new headlamp case (speedo removed permanently)

Nice work, GR Jr.

Will this bike still be street legal without a working speedometer?

cheers!