She's starting to take shape!

The wife worked a full day yesterday so I was able to get some work done in the garage! I was able to finish the seat mounts and move on to the fender. The rear seat mount runs side to side and rest on the top of the frame so I had to shorten in the plastic portion of the wheel well. Unfortunately, I forgot to take more pics.

Once I got the inner fender squared away I was able to fit the chrome. Had to cut a few inches off the back and left some tabs to tie it in the the plastic part. I chopped the frame by the grab bar mount behind the shocks. I then drilled out the mount all the way through the frame so I was able use the original holes in the fender. Then I just zip tied it, with the plastic, to the frame in order to keep it from pivoting.

I am still playing with ideas as to were to mount the blinkers. I thought about mounting them where the passenger pesg go. I'm just afraid they might be hard to see depending on line of site for any vehicles behind me. Id really like to get smaller ones but im not sure about LEDs and what I will have to do to get them working properly?

As far as the brake light goes, I intend to find a single round unit and use a side mount for it and the license plate.

 

Forgot... I also got the kickstand shortened as well! The centerstand and security chain, with box, have been removed. Rear pegs are gone. Pulled both sets of brakes for replacement. I also removed all the badges to do some fill work prior to paint.

I've decided to go with some sort of metallic lime green for all the tins and side covers. I intend on doing maybe the engine head and side plates black to accent the engine a little. Can I pull the side plates off without making a mess? Gonna wrap the headers and do the rest of the exhaust black. Some time down the road I'd like to do four straight pipes but for now I don't want to mess with re-jetting.

 

I like what you've done with your bike. That is exactly what I'm planing on doing with mine. If you would could you give me a few pointers and tips on how you pulled it off. I'm new to the scene and I just a little lost on the rights and wrongs thanks.

 

Moeman, the important thing is to maintain safety. As long as you can keep it safe there really aren't many rights or wrongs.

I started with the shorter shocks, 10.5" eye to eye, and drag bars. For a while I did want ape hangers but with that comes extending all sorts of cables and that will add up quick. I'm glad I went with the drag bars now that they're on there.

Next, I wanted to find the seat I was gonna use so I could plan the prefab for the fender. I found my seat on craigslist and got it mounted. With the seat on I was able to figure out what needed to be done with the fender. Essentially, I just shortened them both and tied them back together.

Oh yes, don't forget. If you go with shorter shocks you must alter your kickstand. After lowering the rear end the center stand is nearly useless you jack it up some other way and put the stand down. I just took it off.

My honest advice, have some idea where you want the build to go and work smart. Make sure consider what effect any changes you make might have. ie: shorter shocks=shorter side stand, new seat=new seat mounts...

Good luck man. The fab work is fun. Enjoy it and takes pics for the rest of us here!

 

Looks nice and changes the appearance with little chopping of the frame. I will do something similar with my 82' 750 maxim, but I have to ditch that square funky headlight and handle bars (what were they thinking). Keep up the good work.

 

I've been playing with some ideas using "paint". That being said, I'm going to fab some new side covers to fit the new seat. Probably nothing to fancy, maybe some tin and grating. My solo seat sits a little higher and I have done away with the security chain so I need to cover a larger area. I figure I can weld some pins on the frame so I can put the covers on and secure them with a few cotter pins for easy access.

On another note, I got a super deal on some new blinkers and brake light. My guy out at the yard traded me some nice new, smaller, blinkers for my old ones, both sets! Then he hooked me up with a sweet new, chrome, cat eye brake light. I plan on going with a side mount for the brake light and license plate.

Last, I picked up some bondo to clean my tank badges and some rattle can primer, paint, and finish. Oh, and the proper wet/dry sand papers as well. I'm super stoked. Its looking like I may be able to get it where I want it this week.

 

you want to be careful where you go for inspection with the side mount plate

 

WOW, I had no Idea anyone on here was so close to me. Polock, I see you live right up the road from me. I live right down the river in Rochester! This is great. We have got to meet up sometime soon. I never have anyone to ride with. Not that I mind. I usually just take the "long way" where ever I go or spend my time trying to get lost in these hills!

I didn't realize there were any issues with a side mounted plate? Where do you recon I should take it?

 

don't go to Darlington cycle or that place by the Center exit on 376
those are two places not to go, mine are pretty much by the book so i don't know who lets ya get away with what, i'll ask around

 

pendot
check this crazy stuff out
one place flunked me for not having a passenger strap on the seat, i took off the passenger pegs
another guy wiped the float bowls with a kleenex and sniffed it for gas, i passed that one

 

Funny you posted that link, I read that exact file, start to finish, after you mentioned the inspection issue. I'm not doubting the possible hang-ups at the inspection center but it didn't mention anything about it.

One thing I did over look was the clause pertaining to having a rear reflector. I'll be sure to satisfy that one, no problem.

 

See where you cut the frame short, and that's where the shocks connect to it. Being there is only one cross brace there now (just under the seat) you may want to add some corner bracing on the cross bar to give it some ridgidity or there will be some frame flexing, especially when cornering and hitting a bump.
The frame rails (where you cut it off) should be covered somehow to keep moisture from entering the opening (and would look better) I used chrome plugs (used on steel furniture) I found at a hardware store and glued them in to seal off the frame tubes.
Since then, I changed the plugs to red LED lights in the frame tubes. Now that looks sweet!
I like where your going wth the bike, it looks better already!

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll see what I can throw together under there. I was gonna cap the frame ends as well. I work in my grandfather's garage, an hour drive from home, and ran out of time. I really am lucky there. He's got everything from a New Holland bacco to a Plasma cutter. In many years of working in there, I have yet to come across a job that I couldn't find a tool for. Thanks PAP!