New chain was installed the other day! Let me tell you, the bike seems to ride WAY smoother now, especially at 40+ mph. I thought it was a placebo effect at first, but it's way too noticeable to be that. Now that I don't have to worry about that thing snapping, I've been able to push the bike a little harder and I love it. Rides like a dream!
Teazer- I did check the sprockets and so did the shop that did the chain replacement. They are fine, though I may eventually swap them out for different sizes. I haven't even mentioned yet that this bike has 9k original miles, have I... ;D
Hoosier- the bike is worth a little more than what I paid for it, yes. But It's not as clean as it looks in the pictures. Nevertheless, I'm of the same mindset as you are. I've been careful to save everything and not make any modifications that I can't undo later. That includes not modifying parts that came on the bike, but instead buying identical used ones and working with those. The hardest part will probably be the seat. I want to make a lower profile seat with a nicer shape but keep the stock hinges and latch, so I'm in for a challenge there. I think I may buy a cheap stock seat pan and bring it closer to the frame, then pad and upholster it to my liking. The big problem with that will be working around that awkward arched frame brace...
Captmilk- thank you, though I can't say the same about the striping. It's one of the only parts of the bike I don't like. The striping creates the illusion that the tank is really small and awkwardly shaped...it's gotta go. I'm thinking a repainted CB450 or even CB200 tank.
