Re: Ichiban Moto : Yamaha 500 cafe racer build
He needs a metric Hammer too....The easiest way to strip a philips head screw is using a Standard hammer on it instead of metric.
The different adjustables are n;t as needed. I have a nice Adjustable wrench that says 12in on one side, 300mm on the other, so it can be used on both....more of a universal adjustable. I used to keep bot h metric and standard adjustables, but now that I found these dual mode ones, I don't need to carry as many wrenches around.
I need to add to the safety list. He painted the top of the headlight chrome. This is a BIG No-No. The reality is the top of the headlight is the part that actually directs light down to the ground. He is using the wrong half of the light. A much more safe approach is to paint the bottom half of the light. Not only does it not reduce light to the ground, but also is much safer as it reduces glare to oncoming traffic. I am hoping he reads this and corrects that major faux pas.
Otherwise an awesome build. I often wondered what effort was needed for a bad-ass cafe racer. Unfortunately, I do not have the insight and creativity to make a bad-ass cafe racer (or "Coffee Racer" as I have seen on other threads). Without the skill and creativity, I had to settle for a stock restoration. I which I had seen this build before I started mine, as I believe I would be able to duplicate the effort here. I only have standard vise grips though, so any future mods will need to wait on my having the funds (and Harbor Freight having a good sale) to buy those wonderful china made metric tools.
Excuse me now wow I wipe the moisture from my face.
Ichiban, you are AWESOME! I only wish I had been the one to nominate your build for BOTM...Wait, Bike of the Year!!! Instructional Video of the year too!!!