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Pictures of my bike and minimal progress so far. Got her for $150 and she runs and has a clean title!
How she looked when I got her.
Seat was uncovered and exposed to the elements for who-knows-how-long.
Started by shedding some lbs and putting on some handle bars I got at the Long Beach swap meet for $5. I think they look good and they are perfectly positioned. Damn comfortable!
Another view of the bars. Need to do new cables because they are all cracked and look less than safe.
I took the seat around to upholstery shops to get it recovered. One place said $300 so I laughed and went somewhere else. They said $100 bucks which I thought was fair but still too high for this nickel/dime project. I went to the fabric store and bought some high density foam and marine vinyl. It's not great but the whole point is to make it so I can put some miles on her.
Like the profile of the seat but damn those turn signals got to go!
Another pic of her ass end. Getting sexy...
Decided to put her on a diet and lose the fenders while I decide on turn signals and figure out the cabling.
Getting her naked.
My goal now is to get her nice and safe. I need new cables, petcock, grips, peg rubbers, fuel lines, and more. I want to really enjoy her and see what inspires me for her tear-down build. I plan to start that late next fall if all goes as planned. Of course it won't go as planned but you need a goal if you want to go anywhere. (life lessons, eh?) no seriously, I hope to update this moving forward. Please send me feedback and keep me motivated. Thanks guys-
great start what direction are you thinking of heading? what about keep the tank and side covers because they really have some good lines but go with a single seat and pillon pad. get the small cateye looking signals off e-bay $15pair non led . ditch that tailight asap for something funky. are you the paker fan? I'm down in san diego how is that long beach swap meet? again great start I'll be watching this one.
I don't know what direction I will go yet, but so far I dig the handlebars and I am also thinking about a tire with more aggressive tread pattern. Ultimately it will be a mix of styles that I like but more along the lines of a tracker. I would like the bike to still show some signs of being factory designed. I really dig the Heiwa bikes out of Japan as well. The most important thing to me is that it is comfortable to ride as this will be no trailer queen.
Yep the tail light is gone. I have been combing ebay for something cool. Might find something at the swap meet as well. If you go, get there early as it gets crowded and vendors start to taper off.
I love the tank lines and the knee pads. Whatever I do will probably involve this tank. I even like the color but I am probably going to lose the shock covers and fork covers to get rid of some color. Yes I am a Packer fan and I also like the Chargers in the AFC.
As for the turn signals, I have heard conflicting info on the use of LEDs. I would love to find something similar to the stock version but very small.
Quick update w/ some pics. Got new smaller turn signals and cleaned up the wiring a bit. I am cleaning out the tank this weekend and should be set to enjoy some road time. I know some things look a little funky but I just want to get her on the road. Hopefully by next winter I will get some more inspiration and do a complete tear-down.
Sorry for the picture quality guys. Also I looked everywhere for a cool tail light and ultimately nothing is cheaper than going with what you've got. It is goofy but I flipped the light and built a bracket to tuck it under the seat pan. Let me know what you think.
That's a great looking bike for the price. Good find.
I'm not in the forecasting business, but from where I'm sitting, it seems that the taillight will last less than a day. First bump and the rear tire will eat it for lunch.
It might just lock up the rear wheel but I suspect the light will shatter and you'll be OK.
If you like the Dirt Track look, might I suggest a small version of a tracker seat with a small LED light tucked up nice and high. Add a set of high pipes two along the left side for a more aggressive look and fit a front fork brace or a cut down fender. Those forks are really bendy and need a brace.
Pipes will probably appear on ebay so be patient and wait for a set at the right price, of find someone who wants low pipes for a traditional cafe look and offer to swap pipes.
Yeah that was a concern. It doesn't look like it in the picture but there is about 3 inches of travel between the tire and light. You are probably right that under rider load and a good bump will probably take it out. I have another 2.5" round light that I am going to try and tuck up there for now. Should give me a good 5''-5.5" of clearance. Thanks for the thoughts.
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