Das
New Member
The title says is all. I hope and pray my cold and wet dream becomes a reality by next summer.
Originally I wanted to turn this beauty into a cafe, but at this time in my life, as much as I would love a cafe racer, I need to think practical. Clubmans on a 60+ mile journey? Nah. Besides, I'm happy with the current setup with a reasonable mid-distance position and a 2-up seat, which came with the bike--great for the wife. That and the previous owner had the bars machined to run cables through, which is a nice start. I want this to be something unique with some subtle and some not-so-subtle mods.
Since I bought it this summer I had the carbs "somewhat" adjusted, put in a new air filter, changed the engine oil/filter and had a new rear tire/tube installed.
Disclaimer: I am not a mechanic, although I have (properly) adjusted valves, removed a rear wheel, adjusted chain tension, changed the engine oil/filter, and on. I guess what I'm trying to say is - if it's within my mechanical ability/budget, I'll do it happily.
I've broken the project down to help stay focused on priorities, and not let myself get too distracted by cosmetics.
Phase I - Service
Install new chain & sprockets: The current is on the way out, but I'll try to make them last until snowfall.
Clean carbs and jets - she runs strong once over the initial bog-down hump, but it's frustrating on the upstart. She really likes the highway and responds well on the throttle. I can't wait to see how much better she handles once she's cleaned out.
Indicators to work on auto: I've had this issue addressed once already, but they stopped working shortly afterwards. There must be a bad connection somewhere. Currently, I'm manually activating the intermittance (is that a word?). I ride so often, lately when driving the car I forget where I am and move the indicator lever up and down. lol
Brake light: Addressed twice. First time worked until I reached the end of the driveway. Second time worked for about 50 miles. Third time (connection) is the charm, I hope.
Front tire: Install Metzler's Lasertec front to match the ME-77 rear. Minor for the time-being, as the current cheapy is holding up well. Still, it should be done, especially by final phase.
Phase II - Breakdown
Phase III - Cosmetics - Paint
Frame: I work around BMWs, Triumphs and Suzukis five days a week (Service Writer), so I try to take advantage during downtime by noting some of the great attention to detail and asthetics that goes into these beautiful bikes. For instance, I love the textured, matte gray paint that Triumph puts on their new Street Triples. There's just enough difference in the shade for a subtle pop from the black satin or semi-gloss engine and other black details.
Tank & Sidecovers: Similar paint scheme of a Street III on the 550 with the classic, glossy black tank and side covers.
Engine: Undecided, although some black highlights might look great.
Forks: Black
Rims, Spokes & Hubs: Black rims and hubs with stainless steel spokes.
Phase IV - Custom Parts
Headlight: If I get my way, this may be the most distinguishing aspect on the bike. Instead of running the classic, single headlight, or even the more modern dual headlights, I want to run four mini, white lights configured in a square pattern. The first hurdle is obviously the electrical issue. Yet to research this. If feasible and practical enough I'll move on to engineering the mount/bracket configuration.
Fork Gaters: Black
Instruments: Remove tach and dummy lights. Modify stock (to be centered) speedo with clear faceplate (partial/full graphic optional) to reveal underpinnings and replace light with dim bulb (if feasible) to compensate for custom faceplate.
That's all the ideas for now, although I'm sure more will come in time. This will be a slow build, so updates/photos will be few and far between. Constructive comments are always welcome. Thanks for reading.
Darren
Originally I wanted to turn this beauty into a cafe, but at this time in my life, as much as I would love a cafe racer, I need to think practical. Clubmans on a 60+ mile journey? Nah. Besides, I'm happy with the current setup with a reasonable mid-distance position and a 2-up seat, which came with the bike--great for the wife. That and the previous owner had the bars machined to run cables through, which is a nice start. I want this to be something unique with some subtle and some not-so-subtle mods.
Since I bought it this summer I had the carbs "somewhat" adjusted, put in a new air filter, changed the engine oil/filter and had a new rear tire/tube installed.
Disclaimer: I am not a mechanic, although I have (properly) adjusted valves, removed a rear wheel, adjusted chain tension, changed the engine oil/filter, and on. I guess what I'm trying to say is - if it's within my mechanical ability/budget, I'll do it happily.
I've broken the project down to help stay focused on priorities, and not let myself get too distracted by cosmetics.
Phase I - Service
Install new chain & sprockets: The current is on the way out, but I'll try to make them last until snowfall.
Clean carbs and jets - she runs strong once over the initial bog-down hump, but it's frustrating on the upstart. She really likes the highway and responds well on the throttle. I can't wait to see how much better she handles once she's cleaned out.
Indicators to work on auto: I've had this issue addressed once already, but they stopped working shortly afterwards. There must be a bad connection somewhere. Currently, I'm manually activating the intermittance (is that a word?). I ride so often, lately when driving the car I forget where I am and move the indicator lever up and down. lol
Brake light: Addressed twice. First time worked until I reached the end of the driveway. Second time worked for about 50 miles. Third time (connection) is the charm, I hope.
Front tire: Install Metzler's Lasertec front to match the ME-77 rear. Minor for the time-being, as the current cheapy is holding up well. Still, it should be done, especially by final phase.
Phase II - Breakdown
Phase III - Cosmetics - Paint
Frame: I work around BMWs, Triumphs and Suzukis five days a week (Service Writer), so I try to take advantage during downtime by noting some of the great attention to detail and asthetics that goes into these beautiful bikes. For instance, I love the textured, matte gray paint that Triumph puts on their new Street Triples. There's just enough difference in the shade for a subtle pop from the black satin or semi-gloss engine and other black details.
Tank & Sidecovers: Similar paint scheme of a Street III on the 550 with the classic, glossy black tank and side covers.
Engine: Undecided, although some black highlights might look great.
Forks: Black
Rims, Spokes & Hubs: Black rims and hubs with stainless steel spokes.
Phase IV - Custom Parts
Headlight: If I get my way, this may be the most distinguishing aspect on the bike. Instead of running the classic, single headlight, or even the more modern dual headlights, I want to run four mini, white lights configured in a square pattern. The first hurdle is obviously the electrical issue. Yet to research this. If feasible and practical enough I'll move on to engineering the mount/bracket configuration.
Fork Gaters: Black
Instruments: Remove tach and dummy lights. Modify stock (to be centered) speedo with clear faceplate (partial/full graphic optional) to reveal underpinnings and replace light with dim bulb (if feasible) to compensate for custom faceplate.
That's all the ideas for now, although I'm sure more will come in time. This will be a slow build, so updates/photos will be few and far between. Constructive comments are always welcome. Thanks for reading.
Darren
