Redid crappy fenderectomy

[Teek]

It was done by a PO, but not well. Yesterday was ride it day (got it last Wed), today was clean up the fender day, with before and after pics.      
We took the brackets off the turn signals and had to remove the stock plastic and metal washers, dremeled clean the underside of the fender's black plastic insert thingy in the tail tip area,  measured carefully as there is little room for error (and even then drill a pilot hole first, to see where it lines up) drilled it (to the size of the turn signal thread for a tight neat fit) for direct connection of turn signals, attached those flush with a smaller interior washer (otherwise not enough thread left for the nut). Then removed the plate bracket, drilled the rear plastic UNDER the tail light shroud for the plate mount and left the shroud alone (and tightened that lower piece all the way up, and fully tucked it in,) and put on the plate with frame directly. Voila! Even under crappy light conditions in the garage and our bad eyesight (old people, 50!) we thought it came out nice. Signals are up higher and tucked in, plate is tucked up and under, a bit closer to the tire but now is more discreet, of course not counting the frame,  . We know that now the signals can snap as there is no give, but don't mind. Minor discomfort with the angle of the plate, we feel it needs to be swept back, but will fool with it later. Neatness counts for now.   
NOW we are craving a chin spoiler...

BEFORE=




AFTER=

[beRto]

Nice looking bike!

Personally, I like the seat.

Don't your keys smash against the gas tank when riding? (I've seen some bikes with paint damage from this)

[Teek]

Hi beRto,

Thanks for the kind words!

On the keys, no, I learned years ago to tuck them in so they don't swing and don't rattle, I hate that!    No scratches on my bike, please! There is already one deep one from PO on left side knee slot, that's plenty.

They're hanging so I can see them so I remember where they are,  it's amazing how we can get off the bikes at a turn out, and then search frantically for our keys when we go to get back on..   That's also why they are on a bright red carabiner, much harder to lose!

When I get back on, I tuck them in front of the bars on the dash. Those are actually my XT225 keys that are hanging, they'll be gone after the XT finds a new home...

[Domindart]

Imaculate bike!  be sure to update us w/ pics. 

Mine has a good scratch where keys wouldve rubbed against the tank. 

[Teek]

Hi Domindart,

Thanks for the compliment, I can't believe it's mine.... 

Sorry to hear about your key scratches.      Some people just can't take care of nice stuff, it's sad.

[CndnMax]

idk if you noticed this but, how do you like your drilled exhaust?

[Teek]

I thought it was just short a couple screws when I looked at it! Thought, huh, it'll prolly be a PITA finding those.. Now I'll have to go dowstairs with a flashlight and look closer... 

[Teek]

Well, okay, now I would feel like a total idiot if hubby hadn't said the exact same thing, he's the supposed Xpert! 
It sounds really nice actually, both at idle and on the street moving along. We both thought it was "Nice and quiet". But if I blip it good it sounds like it means business. I did that a few times and grinned at him and said "Wow. It even sounds like a REAL motorcycle!" Neither of us like loud exhausts, however, so it's still pretty mild. If a few of those screws happened to fall out, however.. I can see I need to get in with a grinder and clean up the exhaust port though.

OK, so I'll just add "Mufflerectomy" to the list of mods.

Thanks for pointing that out!!!

[Kasumi]

I don't like blatantly loud exhausts for the sake of been as loud as possible - ricers.

I like exhausts which may or may not be loud but significantly enhance the bike sound. I have a micron full SS exhaust system on my bike and it sounds gorgeous. I do like the sound you get from Akropovic's though!

[Teek]

Kasumi, *NICE* avatar!   

[CndnMax]

Kasumi, *NICE* avatar!   

*cough*.... 

[Kasumi]

Hehehe thankyou, i formed the idea but CndnMax made it an image hehehe.

[Teek]

And without PhotoShop, if I remember; that was a funny thread! 

[gmark]

Babbit's has your chin spoiler listed as a cowling under stock parts. Looks like it comes painted.

http://www.babbittsonline.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/default.aspx

[Teek]

God bless you! 

Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. 
Now to give them a call, it isn't listed as in stock, *sigh*.