A while ago I decided to remove the rear fairings and the plastic inner fender. I originally wanted to chop the frame and then add a pan underneath the seat for added storage. Today I made the decision to not chop the frame but remove the rear frame cross brace (the one the grab bar bolts to). It was fairly simple once I ground the welds down on the top, back, and bottom and used a chisel to finish breaking the weld. The good thing is that if I ever decide to go back to fairings I can weld the brace back in.
A few pics...
It started out life as a 12" x 24" 16 gauge steel plate. I work 5 minutes from Joe Gibbs Racing and my boss knows a few people. I was able to slip in the back door and had one of their guys bend it in the "U" shape you see.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/82431472-99AB-4112-A894-FDD5DF456604-944-0000005733650DB5_zpse39e1a4e.jpg)
Trying to slip it in to the frame rails.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/84781C49-BFE2-47F2-A39E-BABB389997AF-944-000000572B78A5E6_zps427b1aac.jpg)
A different angle.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/19F906B3-B84B-439B-88AE-3355FE39E081-944-0000005728E2762A_zps13aebecc.jpg)
Doing a little grinding.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/67CBBE6A-EEFD-4078-B9E4-126E8500E2DC-944-00000057311A33DB_zpsb3f08382.jpg)
Clamping it in trying to get the bends right.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/0918D7AA-AB62-486A-BF30-70859C30ADB5-944-00000057379D929F_zps9121de46.jpg)
Bending, tack welding, and cutting to get the seat to fit.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/B3B1590A-91E7-42ED-BF69-0E562BDC16C6-944-000000573C666712_zpsd5d8d7c2.jpg)
It's bent to fit perfectly with the bottom of the frame rails. It may look a little tweaked because one of the front clamps loosened up and I didn't realize it until way after the pictures.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/C6167B3B-A2E1-40A4-A847-76B97FD4ED35-944-0000005741142ABA_zps6d47ca6a.jpg)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/8BB9B151-89FA-45E5-9403-D6AD7AB20ED4-944-0000005743062221_zpsf8fddb0e.jpg)
The tail light will be cut in to the back of the pan. I have an LED tail light that I am using. Hopefully it will look nice. I am not planning on leaving it turned up in the back like that. It will be cut down to sit right under the seat and the reason I used that angle was that hopefully the LED will be easier to see. Luckily my friend suggested a cardboard template to start with. I was also able to put a new set of progrips on today.
Looking good. Keep the photos coming. :thumb:
A little update.
I'm still working away on this thing but it is a lot of work and progress is slow due to time. Luckily the wife has been helping me out around the house so that I can have time to finish this up. I always knew that when I started this project there was the potential to have the bike down for a couple of weeks. I just picked the worst time in the world as the weather is perfect.
One of my welds. Try not to laugh. It's held so far.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/6F830633-8739-41EE-990B-A9D6C67113E8-2862-00000117A72DE3E3_zps2dab2faa.jpg)
Doing some trimming for the light and the seat.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/8ADB67F5-C95D-4491-ABB2-7A2A0C505B89-2862-00000117B5C5957A_zpse72bf5f8.jpg)
Trimming around the seat. You can see the gap behind the seat. I plan to add a small patch panel on top to contour around the seat.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/F89DC46B-758F-44C8-81AE-ABEA7493D367-2862-00000117AFBC58E1_zpsc0479cba.jpg)
The light looks a little crooked but as soon as I finally get it to fit in right I'm going to make sure everything is straight and fill in around any gaps.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/BA1591E4-3495-4B22-9C6D-663C14DC089E-2862-00000117BBDE78A3_zps8a9fce77.jpg)
I ordered some M6 Rivnuts to put in to the frame rail. The rivet idea wouldn't work out because it was just too far from the frame in points. The tail light has been a pain but I knew it would be from the beginning. If it was 1/4" smaller it would fit perfectly. Right now I am trying to figure out where to put the key lock for the seat. Basically it doesn't want to fit anywhere I actually want it to because of the length of the cable.
Looks good so far :thumb:
Are you using an arc welder? Because If so I understand an ugly weld like that. Ugly and strong is better then a pretty but weak weld any day.
Hope you relocated those cans before grinding and welding :icon_eek:
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/C6167B3B-A2E1-40A4-A847-76B97FD4ED35-944-0000005741142ABA_zps6d47ca6a.jpg)
Sadly that's my MIG welder but I am using flux because I haven't set it up for gas. I am using it on the lowest setting I have so I don't burn this 16 gauge up. The welds feel strong but who knows. I weld on the other side of the garage so the cans aren't an issue. I could very well have overlooked them when grinding... oops. :embarrassed:
So I didn't get out to the shop until 11:00 tonight. I decided to work on things I could do without pulling out the welder, grinder, and air compressor.
Adding supports to the tail light. I am going to weld in studs at the bottom and bolt the supports to the bottom of the pan.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/1CFC64D4-A8C3-4204-83D0-DBB5BF8D7D28-1318-0000006FAE8F3ACC_zps48f5ceb0.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/1CFC64D4-A8C3-4204-83D0-DBB5BF8D7D28-1318-0000006FAE8F3ACC_zps48f5ceb0.jpg.html)
Relocated the lock. I don't really like it on this side but the cable length determined the location. The hole looks poorly cut out because of the sharpie but it is actually fairly clean.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/EF0FB3A4-7205-4F8C-9B62-36AA569F71D9-1318-0000006FACB5354A_zps9faea64e.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/EF0FB3A4-7205-4F8C-9B62-36AA569F71D9-1318-0000006FACB5354A_zps9faea64e.jpg.html)
The way the lock is mounted inside the pan. I still need to weld that tab in.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/304D8773-692D-444C-978C-3A631B423017-1318-0000006FAAD77CC4_zps5483790a.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/304D8773-692D-444C-978C-3A631B423017-1318-0000006FAAD77CC4_zps5483790a.jpg.html)
I filled in the gaps at the bottom corners with JB Weld. I'm sure it's ghetto but it should work. Again the Sharpie makes it look like there are huge gaps around the light.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/EEFE72B4-373E-46CF-83D3-D1EBFF984923-1318-0000006FA90A0136_zps7085e8f7.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/EEFE72B4-373E-46CF-83D3-D1EBFF984923-1318-0000006FA90A0136_zps7085e8f7.jpg.html)
Glad I had these on tonight. The two chipped spots on the left lens are from the piece in the next picture. I would have been at the hospital tonight without the glasses and could have really messed up my eye. The pointy end was what hit the glasses.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/2D9F5EF1-4686-4D51-AE2A-2E14AAEF5AD9-1318-0000006FA7396B3C_zps1c6cfdff.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/2D9F5EF1-4686-4D51-AE2A-2E14AAEF5AD9-1318-0000006FA7396B3C_zps1c6cfdff.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/2B327318-CB09-4CDA-8073-1ED4DF1D2D0B-1318-0000006FA574E101_zps226aa944.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/2B327318-CB09-4CDA-8073-1ED4DF1D2D0B-1318-0000006FA574E101_zps226aa944.jpg.html)
Bugger :icon_eek:
Safety first :thumb:
A little more work yesterday evening. I still have 4 or 5 smaller things left to do on my list before prepping for paint. I can't wait to finish this thing so I can get my bike back on the road.
The tab holding in the seat lock. It doesn't do much so I didn't find it necessary to weld the entire way around.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/3DE02E81-2597-49BB-A371-91DFA7FF88AE-672-00000032FDBF4C88_zpsa70a6bbd.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/3DE02E81-2597-49BB-A371-91DFA7FF88AE-672-00000032FDBF4C88_zpsa70a6bbd.jpg.html)
Welded in the front plate. That's 1/2" EMT that I used to run the wires through. The 3/8" wire loom I am covering the wires with fits perfectly inside. I didn't calculate for the fact that I was bending the plate in the front to get it between the frame rails that begin to narrow. It wasn't a nice surprise but I was still able to get it in.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/3B197A66-0A93-42DD-AD8C-2C95FAD1C7AA-672-00000032FFB5881F_zpsab8c71b7.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/3B197A66-0A93-42DD-AD8C-2C95FAD1C7AA-672-00000032FFB5881F_zpsab8c71b7.jpg.html)
Almost finished.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/D7102337-F207-4BF9-889F-E58299AF6B03-672-0000003301917CF4_zpsd2e7676f.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/D7102337-F207-4BF9-889F-E58299AF6B03-672-0000003301917CF4_zpsd2e7676f.jpg.html)
With the seat on.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/4BDA9319-528B-4EB9-A43D-B79517DECDBF-672-00000033039F7DC3_zps7fec1633.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/4BDA9319-528B-4EB9-A43D-B79517DECDBF-672-00000033039F7DC3_zps7fec1633.jpg.html)
Here's where I could have really screwed up. I made sure there was room for the lock but didn't think about having to turn the key. With the seat on you can turn it but if I had it to do over again I would have lowered it a little more. At least it is somewhat protected and is slightly hidden.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/6462EDEF-7423-4E0B-8F14-72D1E3F6101E-672-000000330750D756_zpsa5593810.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/6462EDEF-7423-4E0B-8F14-72D1E3F6101E-672-000000330750D756_zpsa5593810.jpg.html)
Update...
Got the Nutserts.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsea164112.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsea164112.jpg.html)
First one is in. That's actually the second one in that hole. I had to cut the first one out because it pulled up crooked.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsbbe4a002.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsbbe4a002.jpg.html)
The nice thing is that I can see these through the frame rail so I can judge how far I need to go.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsd96dbc10.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsd96dbc10.jpg.html)
The second one I over tightened and the bolt head snapped off. On top of that it cross-threaded. I was able to tap it to make it work. (Note to Self: Quit buying shitty bolts from Lowe's)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsd9ca4e6b.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsd9ca4e6b.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps5db76f2e.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps5db76f2e.jpg.html)
Got 4 of 6 in and in the right places, so far.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps7b625742.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps7b625742.jpg.html)
The tool I made to set the nutserts. The problems I had are probably because I didn't want to pay for the right tool. I watched several people online set them just the way I did and it worked out fine.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps5403ea05.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps5403ea05.jpg.html)
With 4 of the 6 in.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps5f83fa46.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps5f83fa46.jpg.html)
I wanted to let everyone know that I haven't given up on this. Lately work has been extremely busy and on top of that my wife has decided that I need to build a fence for a garden. Also a friend from church wanted a turkey hunting buddy on Saturday mornings. After all of that I have had very little time to devote to this project. I do have a few small updates.
I did get the last two rivet nuts in. What a pain.
This is the tail light bracket finally with the studs welded to the plate.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps85129879.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps85129879.jpg.html)
I almost completely forgot about this thing. I understand that it is ugly and is made out of strap steel and has a million holes in it but it is almost completely covered up and was left over from another project (read as FREE).
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpse20975a1.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpse20975a1.jpg.html)
It holds this on. Might need that.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps6d6a86f2.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps6d6a86f2.jpg.html)
The sides allow me to mount new signals.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps7a1e8776.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps7a1e8776.jpg.html)
Not a very good picture but it shows a panel that will close the gap at the back of the seat. I still have to cut it to fit the seat shape.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsf620f2a4.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsf620f2a4.jpg.html)
A different angle. You can't see much of that gap panel but you can see the studs welded in, the holes for the license plate bracket, and the grommet for the signal wires. I'm hoping that the inspector for the state inspection this month will not see that I don't have license plate lights.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps7bb56d37.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps7bb56d37.jpg.html)
Looking good! But I want to see it painted and all finished! Hurry up! :icon_lol:
Not really much of an update. I have had a million things going on recently and this has been pushed to the back burner.
First coat of filler. I'm just trying to clean up the ugly of grinding.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps5bd6180d.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps5bd6180d.jpg.html)
After some sanding.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsd0a53e6a.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsd0a53e6a.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsf99bf039.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsf99bf039.jpg.html)
Trying to clean up with the wire wheel.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps111e02c4.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps111e02c4.jpg.html)
A second coat of filler. Hopefully my last. I just want to get to paint.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsdc609fff.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsdc609fff.jpg.html)
PAINT!!! Finally. It doesn't look like much but once it dries I can put the stripes in. Hopefully that and a new set of rear signals will finish it.
I wanted to take the bike out so bad that I zip-tied the light and tag on and took it for a spin down the block. It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow and possibly Sunday. It was very strange getting back on the bike after being off it for a month. I guess I just had to get used to it again.
Hanging it to get started.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpse0c8c739.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpse0c8c739.jpg.html)
First coat of satin black. It's fully coated but wet and fairly reflective.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps64fea812.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps64fea812.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps1f548525.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps1f548525.jpg.html)
Wet third coat.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsb014ead3.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsb014ead3.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps8efb029c.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps8efb029c.jpg.html)
Spent a little more time in the garage tonight because I really want to ride the bike tomorrow.
Here is what I accomplished. It's not completely done but "done enough" to get it on the road. Hope you enjoy.
Tape.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsac4028e6.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsac4028e6.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps9cae583d.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps9cae583d.jpg.html)
First coat still wet.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps65a06783.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps65a06783.jpg.html)
After third coat and carefully unmasking everything.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps6efdad5a.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps6efdad5a.jpg.html)
On the bike.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps0fecf9ba.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps0fecf9ba.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps334a6540.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps334a6540.jpg.html)
I understand that the holes aren't centered but that is where the holes needed to be to center the bracket.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsfd9bb268.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsfd9bb268.jpg.html)
More pictures on the bike.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsd26daf43.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsd26daf43.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsed737d0c.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsed737d0c.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsfc3df859.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsfc3df859.jpg.html)
Looking good, do you have any pictures of the bike from far out that shows the while bike? How about with the key turned on so we can see the taillight? :) also any plans for side fairings at all?
Quote from: jacob92icu on May 12, 2013, 06:14:35 PM
Looking good, do you have any pictures of the bike from far out that shows the while bike? How about with the key turned on so we can see the taillight? :) also any plans for side fairings at all?
I don't have any really recent full pictures of the bike. I don't know why I didn't think about getting one with the tail light on. I will get some soon.
I don't have any immediate plans for the fairing other than to leave them off. I would like to cut the fairings down in a similar fashion to one of these...
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/GS500RearFairings_zps27a516e1.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/GS500RearFairings_zps27a516e1.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/whiteGS5002_zps2cff843a.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/whiteGS5002_zps2cff843a.jpg.html)
I still have my original fairings but really do not want to destroy them by cutting them up. I would like to make fiberglass copies to cut and figure out what I want. Maybe after I get some sleep that could be a project for me after I finish my exhaust.
I took a couple of pictures today of the bike. I needed some more recent ones anyway.
With the tail light on. You can't really see much.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps3db61ef1.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps3db61ef1.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsd76f2659.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsd76f2659.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps64a085d2.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps64a085d2.jpg.html)
A couple pictures of the inside of the pan.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps2dc68603.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps2dc68603.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsaa22dabc.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsaa22dabc.jpg.html)
A couple more pics for fun.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsec628f67.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsec628f67.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zps965c23aa.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zps965c23aa.jpg.html)
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t394/amkluttz0819/null_zpsb842ec2b.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/null_zpsb842ec2b.jpg.html)
Also a crappy iPhone video/sound clip.
http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/amkluttz0819/media/1F54C6FF-0DAC-456A-A5FC-7B83D00883C0-1523-000000948F4C5DF1_zps7e39b61c.mp4.html
Wow that looks really good! Great job. Yea the first black street fighter GS you mentioned is really neat looking, that would be awesome if you did something like that.
It turned out really nice looking, very professional. Your bike looks great too. I like the black stripes on black.
You took the time to put racing stripes on your license plate but not your front fender?
Quote from: Slack on May 14, 2013, 06:54:49 PM
It turned out really nice looking, very professional. Your bike looks great too. I like the black stripes on black.
You took the time to put racing stripes on your license plate but not your front fender?
Hahahahaha... I scrolled up to see if that was indeed true. Thats a funny thing to notice! Good eye.
Quote from: Slack on May 14, 2013, 06:54:49 PM
It turned out really nice looking, very professional. Your bike looks great too. I like the black stripes on black.
You took the time to put racing stripes on your license plate but not your front fender?
Thanks. I appreciate the compliments.
I can assure you that not striping the fender was not due to laziness but more personal preference. I can't explain why but I just didn't like the idea of running the stripe on it. If I ever decide to do it all I have to do is clean, pull out the gun and paint, and spray. I completely understand what you are saying now that I think about it. It does seem silly not to carry it all the way through.
The reason for the stripe on the tag was that I forgot I had to put the tag on. I felt that adding the tag bracket really broke up the stripe on the pan and made it really hard to see so I striped the tag. It's probably very illegal so I guess I will see when I have to get it inspected this month.
Will you do me a favor and plug the frame stubs? It's bothering me seeing them open like that... I'm picturing water getting in there and rusting the frame from the inside :sad:
Great job, in general. I love the paint. I'm bringing a GS500 back to life right now, and I have both drag bars and round bar-end mirrors coming in the mail. I was afraid I might not like that setup, but I'm reassured to see how awesome it looks on your build. Did you do anything to the suspension?
What all have you done to your yota?
edited because I can't spell in the mornings
Quote from: BeerIsSoAwesome on May 16, 2013, 08:42:29 PM
Will you do me a favor and plug the frame stubs? It's bothering me seeing them open like that... I'm picturing water getting in there and rusting the frame from the inside :sad:
Great job, in general. I love the paint. I'm bringing a GS500 back to life right now, and I have both drag bars and round bar-end mirrors coming in the mail. I was afraid I might not like that setup, but I'm reassured to see how awesome it looks on your build. Did you do anything to the suspension?
My friend said the same thing about welding some end caps on. That's how the GS comes stock but I know they are covered with fairings. I'll get around to it hopefully when I can find some paint to match the frame. I know I can do colorite but I'm not spending $35 on a can of spray paint.
I wasn't sure if I really wanted to go as far as drag bars but I'm glad I did. Everytime my wife rides with me I thank myself. It does put the riding position much lower but I don't mind and like the look of the front of the bike much more now. I did completely disassemble my gauge cluster and rebuilt it to drop the gauges behind the headlight.
I have done nothing to the rear but suspect a previous owner might have. I haven't had any sag problems out of it and I'm probably 215 lbs. geared up. The forks were originally horrible and did the typical nose dive on braking. Found out the forks didn't have any oil in them (almost none) and replaced it with 15 weight fork oil and put some spacers in for compression. It's almost too stiff now and I think I could have gone without the spacers.
Quote from: Slack on May 17, 2013, 05:01:26 AM
What all have you done to your yota?
edited because I can't spell in the mornings
The Tacoma:
2.5" Spacers on top of TRD coils and Bilsteins up front
2.5" Add-a-Leafs with crappy shocks in the rear
Home made rock sliders out of 2" Schedule 40 bolted to the frame
Home made skid plate that runs from the radiator all the way to the t-case crossmember
33x10.5 BFG All Terrains and black steelies (I painted the steelies and the sliders to match)
A lot of audio mods
The '80 Pickup:
No Lift but removed half of rear leaf pack, flexes like crazy
Swapped 20R out of '79 Celica (much quicker now)
Welded rear spider gears
31x11.5 Super Swamper LTB's
I used to go to Uwharrie and do a lot of trails there but I lost all of my riding buddies. It's no fun being stuck in the woods all day so I stay home. I would love to get back in to it.
Hey i noticed in the early stages of your mod the battery was left exposed, is it still or did the pan you added cover it up?
I ask because i removed my rear fairings so i want to cover up my battery somehow!
Love it..the stock fender leaves no bloody room for my pencil case tool kit n torch
Sent from my GT-I9210T using Tapatalk 2
Quote from: matttkeller on September 14, 2013, 09:18:47 PM
Hey i noticed in the early stages of your mod the battery was left exposed, is it still or did the pan you added cover it up?
I ask because i removed my rear fairings so i want to cover up my battery somehow!
The pan helped in terms of covering the battery some but it is still mostly exposed. I had intentions of welding another panel 45 degrees from the bottom of the front of the pan to be a deflector for the battery but I never got around to it. I haven't found that it affects the battery at all and I have been caught in my share of rain storms.