Mar 16, 2009 New gas tank, headlight & speedo

Found that the old tank has worse rust than I'd like. Combine that with two questionable petcocks, I've decided to try an aftermarket gas tank. It is not a perfect fit so I'll have to work to make the mounts fit.

Once I find out how to mount the tank, I'll send it off to be powder coated army green.

I've also added a smaller headlight and a real tiny speedometer (got rid of the big ugly speedo/tach/signal box). I hid the wires under the gas mask, but the wiring is not done yet... I hate electrical work!

Maiden Voyage

I took her out for her first real run (more that just the neighborhood street). She runs good, but still needs to be tuned. The seat isn't as supportive as I'd like as I feel like I'm going slide off the back each time that torque kicks in.

There are some electrical issues as well... When I stopped to fill up the tank, she wouldn't start again due to a dead battery (brand new by the way). I think my rectifier is bad.

New seat

I got inspired and made a new seat out of a $10 leather vest found at the thrift store. Foam base is from a $3 kids pool float (think thick exercise mat) and two memory foam shoe inserts for my buttocks and some foam found at the craft store.

I have a smaller headlight and smaller speedo coming. Going to simplify that whole area. Also have manual petcocks coming as the vacuum ones are crap.

Latest mods

Here's the latest mods:

"Moved" the star, painted the wheels, added the white wall back tire (may do the front too), added drag handlebars, but may switch to ape hangers, new shortened shocks, air pods, rebuilt the carb. Not happy with the seat, looking for a cheap harley sportster seat (solo or dual).

I fired her up after the carb rebuild, but she is idling to high (3k-4k rpms). Haven't figured out the problem yet (idle speed screw is all the way out, maybe a cable problem). But I think I'll take her out for spin this weekend. I got my motorcycle endorsement finally, just have to turn it in to the DOL to get my license.

New paint

Day two:

I shorted the rear fender and did some painting.

Next up; wrapping headers, painting rims, white walls, lowering 2", drag handlebars, rebuilding carbs.

First Modification

Here is the first modification. In 3 hours I removed the old 70s style seat and fabricated my own out of fake leather, high density foam and abs plastic. It is not going to be perm but more of a mockup. I'm going to do a military style bobber kinda thing on the cheap. Drab green, tan and black.

New bike

I picked up the xs750 special for $450. not bad. The
seat has got to go, but everything cosmetic is in pristine condition
except the stator cover and a scuff on the muffler.

Mechanically, i have to work on the carbs and change all the
fluids/plugs/etc... Has been sitting for 8 years. But I think I can
handle it just fine.