Re-constructive Surgery

[Waylander]

Well finnaly went and picked up the bike today. (was waiting on my mom to bring the trailer by) and took some photos. So what needs to be replaced that I know if is the instraments, handle bars, posibly the risers though they may be fine, turns out that either my forks are bent or my triple trees are twisted so if its just the forks then they need replaced. If it's the trees then shocks and trees will need to be replaced. Possibly also the hand controls for the throttle side and if so then I will replace the clutch side aswell so they match. Obviosly the mirrors and lights on the front, and maybe the pipes aswell. Gonna hold of on doin the 4 pipe set up for a while so I'll mainly just have to bend the lower one out so it's not keeping the centre stand up or rubbing on my rear tire. Gonna try and bend the front fender back into rough shape but that will need replacing aswell as the tank and then obviously repaint the whole thing but the sheet metal bits can wait. Anyway here are the pics of what it looks like now.

[Waylander]

Went searching google for pics of custom viragos last night and came up with these wich is pretty much what I want it to look like as far as the front end goes.

[Dr Bob]

I can understand the customising strategy, replacement parts would cost a fortune. But there's a big gap between the first pictures you posted and the second lot. Good luck.

p.s. I have a thought for a customising project for my XV - a woody. The idea is to use timber strip and fibre (glass and carbon) for a fairing, side covers, and panniers. They use this method for kayaks, dinghys and ocean going yachts. you can make strong panels that still retain the woodgrain look. And since I am more a DIY home handyperson rather than a mech or metal fabricator it might be my best option for creating a unique bike.

[Paul in NZ]

Bummer dude... I have been away, what happened?

Any way - I've seen worse and thats how choppers and streetfighters started, getting rid of crap that got busted easy making the bike lighter and (in the opinion of the builder) better looking.

Yup! Bob is right. A lot of pain betwwen the now and then photos but well worth the trip if you are prepared to do a lot of it yourself and learn as you go. It might not look like a show winner on day one but who cares...

In my opinion, a custom that has been owned and ridden by the builder for a long time and gradually improves is the dog bollocks. Try everything, ditch the ideas that don't work.

Shit, you have me thinking now.... (rare I know)

Cheers

[Waylander]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I know it's a lot of work and I would redo everything and custom the hell out of it but I don't have the funds so I'm just gonna do the parts that need it and worry about the rest later. Just got a new set of bars now I need risers to mount them on. Gonna take some measurements tonight and then go shopping for them tomorrow. Also gonna get the indicators tomorrow. Gonna be asking for help once I get all the parts though I think I can handle everything but the eliectrical work. (yea I know that leaves bolting on parts but eh, I'll learn as I go) Also does anybody know where I can get a set of chrome controls in New Zealand? Don't want to order from the states unless I have to.

[MrMelon]

Went searching google for pics of custom viragos last night and came up with these wich is pretty much what I want it to look like as far as the front end goes.

Woah!
So what happened?

Credit to nc30

[MrMelon]

How about one of these?!
http://www.russianmontreal.ca/meetin.../Gay-biker.jpg

[Waylander]

Umm, who is David Tassellhoff? As for what happend hold on a sec and I will try to find the post...


http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...5&page=8&pp=15

Should be the first post on that page.



(Edit) I'm curious as to why you have that picture MrMerlon....

[MrMelon]

That's a virago in the picture isn't it?, I thought it looked pretty!~

[Waylander]

That's a virago in the picture isn't it?, I thought it looked pretty!~

Ok a couple of things here. That is a honda emblem on the tank, Viragos don't have radiators nor do they have downtubes in the front. It also says honda on the engine side cover. So nah not a Virago but good try

[NC]

Ok a couple of things here. That is a honda emblem on the tank, Viragos don't have radiators nor do they have downtubes in the front. It also says honda on the engine side cover. So nah not a Virago but good try

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=10109

[Jackrat]

Check this dude for replacement instruments.
www.mikesxs.com
It's all XS stuff but you might like the clocks,I do

[Waylander]

Actually if it's yamaha it should work for my bike, and those are much cheaper than the ones I was looking at even considering the exchange rate. Thanks much mate

[StoneChucker]

This is the first I've heard of your bin. You must post bin stories under a new thread in future (err, I mean people must post... I don't expect you to have another!)

Glad you're alive to tell us all. I bet that fricken sick, low-life cager that sped up had a bit of a chuckle. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about that on the bike, but a bus did it to me today (yes yes, a bus...) while I was in my car. I just didn't have the power to accelerate past in the space I had, so had to pull back in behind it, after braking pretty hard. I hate doing that

In heinsight, I recall you saying the bike should be fixed by the Rally next month. Is this still correct?

[Waylander]

In heinsight, I recall you saying the bike should be fixed by the Rally next month. Is this still correct?

It's a posibillity but I wont have the money for it so it doesn't look like I'm goin this year. Be assured however that next year I will dazzle all y'all with my wonerfully custom ride.