Sit on it, Al
The saddle is back from the upholsterer. It turned out pretty well. It turned out pretty much exactly how I envisioned it, but I have to say I’m still getting used to seeing it on the bike. I have been looking at it with no seat for so long that adding the saddle changes the proportions which I have grown used to.
I went with a brown vinyl to match the brown grips. I wanted a touch of old school, hence the color. I’m not sure how I feel about the decision at this point, but I’ll run with it. I like the fact that it is quite a bit more unique than if it were black.
I very much like the way the tail light & rear turn signals look. They tuck up under the seat nicely into a tidy little cluster. The vinyl didn’t end up super tight under the seat, I’m a little bummed on that, But, after tinkering with it myself, I’m not sure there is any way to avoid that.
Top View; she looks svelte!
Yup, I will be running no rear fender. No front fender either. I live in the desert, it rains very little here in the summer months. I have had two bikes in the past with no front fender, so this is just a step further. Should be fine…
And…drum roll please…here is a photo of the bike all assembled! It’s not 100% complete, there is a bit of wiring to wrap up still, and I have to mount the speedo, and of course get some Spin Cycle Industries decals printed up for the fork guards. Oh man, I cant wait to fire her up. I haven’t heard it run since the new pipes were built.
Once it is truly complete and running, I will: obviously, ride it! But I will also work with Alan Brandt to get some great photos taken. I cant wait.
next post: New Hat »
ash
17 April, 2012 at 4:01 am //
Looking very cool. Have you tried threading thin wire thru the edge seam underneath your seat and pulling it tight?
emeglasson
17 April, 2012 at 5:49 pm //
No, we considered threading it through the seat sub frame, but then it doesn’t exit in a graceful location. We think we’ll band it to the rear shock’s remote adjuster cables so it can follow them under the tank.
ash
22 April, 2012 at 4:37 am //
?? I was talking about the comment in the article “The vinyl didn’t end up super tight under the seat,” using wire will go a long way to removing the wrinkles and will help to remove the curling that can be seen.
emeglasson
22 April, 2012 at 4:03 pm //
Ahhh, that makes more sense. That’s a great idea.
Dave
20 April, 2012 at 6:06 am //
where did you move the battery? and would you sell me a set of those pipes? they look awesome!
emeglasson
20 April, 2012 at 4:36 pm //
Dave,
We stuck the battery under the tank after we lifted the back of the tank a couple of inches. Yeah, the exhaust turned out great. We had it fabricated by a local exhaust shop, it ended up costing about $800 total, including the custom brackets & custom baffles. It did require some minor modifications to the rear lower subframe. If you’re really interested, we could have another set made for you. We could send lots of detail photos ahead so you could more thoroughly understand what modifications it requires.
newfysteak
3 May, 2012 at 2:37 am //
what size tires are you running front and back?
emeglasson
3 May, 2012 at 3:41 pm //
The tires are 130-90-16 Rear and 130-80-17 Front.
Shawn @SIDONIEYANG
1 June, 2012 at 7:26 am //
Just awesome, dude! You made this motorcycle look so excellent. I especially like the last photo, where it seems as if it’s inside.
I wish I could run with no fenders here…
Estebannn
4 December, 2012 at 12:20 pm //
One of the best transformations I’ve ever seen.
dadsy
10 February, 2013 at 9:32 am //
amazing bike, i was just wondering what front end you have on it?
Josh Edgar
11 February, 2013 at 12:33 am //
The front end is off of a Yamaha R1and was converted to fit on the Virago by Classified Moto.