Google find - xs250...sort of

This guy did it. Whoever this guy is, he beat me to it. My next project, the ft500, was basically going to end up like this. My idea was a simple vintage looking motor, with modern front and rear ends. To review, small lightweight old bike that can handle and stop like a modern bike. Pretty much what this guy did.

This guy rules and I'm pissed he beat me to it. looks like he used a cx500 gas tank, gs500e wheels and rs125 forks... awesome. I guess i better get moving on mine before everybody has one of these....
http://www.xs400.com/forum/album.php?albumid=156

Project kz440 - The start.

Well, here's another one for the stable. Even without the tank, the bike screams early 80s. It's an odd little bike, belt drive with a stock 19 inch front wheel to start. It's going to take some imagination and loads of work, but this will someday be a fine cafe bike. Don't believe me? I'm not sure that I do either, but lets stay positive. It's not all bad though...The bike runs strong with good compression and all the electrics work. That makes cosmetics top priority...thank goodness.....

You can follow this build in greater detail at: http://ornatecode.com/kz440/

Project xs400 - Cafe Racer

My xs400.

fork brace
tapered roller bearings
20 w 50 oil in fork
gas rear shocks
2 into 1 exhaust
adjustable clip-ons
dual front disk
Magura brake lever and master cylinder
upgraded headlight
fiberglass seat
battery relocation
K&N air filters
custom gauge mount
79' motor w/cdi
rear sets

FOR SALE.

East Side Classic 2011

It was actually really great and I'm excited to see how it will grow in 2012....

I really can't imagine what I would have done without the help of all my friends and sponsors of this years event. This being the first real push to increase the scale of the event, at most times I felt like I was in way over my head. We had to claw our way through the planning of the event and got bailed out of some pretty awful situations by some amazing people, Thankfully, the event went off without a hitch and everyone who came, really seemed to have a great time, even if it was hotter'n a burnt boot. All and all, it turned out better than I ever thought possible. I hope to see you all there next year...seriously. Come.

Sorry for the late entry...

Here are some pics from the event.

Google find - 82' Yamaha xj550

I happened upon this video while on a parts finding mission for my most recent acquisition, i.e. another xs400. This bike will end up with a brat style look to it. Pictures and projects to come. This XJ550 however, is something completely different. For those who do know or care to remember what a stock Maxim xj550 looks like, here's a fine example:













As you can see, not much to complain about...except for maybe, everything. I suppose if you were filming a remake of the amazing 80's favorite Purple Rain, this bike would be perfect, but for everything else...yikes.

The short list of what was done according to the video I found on you tube consists of:
- Mono shock from an R1
- F4i headers
- R1 stabilizer
- Kawasaki tank(which is my only complaint)
- Custom clips
- GSXR controls
- Custom tail piece and taillight

Obviously a lot more than that went into this bike, but I'm amazed the builders were able to figure out which stock parts would actually change over. This kind of thing is what it's all about to me. Enjoy.

















Crazy huh?
Here's the youtube video I saw also. Who would've thought that engine would sound so mean! Please excuse the spelling on the intro of the video, you don't have to be an English major to build a bike. Obviously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6WDE4pZwW

Found it!

Weeks ago, I ran into a post on Ottonero of an awesome looking cb450 that someone sort of cafe'd. Here's the direct link:
http://ottonero.blogspot.com/2010/11/inside-chop.html

In fact, there's lots of great stuff to look at through the length of the blog. Unfortunately, I'm monolingual at best and i really can't appreciate it like I should. I wished that I would've at least understood the blog enough to find out where the builder got that sweet gauge. It's a digital number with all the pertinent info packed into a single bezel. Plus, it looks rad.

Well, with a bit of help from google and a friend who's just as obsessive about this stuff as I am, we found it.

Looky, looky...
http://www.acewell-meter.com/

Here's the stateside distributor:
https://www.bajadesigns.com/NET/C-407/ACEWELL
Looks like $230 brings it home. The only question now, is how bad do I need food, gas, heat, etc...