Thought it was time I made a contribution to the site! For once I've got off my butt and been quite busy. The FT is my wife's new bike (bought in December - 20 years after selling her original one) which I am converting to a more street-tracker style but still trying to retain some practicality, ie making it weatherproof, comfortable and reliable (hopefully)
Since Christmas, I have turned the bike into a massive pile of pieces - but now waiting for frame, swing arm, etc to come back from powder coating so I can start to re-assemble. I've made a new bracket to take a shortened tail piece, removed the rear footpegs and mountings and also repositioned the battery. I've cut the seat down to a single-seater (handing the re-upholstery over to a professional) but left the original mounts and comfort levels, have also taken on lots of advice from others on the forum about front sprocket size, tyres, re-jetting with K&N type filter etc.
I've fitted new starter motor mechanical solenoid - so that now works (at a price
). Stripped the sticky rear caliper and got new head bearings and rear wheel bearings to do. Having new Avon Road Riders fitted this week - the bike still had the original Bridgestone front - 8,000 miles in 32 years!!!! Kind of proved the mileage as genuine but I really didn't like the idea of its grip potential. I've also found a lovely round 1970's Suzuki headlamp shell and rim at a local breakers which I will fit with a modern light unit.
Last night, she who must be obeyed, finally agreed on the paint job she wants which a local lad will do for me at a sensible price.
In early June we are planning a trip to France to a classics/customs event (me on my similarly modified 1981 Yamaha XV750). This means I actually have a deadline. That's a good thing as I then keep the pressure on myself to finish things - I work best that way! Will post some pictures when there's something more than components to show
