Snorey........

[GearJammer]

Hey, Brother.......(Didn't want to hijack Sox's thread)

From what you posted there about the stretch, does this mean that you're going to be modifying your Rebel more radically ? Far out! We've spoken about this before privately & looking forward to seeing the finished custom build once you've finally gotten it done. :wink:

Any particular bike in mind as an alternate/stable addition ?

[Snorebaby]

Yeah, I have been thinking about it recently!! Making plans!! 8)

Been looking at adding 14*- 8" front end. There is a kit that will do it and keep the stock rake and trail figures. It's about 2 grand. Think I will do a solo seat. Stretch the foot pegs another 3". Maybe even make a hard tail out of it and lower it about 2". Then I will put straight pipes on it (but keep stock dual look). Will change handle bars, just not sure I want drag bars...may have them custom bent. More of an "old school" style...where the controls are more up and down than pointing out. Almost like holding on to an upright pole at the controls.

Any particular bike in mind as an alternate/stable addition ?

Now that is a silly question!! A Gold Wing of course!! :wink:

[GearJammer]

HOLY MOLEY! You're not just thinking about customizing, you're going for a total chopper! EXCELLENT! Now, THIS I've just got to see when it's done! You've been overcome by chopper fever & with your ingenuity, this is gonna be awesome!

Not sure if I'm following the rake & trail kit you mentioned. Are you referring to adjustable trees ? Please forgive if I've misunderstood.

Straight pipes! Retaining airbox or losing it ? If you decide to lose the EPA gear, I've got some re-jetting #'s written down that I've kept for future reference if I decide to scrap the airbox myself. Would obviously be glad to pass those along to ya! :wink:

There's 6-bend bars that might provide what you're looking for in handlebars (only one option of course). I like the feel of hands relatively flat, palms down, but the 6-bends are more of the vertical position & provide a fair degree of "pullback".

Gold Wing! Hmmm......not bad. A tried & true bike with an excellent track record & many can still be found at very reasonable prices. There was a '78 Wing here locally last year with an asking price of $1700 OBO........

[Snorebaby]

Think I will keep the airbox....just the cover may be "decorated".

Here is the link to the site for the kit http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/

They don't have one listed for the 450, but I probably can call them and they might make one.

EDIT: They have a dealer near me....gonna give them a call and see what the price is and may go look at one if they have it in stock. (I think I know how they keep the geometry correct!)

I like the look of the 2004 VLX 600 -- (3rd photo) http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/honda_photos.htm

That is close to what I want it to look like.

The GW has always been a "I Want It!!" bike for me. So I will have a cruiser and a chopper! Chop around town...GW for long trips. :)

The 6-bend bars are an option...may even have some custom bent if I can't find what I am looking for...(remember the saddlebags issue? :shock: LOL!!).

I have a couple of years to start on it....and ideas WILL change and improve in that time!! :lol:

[GearJammer]

Thanx for those links, Snorey......

Checked it out & they're lookin' good! :wink: Their Springer Kit looks interesting as well.

If I read their descriptions correctly, they're not "adjustable" trees, but more like "adjusted" trees in either of their 3 rake angles, right ? They've got the stance nailed with the bike sitting nice 'n level, I just don't know enough about physics (can't even spell it, LMAO!) to know what the structural strength would be at the actual raked area between neck & tubes. But I'd also guess that they'd have to conform with certain safety regs, so they're probably just fine.

Found it interesting how they compensated the calculations to retain the stock trail :wink:

A GW & a chop.....best of both worlds. Gotta love it! Once this Reb is back in action, that'll be my long-range cruiser. Have thought about solid struts on the rear, but that would negate the cruising comfort, so will stick with the lowered shocks which didn't compromise the ride or the handling in any significant degree (didn't even notice any change other than a lower ride)

Saddlebags ? Huh ? What ? ROTFFLMFAO!!! Yep.....an exercise in frustration there :lol:

[Snorebaby]

If I read their descriptions correctly, they're not "adjustable" trees, but more like "adjusted" trees in either of their 3 rake angles, right ?

Yep...they have essentially moved the centerline of the stock neck out to the new trees to keep the right geometry. They use the stock neck as a mount and with a bottom "wedge" block, they mount the bottom tree to it and it now becomes the "steering" angle. There are some pics, if you look close enough, you can see the way it is accomplished.

A GW & a chop.....best of both worlds. Gotta love it!

That is the whole idea!! ROTFLMAO!!! Have my cake and eat it too!!