Stock Machine
Planning
Transformation I
Transformation II
Big Step
Solo Seat
Final Product
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
I wasn't quite ready to start making drastic changes, so I started with new Cobra fishtail pipes and a front-end lowering kit from Progressive Suspension.
These two items pretty much took care of the budget...but they had some of the greatest impact on the overall look of the bike.
Two minor problems:
1) you'll probably need a new exhaust gasket for the rear header pipe. I completely destroyed mine trying to reuse it. That cost $40 CDN.
2) The pipes are staggered and overlapping. My fishtails wanted to clang against each other. That was solved by using a number of thick washers where the two pipes are joined. This gave me enough separation to complete the installation.
First I propped the bike up on the center stand and then, with my brother lifting the front end, I slid a couple of paint cans (perfect height) under the engine. Then we just followed the steps in the instructions.
There was some improvising involved and we ended up making a couple of tools such as a 17mm wrench from the head of a rather large bolt. You'll need this for the top of the fork tubes. A baby bottle was the perfect tool for measuring and applying the right amount of fork oil.
You can lower the front end either 1" or 2", using the same kit...but once you go for 2", there's no going back. I went for the full 2" and I loved the look.
Handling: Despite what you may or may not want to believe, handling is affected! This is especially true when you adjust only the front end. There are pros and cons. The steering feels looser and a little more lively, but I feel the road better. I feel like I'm actually more in control of the bike...more like I'm riding the road instead of just the bike.
Anytime you change the suspension in your bike, you will affect the handling! Always research and always follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the bike and of the aftermarket suspension maker.
It should be noted that I installed a set of Highway Hawk 90cm Drag bars. These wider bars probably give me more control than the stock bars would in this configuration...but ...there's always a but. The drag bars take away some of the clearance between bars and tank because they sit lower. This could be a problem in parking lot maneuvering. If you train yourself to be aware of this, and you respect the bike as a customized machine, you shouldn't have a problem. I hit the tank once while I was wheeling the bike backwards out of my garage...and I chipped my brand new paint...but it hasn't happened since.