Dad's Bike: 1983 Heritage Special

[rusty rocket]

The first picture sure brings back some memories. My first bike was a red 125 yamaha enduro. It was the summer between my 5th and 6th grade year, I wasnt doing to well in school so my folks said if I brought my grade up I could get a motorcycle. I brought my grades up long enough to get the cycle then I think they dipped again, But hell I got a cycle out of the deal.

 

[scott s]

Well, Dad certainly agrees that the handling is much sharper with the 18" rear wheel. You give up some straight line stability, but it's easier to throw into the corners.

One problem he ran across after installing the Progressive shocks is that they fouled the chain guard. He tried trimming the stock piece, but that just made it flimsy around the area where the shocks mount, so he made his own!

 

[scott s]

And here are some more current pics. Not the best lighting conditions for a black bike.

 

[jetmechmarty]

I think a bigger fuel tank will finish it. The standard tank from Mike's will do it. The stock thank looks very small in front of that seat. I am impressed with the nuts & bolts transformation.

 

[aldo5468]

VERY, VERY NICE! This just shows again what a great platform the late Specials are for some individualized customizing. A few other cosmetic improvements to consider that come really, really easy: strip the black paint off the front caliper (it lightens the "look" of the front wheel quite a bit, more than you would think), replace painted iron upper handlebar clamps with polished alumium Virago clamps (a direct bolt-on); remove the rear foot pegs (that seat doesn't hold a rider).

 

[scott s]

Dad got the early style tank painted and mounted on his '83. I think that and the 18" rear wheel REALLY change the look of the bike!

 

[scott s]

Ca., 1970

And 43 years later...

 

[Street Tracker]

Dude too cool story and scoot
Here is my 82 step child project then and now

 

[Sub xs650]

The tank looks nice

 

[Street Tracker]

Ca., 1970

And 43 years later...

Where abouts in CA?

 

[scott s]

Ca, meaning "circa". That pic was taken in our backyard in SC.

 

[Street Tracker]

Ca, meaning "circa". That pic was taken in our backyard in SC.

 

[Borracho]

She is perfect!

 

[jd750ace]

Beautiful touches without raping the basic character of the bike. I'm glad to get a look at the Daytona bar on the bike. It's my choice for my S-II.

 

[scott s]

Thanks, guys! A couple of pics from some recent rides.

 

[Uncle Bryan]

About those Daytona bars, did you get them from Mike's xs? or...?
Great looking bikes man.

 

[scott s]

Yes, the Daytona's came from Mikes a few years ago. I have Euro bars, Super Bike bars and CB400F bars on other bikes.

The 400F bars are the lowest/narrowest. Super Bike bars are very similar to the 400F but a little wider and with slightly more pull back. Euro bars are also very comfortable but still look nice. The Euro and Daytona are close, with the Euro being a little lower and slightly less pull back.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Hey Scott!

Is that Honda wearing polished Yamaha wheels?

 

[scott s]

No...funny story though....

I was surfing ebay one day looking at XS650 stuff. The seller, a Harley shop, had them listed as "Yamaha ??" wheels. I recognized them as rare Lester mag wheels. The 18" rear is very rare, as everyone was putting 16" rears on their bikes back in the day. The CB550 specific 18" is even more rare.
I bought them for $29 EACH! Had the lips polished and I detailed the spokes. That's easily a $1,000 set of wheels.

 

[jd750ace]

I have the superbike pattern on my SV650. The stock length cables and hoses would not work with the Daytona, but going from a Special bar to the Daytona should be a snap.