72 XS2 take two.

Nice work, big improvement over the old setup IMO. What really sets this thread apart is your pictures. Super clear and concise, really enjoyable read.

ETA- Maybe I missed it but what tank is that?
 
got most of my electronics box cut out and mocked up.

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i will do the final welding tomorrow and make the tabs to attach it to the frame. I'm waiting for my filters to come in to drill for the ignition switch and headlight switch, but you get the idea.
 
didn't get as much done today as i had hoped, but at least i got the thing fully welded minus the mounts. i ended up remaking the lid and reshaping the hinge because i wasn't happy with either. i think once its all black, it'll blend in nicely and you won't be able to see any of it when the seat is on.

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got the box mounted today. the rear mount is a piece of 1/4 flat with a nut welded on the back side, and the front mount also acts as a "shelf" to take some of the weight from the battery.


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since I'm running out of room inside the box, and dont want to have to feel around the filters to turn the key, i added a piece to the bottom for the ign. switch and eventually the headlight/taillight switch when it shows up.

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a bit out of order, but i don't think I've posted this tool/glasses bag i made. i always seem to stay out longer riding than i had originally planned and have ridden home many nights with sun glasses on as i didn't bring along a pair of clears. i made this leather "pouch" to carry my clear glasses, fuses, reg. papers and a few misc. tools. its the first time I've ever worked with leather, esp. wet forming and dying veg. tanned black. after i died the leather black and applied the tan-kote, i rubbed it down in spots with alcohol to give it a "worn in or used" look. its far from perfect, but it'll work for what i need it for.

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it attaches to a bracket i made that bolts between the front motor mounts.

 
and also made a similar mud flap as you've probably seen in photos above.

the leather is riveted to a piece of 20g steel that i drilled holes the same spacing as the sissy bar mounts, so it get sandwiched between the sissy bar strap and the underside of the fender.
 
got the pipes finished today. i still need to make the mounts and weld them on, but you get the idea. the reflection from the lights in my shop make them look and little "wonky" towards the turn-outs, but they are strait for the most part. I'm happy that minus the mounts, "fab-work" is now complete. i can tear it apart now for final welding and metal finishing. then the fun part happens when i start getting the pieces back from paint, powder, and chrome.

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this photo shows the "notch" i made to get the upper pipe close to the cylinders, while still retaining an air gap around it.


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I like the concentric ridges in the pipes. never seen like that before.
 
got the frame and misc. brackets/pieces back from the powder coaters.

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glad i took the time before sending it out to blend and smooth all the welds on the neck gussets i made, and the transitions on the spring perches for the seat. (although i got burnt out on filing/smoothing and cheaped out and only smoothed were it was visible)

 
added some heat barrier to the exhaust mount since the pipes will rest against it. i doubt the pipes will ever get hot enough that far towards the rear, but better safe than sorry.


also picked up the tins today from my painter. he busted them out pretty fast and did a great job.


the chrome will be a few more weeks since i gave my guy 9 pieces to do. the clutch, sprocket, and tappet covers, caliper bracket, and anchor rod are at the polishers. I'm hoping to have those parts back some time next week.
 
got the engine in, and the fender and electronics box hung. also got all the wiring routed though the frame.


also replaced all the hardware (minus the long lower bolt) with shaved and polished stainless hardware.


electronics box and brake light switch/charging wires shown.

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thats about all i can do until more parts come back from the platers and polisher.
 
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