I've made some minor tweaks since the last time I posted on my project. You'll notice that my 81 Special is
nostalgic and prefers to tribute a few other years. I lowered the front forks by 3" and the rear by 1.5" with some different shocks. I had to cut the center stand down and have it welded plus I heated the side stand and bent it to a more agreeable angle. I also dropped the whole bike while backing it out of my shed (down a ramp) and broke the windshield so I replaced it with a used one a friend gave me. It was way too small (scooter?) so I added an additional 6" to the bottom and painted part of it. I plan on also adding some width on each side. I added new riser rubbers and soft rubber grips to help lessen vibrations plus a palm/wrist rest to allow a lighter grip on the throttle. Trying to reduce the vib's even more I switched the rear to a 32 tooth sprocket and I've only put a few miles on it so far but it seems to have reduced the vib's even more, at least at speeds under 45. I'll know more when I can get out and run it up to 65 or 70.
I've really enjoyed the site while working on this project because it helped me through so many of the obstacles I ran into. The gallery is also a good source for inspiration. Thanks to everyone.
nostalgic and prefers to tribute a few other years. I lowered the front forks by 3" and the rear by 1.5" with some different shocks. I had to cut the center stand down and have it welded plus I heated the side stand and bent it to a more agreeable angle. I also dropped the whole bike while backing it out of my shed (down a ramp) and broke the windshield so I replaced it with a used one a friend gave me. It was way too small (scooter?) so I added an additional 6" to the bottom and painted part of it. I plan on also adding some width on each side. I added new riser rubbers and soft rubber grips to help lessen vibrations plus a palm/wrist rest to allow a lighter grip on the throttle. Trying to reduce the vib's even more I switched the rear to a 32 tooth sprocket and I've only put a few miles on it so far but it seems to have reduced the vib's even more, at least at speeds under 45. I'll know more when I can get out and run it up to 65 or 70.
I've really enjoyed the site while working on this project because it helped me through so many of the obstacles I ran into. The gallery is also a good source for inspiration. Thanks to everyone.
