Alright, so my bike look like a bit of a mess right now but I decided to attach the picture regardless so you can see what stage it is in. I've got what I call a "tester" coat of paint on the tank and plastics, with a permanent coat to come later. I've got a few questions I was hoping you guys could help me out with:
First, my handlebars mounted, but not at my ideal angle. However, if I rotate them to the right angle... it cannot be done, because the brake line and top of the triple-tree have to occupy the same space. I believe it is possible to simply rotate the outlet of this cable off of the master cylinder, but just wanted to check before I did so: can this be done or is it impossible?
Second, is it possible to somehow raise the handlebar mounts? I don't wanna be buying anything over $40 for this, but if all it involves is a few washers I'd love to know! This would help solve the above problem even further.
Third, I originally had a grounding issue whereby I couldn't start the bike. I was an idiot and had forgotten that painted handlebars need to have some paint scraped off to make ground (I have an '81, btw). So I did that, and got the bike to start and run easily. While I was at it, I lubed up my clutch cable, and I have to say, that made a GIANT difference! I feel like an idiot for not doing that earlier... But my question is, why aren't my blinkers working? I scraped some paint on the left hand side, and have full control of the headlamp and horn (although I read this is independent), but cannot seem to get my dang blinkers working! I'm not entirely sure I made a solid ground connection, so my question here is the importance of establishing a ground connection. Do I need ground in order for the blinkers to work? Just want to know before I go sand away most of my handlebar trying to figure it out...
Fourth, any suggestions for grips? Dunno if you can tell from the picture, but I'm missing a left-side grip. The previous owner basically melted that grip onto the handlebar...
So I had to cut it off. As much as I like the "rugged" look I get from having no left-side grip my palm is beginning to bruise from all the extra strain. I was basically going to go walk into the motorcycle store and grab a pair of cheap grips and change both- anything I should know?
Fifth... as a way of saying thanks, here's another video I filmed the other day. This time I mounted it to the tail of a CBR, rearward facing, so you get to see a lot of me on the XS. (Don't worry, that silly blue helmet is only what I'm using till my bike is "complete".)
First, my handlebars mounted, but not at my ideal angle. However, if I rotate them to the right angle... it cannot be done, because the brake line and top of the triple-tree have to occupy the same space. I believe it is possible to simply rotate the outlet of this cable off of the master cylinder, but just wanted to check before I did so: can this be done or is it impossible?
Second, is it possible to somehow raise the handlebar mounts? I don't wanna be buying anything over $40 for this, but if all it involves is a few washers I'd love to know! This would help solve the above problem even further.
Third, I originally had a grounding issue whereby I couldn't start the bike. I was an idiot and had forgotten that painted handlebars need to have some paint scraped off to make ground (I have an '81, btw). So I did that, and got the bike to start and run easily. While I was at it, I lubed up my clutch cable, and I have to say, that made a GIANT difference! I feel like an idiot for not doing that earlier... But my question is, why aren't my blinkers working? I scraped some paint on the left hand side, and have full control of the headlamp and horn (although I read this is independent), but cannot seem to get my dang blinkers working! I'm not entirely sure I made a solid ground connection, so my question here is the importance of establishing a ground connection. Do I need ground in order for the blinkers to work? Just want to know before I go sand away most of my handlebar trying to figure it out...
Fourth, any suggestions for grips? Dunno if you can tell from the picture, but I'm missing a left-side grip. The previous owner basically melted that grip onto the handlebar...
So I had to cut it off. As much as I like the "rugged" look I get from having no left-side grip my palm is beginning to bruise from all the extra strain. I was basically going to go walk into the motorcycle store and grab a pair of cheap grips and change both- anything I should know?Fifth... as a way of saying thanks, here's another video I filmed the other day. This time I mounted it to the tail of a CBR, rearward facing, so you get to see a lot of me on the XS. (Don't worry, that silly blue helmet is only what I'm using till my bike is "complete".)
Which solder joint(s) went out for you? Were they specifically on the blinker-actuater contacts or the ground contacts or...?
