78E Standard Revival

[jetmechmarty]

Had to confirm that a 81ish rear fender is actually a bolt on fit, it is ! That is a slightly shorter fender than a 78 Standard fender and the Lucas Style replica tail light is a rather easy fit after modifying the tail light casting arc. So, the 78E is becoming sportier than planned. Took the rack off.

If anybody following is wanting a fine standard fender and very nice tail light on it, consider this one. Remember, I'm still clearing garage shelf space lol..
View attachment 192784

IMHO, I know this is subjective, but I think the Lucas taillight favors turn signals smaller than the stock ones. Keep up the good work!

 

[member28833]

know this is subjective, but I think the Lucas taillight favors turn signals smaller than the stock ones.

Very glad the large stock tail light is no longer in the plan.
I just still really like the stock turn signals with red lenses. The round shape just matches all the other round XS components.
Now I see this shorter fender between those long bazooka mufflers and its a look too !

Getting good

 

[fredintoon]

Very glad the large stock tail light is no longer in the plan.
I just still really like the stock turn signals with red lenses. The round shape just matches all the other round XS components.
Now I see this shorter fender between those long bazooka mufflers and its a look too !
View attachment 192895
Getting good

Hi Machine,
with red lenses and a 6way/4way trailer-lighting gizmo you can triple-function the signal lights to also be stop/tail lights.

 

[member28833]

Great idea fredintoon. That would be very cool but then I'd have to fasten the license plate to the rear axle on one side like a Harley chopper rider..
I do like the idea of the turn signals also being running lights.

 

[fredintoon]

Great idea fredintoon. That would be very cool but then I'd have to fasten the license plate to the rear axle on one side like a Harley chopper rider..
I do like the idea of the turn signals also being running lights.

Hi Machine,
check my avatar photo. You could hang your plate like that, on a rubber flap bolted to the rear fender.
Note that running/brake/turn combo lights have to use dual filament bulbs.

 

[member28833]

Well, I do the Lucas Style tail lights because they are just the most beautiful looking lol..
Other guys have other style lights and thats all okay too, for them.
We can't all have the same liking right?
Yes, 1157 bulb sockets in the turn signals would just top it off.

 

[fredintoon]

Well, I do the Lucas Style tail lights because they are just the most beautiful looking lol..
Other guys have other style lights and thats all okay too, for them.
We can't all have the same liking right?
Yes, 1157 bulb sockets in the turn signals would just top it off.

View attachment 193007

Hi Machine,
I let the post # 82 photo deceive me into thinking you were leaving the fear fender naked
"bairns and fools shouldna see a boat half-built" eh?

 

[member28833]

Using both of the lower existing holes in the 81 fender and enlarging the new wire loom hole was very easy. The single forward mount hole will be located with this this all fit snug.
All custom picked hardware, It's a Very good fit

 

[member28833]

Just a bit more progress on the nearly stock electricals does include the "windy nation" rectifier which several XS650.com members use. This is a repeat mod which I did to the last XS 79 project as well.
I do like to just drill a small hole on the battery box vertical rib to run a small head screw from inside the battery box out. I do add a short stack of varied size washers to act as a heat cooling attempt. The existing rectifier wires are short and this location is compatible with that re-use. Being particular of the needed spade connectors has been a short delay. I don't prefer the commonly found automotive connectors with the plastic sheaths. I try to do better but am very low on stock in my Honda electrical box.
So here is as far as I've gotten. Closer to the driveway fire up goal. Slow and steady. Really just want to get to fall riding.
Taking off for the whole weekend again however to play. -R

 

[Mailman]

Very clean Randy! Looks almost like factory.

 

[member28833]

Managed with a little shrink tubing to button up the rectifier.

 

[5twins]

Rectifier cooling is accomplished through surface area contact between the unit and the cooling plate. Your washers aren't contacting the full base of the rectifier. You might be better off with a small square plate of aluminum slightly larger than the rectifier base, then stack the washers under that.

 

[member28833]

Changed the pic. This one was intended to show.
I believe the location, washer stack, slightly exposed terminals, mount screw thru to battery tray itself will be enough. I will watch the shrink wrap for signs of heat.
The previous I did the same has not failed yet either.
The Pacific Northwest riding conditions are not that hot. This is a unproven long term trial, but I trust it so far. An extra rectifier in the tool kit could be a safety insurance.
It's just too easy to do this, "time tells the truth"