VN800 Bobber project

[CustomVN]

Thullan no there is no license plate light in the Sparto light, which is why they are not legal to use just about everywhere. Given my bike is already licensed and we are not subject to regular inspections, I simply don't care

[CustomVN]

Ok so as it turns out you don't have to wait until Monday to see the scallops, the painter emailed me through these pictures this morning.

I'm really happy with the colour as when he first mentioned an off white I was a little nervous about it not matching my white wall tires and hand grips, but this hue is perfect, still bright but not too intense.

The scallop on the rear fender doesn't look perfectly straight at the front, but that can easily be corrected by the pin striper when he lays a thick black outline around it.

The paint looks dull in these pics as it was rubbed back before applying the scallops, and will be clear coated over before the pin striping begins. As soon as you hit it with a coat of clear that deep shine comes right back.

[CustomVN]

Yay, looks like the ISP where I host images from is back up so I can show off more Replaced the dull brushed aluminium Kawasaki dash plaque with a chrome billet one from Cobra.

[CustomVN]

Added a set of new mirrors, these ones are from Pro-One. I really wanted a round mirror, but I couldn't find a nice billet one with a nice arm design that would suit my bike so this came in as 2nd choice.

Theses ones actually come with 2 length arms and I've used the shortest ones. They're much less conspicuous than the stockers, and the mounting studs look all neat which is a bonus given I had to use metric adaptors to mount them (which came with the mirrors).

[CustomVN]

I stopped by the paint shop again this morning to meet the pin striper and have a chat about the design, although I had to leave for work before he'd done too much.

First picture shows the tank all shiney just before it was rubbed back again to prep it for the striping.

The other two pictures show the hand done pin striping around the scallop on the rear fender. Both the top of the rear fender and the tank are going to feature some wild design work, which I can't wait to see done given I basically told the Ben the striper to "go nuts" and do what he thinks best.

[CustomVN]

Oh and I also took care of wiring up my tail light on the weekend. I found all the correct bullet connectors at the electronics shop to hook up to the Sparto tail light, and a 3 pin connector block that matched the Kawasaki tail light plug. So after using my new crimping tools I now have the Sparto tail light plugged into the factory Kawasaki tail light wiring plug and it works perfectly.

Shown below is the glow for just the head light, and then with the brake applied. Seems plenty bright enough. Of course this tail light DOES NOT have a white light to shine on the license plate so it is NOT legal.

[likearock4x4]

Originally Posted by CustomVN

Of course this tail light DOES NOT have a white light to shine on the license plate so it is NOT legal.

Just don't ride at night, and it's not illegal.

[Wharfy]

Mate, when you find a tank mounted key switch for the VN800 (a la HD), let me know.

Project's looking great.

[El Skitzo]

And just to confuse everyone at this late stage, I have just changed my username from "CustomVN" to "El Skitzo". I've got so many different usernames across so many different forums, so decided to finally get some consistency happening.

[El Skitzo]

The very last, cheapest and tiniest piece of the puzzle that I ordered for this bike arrived yesterday, but the Devil is in the detail right?

Light blue metal flake valve caps which should be a pretty close match to my paint colour when viewed in the sun. No-one will probably notice, but hey why not.

[El Skitzo]

This just in, pics of the paint work done!!! Well it's only just been cleared over and needs to sit for another day or so, and then be buffed.

Still it looks awesome and I love it!! Colour turned out great, flake turned out great, Ryan did a great job on the scallops, and Ben hit it on home with that pin stripe design.

Man am I happy right about now

[Tod]

That has really come together.

Very nice looking paint job, can't wait to see it on the bike.
(bet you can't either)

[Spok]

yeah man....u gots yourseff a hot looking bobber for sure

you really have to feel good and proud about all you've pulled together. your spring/summer is coming, time to ride hey?

[likearock4x4]

Originally Posted by Spok

yeah man....u gots yourseff a hot looking bobber for sure

you really have to feel good and proud about all you've pulled together. your spring/summer is coming, time to ride hey?

+1

[emaldona]

Oh I'm jealous right now!!!

[El Skitzo]

Originally Posted by Spok

your spring/summer is coming, time to ride hey?

Yep getting close. I should have this thing back together in 2-3 weeks, and hopefully we'll starting getting some finer and warmer weather by then.

I just cannot wait for this summer

[El Skitzo]

I went to pick everything up from the painter on Saturday but unfortunately we found a slight imperfection in the paint on the rear fender, so I'll have to wait until next week to pick that up (easily fixed). That was the key piece I needed to move forward so it looks like completion is another week away now. No big deal...

I did however bring home the tank and the side covers and couldn't resist just throwing them on temporarily and wheeling the bike out into the sun just to get an idea of how it's going to look. I also sat the seat on as well to see how the colours worked together and I'm pretty happy with it.

[Tod]

Nice, hey even the back tire goes with the paint now, until you scrub off the blue film that is.

You've done a fine job, I really like how this project is turning out.

[btob]

Ditto!

[ispeed77]

freakin A man ! that thing is hella cool. nice job !