95 vn800 bobber in progress

[95vn800a]

Just got my new handle bars mounted and my spring seat all figured out, although the coils are way beefy and basically makes the seat rigid unless you weigh about 400lbs. Of which I am a buck-fiddy short of. I had some coils on there but I didn't like the mushy ride so all in all I think it turned out for the better.

I ended up getting a set of 39" wide drag bars with a slight rise since I have long arms and I'm not rich enough for new cables for ape hangers.

I have also added a side mounted license plate and tail light bracket and for now I am rocking a simple round black plastic trailer stop/tail light from Wally World (couldn't pass up $5.50 so I could ride this weekend a little well at least until dark although I fixed that problem.)...

That is until JC Whitney sends me a replacement for the replica '29 Ford Duo Lamp that cracked during shipping since they put it in too big of a box with one little air baggie...

Also I need an idea for what to do with the exhaust, my brother built a tubing bender and is a metal tech and said he will do up a set of pipes for me, I don't care for the sound of my debaffled stockers, although it beats the heck out of the sewing machine sound of stock pipes.

[Alley Rat]

the exhaust on these bikes is so easy. I have built five different sets for these bikes. I always started with aftermarket leads though because they swivel and you can move them any way you want. Don't get any tubing bigger then 1.75" and I wouldn't make a set shorter than 32". On the idea, you just have to come up with your own.

[95vn800a]

I have always liked the looks of your bikes, I really like the look of the small tank from your avatar, but i will probably just keep the stocker and maybe get rid of the gauge pod for a more low slung look especially with the wide bars.

What size bolt are the holes on the swingarm beneath the axle? I am trying to build a fender support and I think it would work slick-like if I could use them. Thanks

[jeffs99vulcan]

VERY nice so far!

billymac814 used the hole you are talking about for a fender support, I think he mentions what size it is too... I can't remember the name of the thread he posted his bobber in, but if you can't find it searching for his name let me know, it's probably in my subscriptions somewhere.

Keep us up to date with pics, please!

[Alley Rat]

i wouldn't use that hole under the axle. i have always drilled and tapped the frame above the tensioning marks. it just looks better with your fender struts stopping there instead of going over your axle and tensioners, in my opinion. i actually cut those mounts off to clean up that plate.

[El Skitzo]

Originally Posted by 95vn800a

What size bolt are the holes on the swingarm beneath the axle? I am trying to build a fender support and I think it would work slick-like if I could use them. Thanks

To answer your question they take an M12 x 1.25 pitch bolt. I used them and am happy with the result. With the exhaust on you don't realy notice where they end up.

[95vn800a]

now it just needs some paint...

next up is building a shield to hide wiring under the seat and get some front turn signals to match the rear ones and mount them somewhere where they won't stick out too far.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Looking good!!! It's amazing how the tank seems so small in it's stock configuration, but then grows shoulders when the bike is bobbered out!

[95vn800a]

thanks, it took forever to figure out how I wanted to do it, but then my dad gave me a good idea and I think it turned out really clean...

[Trashman900C]

looks good

[95vn800a]

I am beginning to look at changing the seating position on my bike, I think I want to cut off the cross member piece over the fuse box and move the fuses elsewhere more easily accessible, maybe behind the removable side cover. Is there any negatives to removing this piece of metal, does it primarily protect the fuses or does it serve some higher purpose, like supporting the stick seat? I would think it would give a much cleaner line especially if I decide to rigid mount a larger seat. I found out the minimalistic seat is great for back and forth to work, but over 100 mile poker run duty is definitely out of the possibility.

[El Skitzo]

Originally Posted by 95vn800a

does it primarily protect the fuses or does it serve some higher purpose, like supporting the stick seat?

That's exactly what it's for, to support and locate the stock seat. I "rigid" mounted my seat directly onto that and it worked well, but I think with that support gone and the seat mounted lower down on the frame it would look awesome. Mind you, there would also be more chance of your rear fender whacking your seat when the suspension bottoms out, so check all the clearances first!

[Dlord]

Here's some pics of my 800 bobber.
Flickr: dlord1's Photostream

[Trashman900C]

Originally Posted by Dlord

Here's some pics of my 800 bobber.
Flickr: dlord1's Photostream

cool, i love the paint..........

[Alley Rat]

Nice hijack Dlord. If you are new and want to get known post an intro thread. A lot of people will check it out and can see your bike that way.

[Dlord]

Settle down there rat. You can look at the pics or not. No terrorist activity intended.

[95vn800a]

really?

[Dlord]

My apologies for posting pics of my bike in this thread. I in no way was trying steal anyones thunder. I will start a new thread with my pics.

[Shadders]

Hi I'm in exactly the same position with the seat arrangement..

I have been watching all the bobber threads on here and love what people have made out of their Vulcans, so much so I went and bought one last month. Living in the UK I can't really get away with what some have done on here with the seat, if I leave all of that area open it will just get wet (there is a reason the UK is green).

Has anyone remounted the battery on the side behind the storage cover?

[95vn800a]

OKAY, I was thinking, will the 16" rear wheel work as a front if it is relaced? they are both 16x3" on the classic so I would think they are the same, I'm sick of looking for a front wheel since no one seems to sell them on ebay, I have one last place to look back in Michigan, but the prospects of that probably aren't all that great. I really want the low slung look of the 16" wheel.

If that isn't possible I think an Vulcan 500 19" wheel would be the next best option since I really like the look of the Street Bob. I would imagine they are a little easier to come by since they made them for quite a few years

I have just begun the process of looking for a Sporty tank to make that swap, I thought I found one, but when I left to go get some cash the guy sold it out from under me.