So back in July I teased at the idea of building some funky Euro style hybrid streetfighter thing out of this bike. That didn't happen. Neat idea in theory, but not practical. So I went completely the other direction. It's already got a bunch of rake, slam it, slim it down and just make a nice clean little chopper out of it.
I went back and forth trying to figure out the style. I got hooked on the uber modern Euro bikes for a while. Walz Hardcore Cycles, Thunderbike, NLC, Original Pornstyle. Then after playing with ideas, I realised this bike just doesn't have the right bones for that look. Then I thought super retro '70's chopper. Then I remembered how much I dislike polyester and corduroy. So I figured let's find somewhere in the middle. So I decided to not over do it. Just clean up the bike as best I can and keep it as simple and timeless as possible. The parts list took a couple twists and turns but this was ultimately the direction it was heading.
All the original covers, fenders, air intake, exhaust system, lights, gauges, rear suspension, and wire harness got ripped off, sold or thrown in the trash. Too much junk bolted to an otherwise decent looking bike. Then compounded with a ton of aftermarket chrome and studded doo dads.
First thing to get made was the exhaust. The Cobra pipes it had were too long, too low and too heavy. A couple U bends and straight sections of 1.75" pipe make up the new exhaust.
Next matter of attention was the rear suspension. I wanted to lower the bike considerably. There are lowering kits available for the VTX, although because of the direct link monoshock design you are limited in how low you can go. 2" is about it. I've heard of a 4" option but have not seen it. Originally I made a strut to achieve roughly 4 inches of drop. It looked good and rode OK, but the hardtail option was not appealing to my comfort or a passengers. I decided to go back to my Lowrider roots and build an Air Ride system.
I went back and forth trying to figure out the style. I got hooked on the uber modern Euro bikes for a while. Walz Hardcore Cycles, Thunderbike, NLC, Original Pornstyle. Then after playing with ideas, I realised this bike just doesn't have the right bones for that look. Then I thought super retro '70's chopper. Then I remembered how much I dislike polyester and corduroy. So I figured let's find somewhere in the middle. So I decided to not over do it. Just clean up the bike as best I can and keep it as simple and timeless as possible. The parts list took a couple twists and turns but this was ultimately the direction it was heading.
All the original covers, fenders, air intake, exhaust system, lights, gauges, rear suspension, and wire harness got ripped off, sold or thrown in the trash. Too much junk bolted to an otherwise decent looking bike. Then compounded with a ton of aftermarket chrome and studded doo dads.
First thing to get made was the exhaust. The Cobra pipes it had were too long, too low and too heavy. A couple U bends and straight sections of 1.75" pipe make up the new exhaust.
Exhaust flanges machined from 3/8" Aluminum.
Test fitting bends.
Finished bends with baffles installed.
Exhaust tips machined from 2" aluminum solid rod.
Finished pipes in flat black.
Next matter of attention was the rear suspension. I wanted to lower the bike considerably. There are lowering kits available for the VTX, although because of the direct link monoshock design you are limited in how low you can go. 2" is about it. I've heard of a 4" option but have not seen it. Originally I made a strut to achieve roughly 4 inches of drop. It looked good and rode OK, but the hardtail option was not appealing to my comfort or a passengers. I decided to go back to my Lowrider roots and build an Air Ride system.
I scoward ebay looking for something that fit both in throw and size. I came up on a deal for a used air cylinder that ticked all the boxes. Along with a pneumatic valve and a momentary rocker switch.
completely slammed.
and about 8 inches of lift.
Some of the remaining changes and details.
Carbs rejetted, pod filters added.
26" Stainless Drag bar. Single cable throttle. All gauges and lights removed.
Rear fender from an XS650. LED marker light converted to dual function Tail/Stop light.
The fender has been the biggest PITA so far. Not only finding something that fits the 170 rear tire correctly, but that also looks OK and that will support a passenger. The original fender support is usually the first thing to get cut off of these bikes. I opted to use some of it in order to meet form and function. The XS fender was cut to match the cross brace and then welded in place. It did the job. You can lift the back of the bike up by the rear fender now. Try that with that stock piece of junk plastic, HA! Still a lot of clean up to do there befor it gets painted.
Still a lot of detail work to come, Controls, paint, seat, etc. Basicly everything. But it survived it's first day riding around in the South Florida rain. So that's a good start.
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