[ work 3 ]
Little by little it's becoming "my" bike. Two things that I did to help with the handling - add a Superbrace fork brace and Progressive 412 (11 1/2 inch) shocks in the rear. A much smoother and controlled ride. The Progressive shocks come with steel spacers - rusty in a couple of months. I replaced the larger spacers with turned stainless steel. I was pretty disappointed that a quality product has such sub-par hardware. Other than that I am very happy with the shocks. The fork brace REALLY tightened up the front end.
I moved the front turn signals from below the levers to the front forks and replaced the stock mirrors with Nightster mirrors mounted beneath the levers.
I really liked the look but with the riser height they kept hitting the tank. I ended up swapping these out for one Mirrycle MTB bar end mirror. It is amazing how well these work. Always out of the way with a good clear view.
I like the look of running without a front fender and tried this for a while but got tired of the mess in my face after and during riding in the rain. A small concession. I added a front tool bag carrying factory tools (just in case) and opted out of the small rear rack I purchased. I didn't like the way it fit.
On of my best "finds" was a Mustang seat covered in alligator hide. It was cured natural and that was a little rough - but that's probably why I was able to get it for a deal. I rode it for a while as it was then I decided to strip/stain/seal it a dark brown. It looks so much better now and I get more questions/comments about my seat than anything else.
A solo saddle bag was a must for me. I ended up with one made by La Rosa. It fits well but I needed to devise a bracket that could help hold the front/top of the bag close to the bike as it began to sag badly. The bag is great for rain gear, glasses, coffee mug, mail, etc. Wonder how I ever did without it.
It's now time to make the move that will tie it all together - paint.