Little steps

Christmas 2011 came and went and the FJ remains in the garage. Now that we are close to "new year" and "new year resolutions" all thoughts have again turned to the bike. What can we get done in 2012?

In a matter of days Peter came over and with full intentions of sorting the wiring. However we got sidetracked and ended up installing the "four into one" headers and an exhaust that looks like a Milo tin. But it certainly doesn't sound like one.

Back into it

It is raining, a bit cold and I am at a loose end so what better thing to do than wander down to the garage and see what stuff I can progress on the FJ project.

For some time now we have been talking about "cutting" the frame to give the bike a more aggressive and "street-fighter" look but there has been indecision. What do we cut off, where do we cut, what if it doesn't look so good once it is cut off?

"before"

I thought "Aaahh ,,, stuff it". Got out the Dremel and started shaping the front fender. Then I got adventurous and got out the angle grinder and shaved a couple of "inches" from the frame at the back. End result looks OK.

"after" (with a bit of plastic fender attached to under the seat)

The seat looks a bit "dicky" but there are moves afoot to have it reshaped into a single seat. I also had a go at reshaping the broken plastic front fender.

Cut off the cracked bit and then cut even further (where line marking is)

Cafe racer with back frame shortened, new headlight and front fender

Now it's starting to look like a cafe racer ......

I'm going to spend this afternoon searching the web for a suitable exhaust system and handlebar mirrors.