Done is a state of mind...

Well, it seems that I spoke too soon about being 'done'.  It's always a relative term in the world of customization.  That being said, here she is NOW...

Added:
12.5 Swingarm stretch (low, low, low!)...
Custom vinyl inlay, orange snow camo...

Check it!

Now, I think she's done.

At least, for this year.  :)  Time to ride!

It has been done.

It's ... done?  Yes!  Well, 99% percent done.  Done enough for me to test ride safely through the neighborhoods of the North Side.  My shit is on serious lock with some street cred, via these pics:

Other side:

Parking lot:

And the lakefront:

The money pit gods have been somewhat sated, as in this process I seemed to have run the battery down to past the point of no return.  So a new one will be needed.  It won't be the end of the world, but I'd prefer to use the push start rather than the kickstart this weekend for Mods v. Rockers.  Thankfully, it's otherwise running perfectly.

Flush mounted goodness.

Good progress today - Got the 2nd layer of clear on the last of the touch ups on paint, at least, minus the exhaust hangers.  They are anodized black, but it's really not held up too well.  Plus, I'm going to wet sand the can a bit, as there was a mysterious 4 inch gouge on it that was either caused by a street urchin with a pocket knife, or my landlord banging up against it with the lawnmower - Point is, I'll be back in that area, might as well do everything there that needs to be done.

Speaking of things that need to be done - Finally got the turn signal light relocated into the battery box - It already came with a bezel, so a flush mount was pretty easy.  I just practiced with a few holes on some old tupperware lids I had until I knew what size I wanted, then cut out a small circle in blue tape to help with general placement.  In that circle I dotted the center with a perm marker, then drilled right through that mark for a pilot, removed the tape, and held my breath as it cut.

Final outcome, which I think is pretty good.  One thing that makes it a bit worse is that the bezel was damaged by yours truly when I was cutting it off of the old bars - One more lesson about a dremel learned the hard way.  But, for what it is, I think the placement in both height and proximity of the Honda logo is pretty stellar.

In the 3rd pic, you can see that I extended the wires a good foot and half of what they were.  This is to insure that I'll be able to get the battery box way clear of the internals without having to disconnect the wiring to the switch.  Good thing too, it's really really REALLY tight in that battery box - I managed to gather a few things upwards and then lock them in place with both the factory ties, but also my own placed zipties.  This has given me at least 1 inch more clearance on every wire, not to mention given me a change to sort out everything else.  It is neat, tight, orderly, well connected, and ready to go.  Once the braided brake line is put in, I'll be able to lock down pretty much the entire front end.

Until then, I've got a few more things to do.  Hopefully work won't get too much in the way this week  :)

I'll update when I can.

I remembered I have a blog.

Finished up a few more things today:

Caliper installed on wheel/front end
Initial wire exploration started
Stock brake perch delete
Master cylinder assembly and brake lever installed
swapped out brake indicator from stock right to stock left (yay - now BOTH my brakes activate the lights)

Dropped off the new cover/seat to the upholsterers yesterday - I'll be getting it back Tuesday.  Once I get the seat back, I'll have a few more things to get finished up...  But the light at the end of the tunnel has been growing steadily brighter.

Left to do:
Finish up transmission cover
Rattle-Can a few more pieces satin black
Turn signal indicator bb relocate
Final brake setup/bleed
Split/redo/recover factory wire bundles to give a few more inches for wire clearance on the mini-apes
Give it a good washing - all sorts of grime and gunk on the motor

Then it's, adjust, adjust, adjust!  I'm going with my handlebars a few inches further forward, as I was having some issues with the bullet connectors popping out while making right turns.  I'm also going to need to adjust the calipers, shock, etc, and also make sure that the exhaust gasket is good - Heard a few pops coming out of the can last time I rode it.

I'm getting really excited about this.  I really hope it meets my expectations when it finally comes together in the next week.

Until then, fun with precision hand tools (how I finally decided to get that brake perch off):



It, like many things on this bike, wasn't that difficult.  The cut only took about 15 minutes - mainly because I was going slow.  I filed it down using my flat file, but there wasn't much work to be done there, as I had made such a great cut in the first place.  Then, 80 grit, 150, 320, and then 320 wetsand to really get a nice polish on it.  I think it looks really really good.  You can barely tell that it's not stock, which of course I like.

I'll definitely post more pics when I get it more together, I promise!

Orange. Orange? Orange.

Hey everyone!  Been a while since last I've posted.  Since that time, I've:

- Received a signifigant promotion at my current job
- Found myself a great girl

Barely have had a moment to myself in a few months.

But, I've managed to keep a handle on everything Ruckus related.  She survived the winter no worse for wear, but seems to be running a bit slower these days.  Perhaps I need to get some new weights to keep her crisp (scooterworks in a couple weeks maybe - but in light of my most recent transformation of my Ruckus, I feel that I've dumped a bit more $$ than I care to spend this year.  Enough is enough.

But, that doesn't mean that I'm not happy with the progress of my work.

The current state of Phase II?

Completed:
-Retouch/repaint crash bar, frame brace, front headlight bracket/mount, satin black.
-Repaint front brake caliper custom Metallic Mango
-NCY v 2.0 Adjustable front disc brake package, Metallic Orange (85% installed)
-Dio front rim, silver powder coated
-Recaro covered seat - Black to light gray gradient, with orange threaded detailing/double stitch
-New front and rear Pirelli sl26 racing tires
-New Battery Box, White/Gray/Dark Gray Snow Camo
-Orange carbon vinyl custom inlay on transmission cover, custom carbon vinyl inlay keyguard on battery box
-Custom Honda Logo on transmission cover in Mango
-10" YSS shock, white spring/black body

Yet to come:
-Stock control brake perch delete
-Brake final install and brake bleeding
-Internal wiring re-configuration for CDI, Turn Signal, and Headlights
-Re-assembly and application of graphics
-Oil change, wipedown

On the Fence:
-Fender washers
-New hand control hardware

A few pics, including a small pile of goodies:

 Almost perfection:

 Mock up for inlay:

I'll try to keep a few things updated when I get it all together in a few weeks.  I promise.  That is, unless I'm out having fun riding.  Then I'm sure you'll be able to forgive me.

A few more pictures...

I've been out riding around:

Scooterworks organized ride...








Recent addition, custom valve stem caps:



El train underpass mural:




Nice.

Saturdays are for carb cleaning

Helped out my friend Justin this afternoon - we ended up cleaning out his carb on his Yamaha Vino 125, and got it back to 45mph. But, there appears to be more issues with his bike, as he should be pulling 60 at WOT. I did take it for a test ride, and it's pretty official, the tune is definitely off. But, it wasn't even pulling 30 before we cleaned it, and sputtering and dying out... Now it accelerates smoothly. Mission accomplished. I was disappointed that the carb clean didn't get him back up to his 60, but I think he has more issues than just the jets being clogged. But, with it running now, he will be able to get it to the shop for a tune-up safely.

Otherwise, I've been working quite heavily on the bike. Here's the most recent modification list - It's growing in leaps and bounds!

Mods list (Updated 7-20-2011):

Engine:

Stock Honda 2007 GET 49cc
Daytona Drag Variator
Polini Kevlar Belt
Daytona 6g roller weights
JC Racing Sheng Wey 20mm carb kit
Leo Vince Exhaust
2009 OEM clutch
Posh CDI (unlimited)

Body/Stance:

Removed fenders and body plastics
Relocated turn signals
NCY tank cover
Shaved rabbit ears
Sequential LED Tail-light/fender eliminator
Napoleon mirrors
Kijima windscreen
Kijima attack bar, painted flat black
NCY lowered seat
NCY move-back seat brackets, painted flat black
CHP Shock
Custom wishbone framebrace, painted flat black
Diamondback footpegs
Buzzetti side kickstand
Daytona 7/8 handlebar clamp
TC Choppers 9.25 mini-apes
PWJDM Anti-Flex Bushings
Custom mini-fatty
ATR engine extension, extended rear cable

Dress up:

Custom flush-mounted battery box reflector bolts
Bottle holder
Battlescooter 'carbon look' keyguard
Black dice stem covers
custom Honda badge
Custom coolant overflow bottle

Other:

Garmin Nuvi 1350 GPS


Whew. That's alot - and there is more still that I want. ha ha the rolling money pit.