Fixing the SG on monday, about to start on the SF project...

[ERM83]

I'm compiling a list of things that I need to get/want to do/mods to the SF. As I've said in previous threads, the SG is staying stock...the SF is going to be my first build. I've done PLENTY of research on here, and some of the threads are a few years old, so I wanted to make another one with some FINAL questions...

FRONT/REAR END: I want to put a modern front end on it...I'd like to at LEAST keep any mods Yamaha if possible. I've seen people talk about putting R1 front ends, also FZR's. I'd prefer to swap with minimal frame modifications. Actually, I don't want to touch the frame AT ALL if possible. Light weight/compatible rims for both ends. I know the axle has to match specs, obviously! Also, rear progressive shocks that won't interfere with anything involving the frame??

BATTERY ELIMINATOR KIT(??): Anyone have experience with these?! I'm DEFINITELY getting rid of the starter, as that's a heavy component....as well as the battery. I know which kick-lever to get...I just wanted to see if this conversion kit is actually efficient, and worth it.

CARBS: Anyone ever use a new set of brand-new Mikuni RS36's?? I think just spending the extra money on these is easier than trying to score a set of "slingshots" on ebay. The one's I've seen on there the past couple of months are close to the RS36 price, or dodgy-looking FOR the cheaper price they're being sold for.

I have a list for everything else I need...from parts to tools that I don't have. Any suggestions are VERY appreciated, and money (it may take me a few weeks to save up for some things) isn't an issue when it comes to bikes, or musical equipment for me. No kids, don't own a house, no wife...hell, I just broke it off with a lady because I wanted time for this build, and it drove her NUTS that I love my bikes that much. Sorry, but...SEE YA LATER, MISS...NOTHING COMES BETWEEN MY YAMAHA'S (possibly scoring a 3rd...69' R3!!) AND I. I MEAN THAT!

She was too clingy, anyway(we're still friends, all good). BUT SO AM I with my babies. How that kinda went full-circle...Ironic, and PRICELESS.

[IanDMacDonald]

Front-end: An R1 will work, with no frame modifications.

Battery eliminator kit: will not work well on the XS, as it's a Transistor-based ignition. Those battery eliminators are just caps. They hold a momentary charge. Nowhere near like a larger Ah battery. Sit at a stop light too long, and u just found-out what a waste it was to buy that kit.

Carbs: don't waste your money. The Mikuni BS's work perfect with the XS. Dan Hodge's put thousands of dollars into his bike, with little gain to justify the cost. You want more than what the bike is capable of doing? Put aside $3-$5K for a used R1 or GSXR-1000, or ZX-10.

As for your relationship stuff: I won't give up my bikes, but I'll take my gf by my side any day over a motorcycle.

Good luck!

[ERM83]

Front-end: An R1 will work, with no frame modifications.

Carbs: don't waste your money. The Mikuni BS's work perfect with the XS. Dan Hodge's put thousands of dollars into his bike, with little gain to justify the cost. You want more than what the bike is capable of doing? Put aside $3-$5K for a used R1 or GSXR-1000, or ZX-10.

Good luck!

the point is with the carbs: I eventually want to race this bike in a vintage-class deal that's about to start around where I live. Therefore, I can't exactly use any of those bikes mentioned above.

Am I better off just trying to score some slingshots?? This is going to be my first real build, so bear with me...I'm DEFINITELY not an expert by any means, but would like to work towards that. Most of my mechanical knowledge comes from working on cars...I FINALLY have the means and time to work on my bikes, so I'm going all out and trying to learn about these things inside and out. I'd ideally like to mechanically know the big 4 makes REALLY well.

Also, I love these bulky, two-wheeled tanks more than ANY crotchet. I'm not really into riding anything that even remotely has handlebars resembling "clubman" style / clip-ons. Looks cool, but I personally hate the way it sits. I definitely appreciate that style (ALL bikes for that matter), but it ain't for me.

[IanDMacDonald]

I'm not really into riding anything that even remotely has handlebars resembling "clubman" style / clip-ons. Looks cool, but I personally hate the way it sits. I definitely appreciate that style (ALL bikes for that matter), but it ain't for me.

Well, coming from a guy that has modern bikes, and many classics, the key is always comfort. So, I have my track bike ('06 GSXR-750), then I have all of my other bikes that I've set-up for comfort. One of my daily's is a Triumph Dayotona 955i CE. Stock setup is for the track, but I spent a lot of money on it, and have put an LSL tree on it, which allowed for 7/8" street bike bars, along with many other comfort mods.

Ask the guys on here that buy sport touring bikes brand new. First things to go are almost always the seat, windscreen, and bars.