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I had an opportunity to ride my 79sf for 2 hours the other day for the first time since I got it. I've been slowly bringing her back to life since the first day I got her for $450.
I'm still a year or two (probably) away from finishing a restoration suitable for my needs, but I've been able to do enough to get it passed the inspection.
After getting a horn button from Mike's XS (fast), I rode it for a 70 mile trip to an inspection station. The ride was the first time I've done much beyond a few blocks. It was nice to get it out on the highway in daylight with lots of room and long straight roads to see what she felt like.
I used to have an 80g, so I notice the differences. Most noticeable is the fact that this bike is running at higher RPMs because of the smaller rear tire. Not sure if I like that but I do love the acceleration. I went through 4 gears from a stop until she was trying to rip through 90mph and I slowed down. At that moment I gave her her new name. I dubbed her, "Wind Up Toy." Pretty smooth at 90. Would like new rubber, fork brace, and new rear suspension. (Hey, she's a special, I'm not setting her up for cruising) Feels like she'd pull 120 pretty easy but I need a working tach.
75-90 top gear roll-ons are nice. I have a 4-1 pipe and she breathes OK on the top. Need to work on mid and idle, though.
I have new fork seals (yamaha) but have not pressurized them forks with any air. Not sure what the rear pre-loads are set at, but it doesn't matter to much since one shock is no good. Thus in the turns she squirrels around beyond my confort level. I'll need to see what I can do for good rears.
Anyway, I think I'll try House of Kolor primer, gloss black base, and clear again since I had such great results with it on my 80g. Then I need to figure out how to do the polishing. Will need a seat and tachometer and also will have to figure out how to keep the side panels from flying off, since the mounting tabs are broken.
Rode home at about 10 at night. Got a bit nippy over the passes at 9k feet.
Ben
I'm still a year or two (probably) away from finishing a restoration suitable for my needs, but I've been able to do enough to get it passed the inspection.
After getting a horn button from Mike's XS (fast), I rode it for a 70 mile trip to an inspection station. The ride was the first time I've done much beyond a few blocks. It was nice to get it out on the highway in daylight with lots of room and long straight roads to see what she felt like.
I used to have an 80g, so I notice the differences. Most noticeable is the fact that this bike is running at higher RPMs because of the smaller rear tire. Not sure if I like that but I do love the acceleration. I went through 4 gears from a stop until she was trying to rip through 90mph and I slowed down. At that moment I gave her her new name. I dubbed her, "Wind Up Toy." Pretty smooth at 90. Would like new rubber, fork brace, and new rear suspension. (Hey, she's a special, I'm not setting her up for cruising) Feels like she'd pull 120 pretty easy but I need a working tach.
75-90 top gear roll-ons are nice. I have a 4-1 pipe and she breathes OK on the top. Need to work on mid and idle, though.
I have new fork seals (yamaha) but have not pressurized them forks with any air. Not sure what the rear pre-loads are set at, but it doesn't matter to much since one shock is no good. Thus in the turns she squirrels around beyond my confort level. I'll need to see what I can do for good rears.
Anyway, I think I'll try House of Kolor primer, gloss black base, and clear again since I had such great results with it on my 80g. Then I need to figure out how to do the polishing. Will need a seat and tachometer and also will have to figure out how to keep the side panels from flying off, since the mounting tabs are broken.
Rode home at about 10 at night. Got a bit nippy over the passes at 9k feet.
Ben
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