First time bobber project

[jonathan180iq]

Search through some of the other bobber threads. It's been done a few times. Maybe you can message the guys who did it and get their take. They usually aren't the most active, oddly enough.

[Goose51683]

Probably too busy riding those beautiful bikes.

[Water Warrior 2]

Loosen one fork at a time to lower the front end. I would suggest 1 inch for a starting point. Loosen the first fork and pump the front end. Measure the first fork and tighten down securely. Loosen the other fork and pump the front end a little to help the fork tube rise to an equal amount. Be sure both forks measure the same amount of rise when you are done.
The rear can be lowered a bit with Kawasaki 125 rear shocks. We had an older Lady rider some time ago who was quite short and this helped her a lot.
Have fun but remember you will loose cornering clearance.

[Goose51683]

Thanks Water Warrior.

I added a new slip on exhaust last night and an open air filter. I need to jet the carb still, hopefully that will happen tonight.

I have a new set of bars to install as well but I couldn't get the left hand grip off of my old bars. Any suggestions?

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by Goose51683

Thanks Water Warrior.

I added a new slip on exhaust last night and an open air filter. I need to jet the carb still, hopefully that will happen tonight.

I have a new set of bars to install as well but I couldn't get the left hand grip off of my old bars. Any suggestions?

If you are replacing the grip then just cut it lengthways and peel it off.
If you intend to reuse it the method is almost as easy.
First thing is to remove the bar end if you haven't already. "Remember" to only loosen the screw in the end of the barend(4 or 5 turns) and wiggle it out of the bar. NEVER remove the screw completely.
Next you have to insert a thin screw driver or other device under the grip. My fav is an antique ice pick that nearly predates the use of fire. A length of wire coat hanger will do also. Squirt in some WD-40 to loosen the glue and rotate the ice pick etc around the bar after the glue has softened a bit. This should allow the grip to come free with a little twisting and pulling.
Clean off the mess and the inside of the grip.
The grip can be re-installed using hair spray or paint as an adhesive. Allow to dry and ride on down the road.

[jonathan180iq]

:plus1: for hairspray. It's the best and comes off easier in the future than glue.

If you have an air compressor, a blast of air under the lifted piece of grip can work wonders.

[Goose51683]

Thanks guys. I was able to get the grips off last night and got everything switched to the new bars. The brake and clutch are a little awkward because of the nearly straight bars but riding in this morning I think its something I can handle.

I did have another question for you all. I added a slip on exhaust, I think I may have ordered a pipe size to large because their is a bit of space around the fitting and the exhaust pipe. I used generic gasket material which I realized shortly afterwards would not handle the heat. I can't return the exhaust but I know there has to be gasket material out there that will handle the heat. Any suggestions?

[Goose51683]

Hey again. Here is where I am so far with this project.

I still need to wrap the exhaust and cut the bars off the back, as well as cut off all the tabs inside.

[alantf]

Many years ago, when car exhausts were made of easily rusting mild steel, there was a "putty" that was used to repair them. It set rock hard with the heat. you may still be able to get it at an auto store.

[Goose51683]

Thanks Alantf. Any idea what that would be called or should I just look for exhaust putty.