XB12R cafe conversion

[nicholas900]

^ For sure. I think automotive door edge protectors will work well for that spot. Any other hole wire passes through I'll use rubber grommets.

 

[OldGeezer]

Good choices. I figured I was preaching to the choir given how meticulous your build has been, but figured a reminder couldn't hurt… Really looking forward to how you treat the airbox and blend it in to the lines of the bike. That is going to be an awesome bike.

 

[nicholas900]

A little slow on the fab work. Waiting on a DPST switch for my ignition to finish up the wiring. Also decided to replace the factory gauge cluster. Order in to Dakota Digital for a new gauge.

But some parts showed up a few weeks ago. So I mocked them up to be sure they will work.

Rizoma grips. Fit perfect. Would fit a stock XB no problem. The throttle side comes with several different adaptors, and the brake side is universal. I also installed the levers. I used CRG folding levers. The clutch side is a roll a click and a direct fit for the factory Buell clutch perch. The brake side is for my Brembo.

These showed up too.... new front rotor and hardware, and a new pulley and belt guard.

 

[brock]

Looks awesome [up] i see your in NY, where about?

 

[nicholas900]

Western NY.

 

[nicholas900]

Got the rear wiring complete. I used a low profile fuse holder for the main fuse because the factory one was to big to fit anywhere neatly. I also extended the fuel pump and rear brake light switch with new wiring and shrink wrapped the harnesses so I could locate the connectors under the tail. Looks a lot cleaner without the connectors visible outside on the bike.

 

[OldGeezer]

Very nice!

 

[wolfo68]

Looking great!

 

[nicholas900]

^thanks OG and Wolfo. This part of a build isn't exactly exciting. But it's all part of it. Getting closer to the fun stuff every week.

 

[nicholas900]

The new gauge and front directionals showed up today. I like both. They seem to fit the "modern cafe" direction that this bike is headed.

I made a bracket to mount the gauge to the vacant ignition switch holes.

Now the joy of wiring begins.....again......

 

[pvmike]

Always wanted to see those signals on a Buell. Nice! [up]

 

[heagachongoose]

Looks good. Very clean. Keep it up! [up]

 

[nicholas900]

Thanks fellas.

I do have to say this. I'm 40 years old. I've been into bikes and hot rods since I was 16. And have been augmenting them to my taste since. It's rare when a product completely blows my mind.

Those signals are possible the best invention I've ever seen in M/C lighting. They are almost invisible when off. I can't think of a bike that they wouldn't look good on. But where they become mind blowing is when you turn them on. 360° of BRIGHT illumination.

They are expensive. I almost didn't buy them because I've already blown my budget on this one. But glad I did. I love these little jewels. Gonna wear down my battery tonight watching these things glow lol.

Check em out. M-Blaze signals

 

[Shawns]

Where abouts in WNY are ya from? I may be local to ya.

 

[nicholas900]

Got the gauge wired up.

I temp wired it up by twisting and taping to make sure I had everything figured out right.

To connect the gauge wiring to the bike wiring I made a connector. There are 12 wires and I happened to find a 12 wire connector. I crimped on the terminals then soldered them and put a little piece of shrink wrap on each.

Then pushed them into the connector double checking on each.

All this wiring will be stashed in the headlight bucket.

It all works!

The second pic is with the bike running. You can see the first few bars lit up on the tac and the oil pressure light off. I like this gauge. It also has gear position indication, adjustable rpm limit, shift light, 0-60 times and lots of little features. Pretty cool.

 

[1badtitan90]

Pretty damn sweet... if you ever consider selling this when your done.. I call first dibs... I work in a machine shop and I have thought to do some custom parts or fab up some stuff but just to busy with EMT and fire stuff at the moment... but sir your work is incredible.

 

[nicholas900]

Playing around with Photoshop. (Note, Im not very good with photoshop lol).Think this looks pretty good.

 

[BenAlpha]

I think the seat needs to be shorter and the "hump" portion
needs to be less bulky/round. What is it going to be made
out of?

Keep up the good work and thank you for all the updates!

 

[wolfo68]

I like it, looks like you gave it a nice brushed look too.

 

[nicholas900]

^Thanks. I'm certainly open to constructive criticism. It's one of those things where if you asked 50 guys, you might expect 50 different answers. Still fine tuning my design.

The seat cowl and air box will be aluminum. After the holidays this step will start.