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Message started by Driller on 04/20/11 at 07:04:05

Title: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by Driller on 04/20/11 at 07:04:05

Last December this yellow '96 Savage followed me home.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/658/002exp.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/002exp.jpg/)

My mind was filled with ideas how to customize the bike. Of course the BCBobber kits were really tempting. The projects several of the folks here have done with the kits are fantastic. Actually, the bike seemed too nice to start pulling parts off and changing things and I hesitated a while. But after seeing more great examples of custom work on the forum I was ready to try something. As much as I love the results, I decided the BCB kit was too dear for my budget and an alternative was needed. After a lot of pondering I came up with a plan.
E-Bay got a lot of attention and soon the required parts were laid out on the garage floor and ready to install.
I did not take photos while doing this project since it went so quickly (two days) and there was not really that much to show. So, here is the result of what I consider a "mild" bob of the Savage.

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/2891/003sdb.jpg (http://img806.imageshack.us/i/003sdb.jpg/)

I was determined to use the rider's saddle since I had Spencers modify the foam for a much more comfortable perch for my keester.
http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php
They do not change the form of the seat but place a more comfortable foam beneath the top layer. Cost was quite reasonable and the results were more than worth it.

Serowbot and Sluggo made good use of fenders off vintage bikes with their customs and Groupous had good results mounting a fender off a Yamaha XS650. I too like the shiney look and after a moderate amount of cutting, bending and work with a hammer my bike had a new rear fender. I was amazed how heavy the original fender and side rails/sissy bar weighed. Mildly "Bobbed" I would say.

http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/4159/002dl.jpg (http://img816.imageshack.us/i/002dl.jpg/)

The fender did not need to be shortened to fit my plan. Most of the work was strategically putting holes where the original fender mounts could be used and forming a flat spot for the rectifier. The fender bib was a cosmetic solution for covering pitted chrome on the top of the fender. The luggage rack is for a HD Sportster. The turn signals are like many used here and the taillight came from Cleveland Cycle Werks. The small leather pouch holds some misc things and nicely hides that cavity in the back of the saddle.
That took care of the rear since I chose to leave the belt guard on.

The buckhorn bars had to go. I really like the look of the drag and tracker style bars, but the extra reach tends to set my shoulder and neck muscles on fire after much time with my arms extended. A set of Sportster bars looked like a good compromise with a little more pull back. An added bonus was I did not have to add bar risers to accommodate the new bend. There was a little surplus of brake and throttle lines. Guess a little extra is better than not enough.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3356/001rna.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/001rna.jpg/)

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/2344/007rr.jpg (http://img810.imageshack.us/i/007rr.jpg/)

The bike has a nice narrow look; just the way I like it. An axle mounted tail light and tag was tempting, but I did not want to fool with routing the wiring down there as everything followed the original pathway as shown.

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/4455/004kqu.jpg (http://img718.imageshack.us/i/004kqu.jpg/)

I need to replace the fork seals soon and have a set of fork boots to install when taking care of that.
I also have a set of turn signals like the rear ones, but am not in any hurry to change those out. Wish I could find a TANK BIB that fits this bike. If anyone knows a source, please chime in.
Over all, I'm happy with the results and the whole project wound up costing a wee bit over $300 for the parts. Nearly $65 of that was shipping!!! :o

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/9540/006ia.jpg (http://img585.imageshack.us/i/006ia.jpg/)

Thanks to all the folks who have done such inspiring custom work on their bikes. Remember...."Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery" ;)

"Yellow Bob" and I rode up to the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday. It was a terrific day of riding and I was really pleased with how this bike handles. It makes me feel way younger than my 64years.....
Ride that thing!

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/3129/fonzie2.jpg (http://img651.imageshack.us/i/fonzie2.jpg/)

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by prechermike on 04/20/11 at 07:14:13

Cool. And you look just like someone I have seen on TV. ;)

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by sbaugz on 04/20/11 at 07:46:31

great job. Completely changes look of bike.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by groupus on 04/20/11 at 08:22:16

Nicely done! That really looks sharp, and as you know, I'm a fan of the old school chrome fenders :D
I really like how you put the turn signals on the sides of the fender; hows that working out? I considered it but though that the rubber grommets would just pop out.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by Serowbot on 04/20/11 at 11:00:26

Nice job on the fender... Perfect length. I went from too long to too short with mine.
I think you nailed it... ;)...

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/20/11 at 11:05:29

Hi Yellow Bob, Nice to meet you.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by kimchris1 on 04/20/11 at 11:36:27

Wow I hate to think of what might happen
if Genie met Yellow Bob... ;)
Yellow Bob is one hot bike.. :) kim

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by Yonuh Adisi FSO on 04/20/11 at 11:41:48

Very nice, I think if I end up with another Savage, that I will bob it. Unfortunately, I don't have the resources to look for another bike at the moment.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by engineer on 04/20/11 at 12:30:03

Nicely done, some bobs are over done for my taste, this one is just right. I like the rear fender, what fender was it that you started with, the Yamaha? Also thanks for the link to the guy that does seat mods, I might send my seat to him.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by TheSnakeLady on 04/20/11 at 12:43:33

Very nice bike u got there, fyi tho, one of the other guys on here had a taillight similar to that and got a ticket because it wasn't visible enough. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by Boule’tard on 04/20/11 at 12:45:29

I concur with the Fonz, AAYYYY!! ;D

Put your gaiters on and it's perfect.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by babyhog on 04/20/11 at 13:00:29

I love the chrome fender, but I'm not sure I like the flow of it with the rest of the bike. Maybe if the front was chrome too? But I absolutely dig the yellow on these bikes. Love all the other mods, I have those rear signals, and I really like the fender bib and rack. Awesome looking bike. Go Bob!

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by Driller on 04/20/11 at 16:09:37

Thanks to all for the positive feedback.

SnakeLady, Yes that little Cat's eye light is not real bright. Just fine at night, but not great during the day.I ordered a superbright LED to try to improve visibility. Had a "Homer" moment and measured the bulb from the stock tail light. The one in the new light is a smaller low profile one! Doh! No biggie, I put it in the Ninja and WOW! Jacked that tail light up a bit. ;) I have a smaller bulb along with a small LED marker bar light ordered. We shall see if that will improve visibility. I do want to be seen! :o

BabyHog, Yes a chrome front fender like Sluggo's would be nize. 8-)

Serowbot, Thanks! It was luck. I did not change the fender length. Did a lot of looking and pondering and went ahead and punched holes in the leading edge which is double thickness metal. Bolted it on and fiddled with the upper two mounts and viola!

Groupus, I got half inch long nylon spacers, double wrapped them with heavy black tape and inserted them in the grommets. Two wraps of tape on the signal light stems make for a snug fit through the spacer. Took 7/8ths stainless washers inside and out over the rubber grommets. Had to center them when tightening the nut on the inside. The washers are large enough that they won't go through the holes and both work together to compress the rubber resulting in a snug attachment with some shock absorbing quality. Got the spacers and washers in the fastener section of Lowe's. ;)

Engineer, that fender is from a Yamaha XS650 ('74?) Plenty of them out there. Groupus put me on to that one.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by bluesrockdoc on 04/24/11 at 04:41:34

NICE job! I really dig your rear turn signals, where did you find em'?

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by Driller on 04/24/11 at 14:26:31

747A6373656479757D727975160 wrote:

NICE job! I really dig your rear turn signals, where did you find em'?

Got them from this outfit.
http://www.getlowered.com/category-s/967.htm
Note that they are not wired exactly the same as the stock lights and are not quite "plug and play". I ordered dual filament for the front and rear. There is a way to use both filaments for flasher hence brighter.
These links may help. Single filament for the rear may be easier and more straightforward.
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1270960937/0

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1303574542

Plans are to mount the same kind on the front. Will have to noodle the connections and mounting out.

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by bluesrockdoc on 04/24/11 at 16:31:59

Thanks!

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by jef.savage on 04/25/11 at 20:31:34

Very nice! I really like the back end but the front is too stock. Here's those same signals modified with lamp parts from Home Depot on the front.
http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y343/jefscoville/coop.jpg?t=1303788384
The gaitors are automotive fork boots from Summit Racing through Ebay. Under $3 each,

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by Driller on 04/28/11 at 15:54:17

Right on, Jef!
I have the lights and fork boots ready (whenever I get motivated to service the forks) to kick it up a notch.
Can you give me some details about how you wired the front signals? I have been pondering how, but could use some coaching.
Thanks!

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by jef.savage on 04/28/11 at 16:32:39

I added a ground wire to the signals by bolting it to the base. That connects to the b&w wire. Then test the other two wires to see which one lights up the brightest, that's your turn signal lead. The other is the running light lead. I believe the running light connects to the gray wire and the signals connect to a green on the right and black on the left.

The wires run through a bit of threaded tube that I got at Home Depot. The tube gets put through the stock mounts and held in place with the matching nut. (You need to get the tubes and nuts together in the lighting section because they aren't a standard size.)

Title: Re: Meet "Yellow Bob"
Post by NameNotInUse on 04/30/11 at 20:09:06

I love the look. I just installed some sportster bars on mine 28" wide with a 6" pullback. Yours look similar. I simply love the rear end.