il67bp wrote on 10/22/08 at 21:46:33:...what i really want to do is make it a rat style bike ...
To make it a "rat style" bike you need to use spraycan primer, weld on a muffler, patch the torn seat with duct tape (even if you have to tear the seat first.) You'll end up with a bike that posers think looks neat. A lot of effort for small result.
To make a rat bike all you need to do is ride it. When something breaks you simply remove it, or fix it with whatever is at hand, or replace it with something that sort of fits. If it starts to rust you stop the rust. If something doesn't do the job you want it to you replace it with something that does.
About the first thing you do to work on the bike is remove the seat. If you do not need the pillion pad you can toss it. OR. Rip the padding off and bolt a small crate to it so you can carry things. Put a pad on the front of the crate for a driver's backrest. You make the bike fit your riding needs and ride. And ride. And ride.
After many miles and several years you will have a bike that says "I am used, abused, and put away wet. No fakery. I am an honest rat." Riders will stand in awe. Old bikers will admire. You will wonder what the big deal is as it's nothing special, just your regular ride.
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