diamond jim wrote on 05/17/09 at 17:49:27:Phelonius wrote on 05/17/09 at 11:55:17:So we all agree, the mods are not a matter of need.
They are a matter of want.
Phelonius
Depends on perspective. There are things I'd need in a bike were I willing to lay down money to buy one for myself. The same goes for everyone else. But since I didn't buy my LS650 for me, but instead inherited it, I found I can meet those needs through mods in regards to performance and comfort. It was the convenience that kept me from letting the bike go initially, It is the result of mods that now make it my daily rider. For me, the seat was too flat, the bars a little too narrow, the foot pegs a little too close, the power- pretty average. Improving all of those have met my needs. Changing lighting, modding foot pegs, enhancing the exhaust sound and other mods satisfied my wants. So, half were needs and half were wants. For someone shorter than me, weighs less than me and/or drives in different conditions than me might see my needs as simply wants. But several mods were needs for me.
Mods definately needed here... basically a total rebuild while upgrading ... which is cool!
I could have left it stock and just replaced parts (over 17k here) and unknown prior maintenance... the costs are similar*. (The Rassk shipping/handling from Sweden is about $120. Sivert Raask is pleasent to work with! I wanted 1 signature item. The rest, bobbit!
So, started with a Raask 60mm Dragpipe , then read about the verslavy, so got me one... and a performance cam and nitrided cam chain ... definate slushy soundin happenin here!
Massive top knock, so a soon bore/hone and treatment by Bore Tech, o/s OEM piston kit. This should add ease of install (no break-in) and run cooler thus longer.
I wanted to clean up the engine, so K&N 1250 air filter and a breather filter since I removed the air box. I gain better carb access with the battery box moved 1" to the rear. I have the jetset kit but I am considering Lancer carb for simplicity for me. Also, since I heard via "HERE" ... I bought the stainless bolt set... so this be a "Bolt Head"... (no covers).
Seat modded (damaged), but plan another upgrade eventually. Bobbin it planned here!
Oh! I have a spare motor for parts too! Mainly the 5 speed transmission and cam and cam tensioner, chain guides, etc...
.... and I might one of these discounted for sale low mileage bikes here to boot and still save $$$ over a more traditional V-twin
.... gives my son a bike to ride when he visits.... I get the bobber!
My '99 should be up and runnin by end of June... that gives me time for parts to roll in and I still need to disassemble my exisitin motor... hehe
So, I vote MOD! ... especially if you rebuild... and have time and money... and money... lol
Wolf
ps. There are many mods that I am doing that, if money is a factor, less expensive options are available.
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