mpnoffi wrote on 03/14/11 at 22:52:23:Hi all. I have been lurking for a while now and thought that I would add a bit instead of just taking. I've learned a ton about these great bikes over the last 6 months or so from reading the info you guys have added here over the years...so...thanks for that. I have to say, that I belong to several forums, but none have a better crew of guys (and gals).
I bought my 2001 LS650 early last summer with the intentions of buying a Ryca Kit and converting the bike to a cafe style. I've ridden it quite a bit. Even took it on a 750 mile round trip to a vintage bike show in Birmingham. She did just fine. The Ryca kit is a really great idea from a guy ,Casey, that appears to be good folks (he has even helped me with some information on my build)...but I suffer from impatient guy syndrome in a large way. So...I started the tear about a week ago with the thought of converting my Savage into a Scrambler style of bike. I'm planning on using the bike as a daily road rider, gravel road explorer and might even hit the occasional single trail. Here is the plan and pics will follow:
12.5 inch rear shocks
drop the front about 2 inches (to get rid of some rake. still has plenty clearance)
aluminum skid plate
18" rear hoop laced to stock hub
16/52 sprockets with 530 chain conversion to keep stock ratio and add some adjustabilitystock front wheel
Continentel TKC 80 dual sport tires front and rear
4.5 gal gas tank from 79 Yamaha XS750
Renthal dirt bike bars
Extend and flaten seat posts to fit a triumph scrambler seat???(still working on this one)
I have a few pics that I will try to attach first, then I'll post a few pics of my inspiration. Feel free to offer your feedback or suggestions...good, bad or ugly. I can take it!
Noffi
You need to use a 17T front sprocket with the 12.5in shocks. The change in the angle of the swingarm will make the chain constantly scrape across the top, right above the bearing, otherwise. Id be hesitant to do anything higher than 17/50. Might get away with 17/47 but it'd be close enough that you'd have to constantly keep your chain in perfect tension.