Question 1: the replacement carb is the VM roundslide carb, correct? Is this part an improvement on the stock carb? I want to know if it's worth it just for that, instead of getting it just to get the UFO.

Question 2: If i wire a 12v cig lighter port up directly to the battery, will I be able to let the savage sit for longer than a few days? My worry is that it will slowly drain battery while it is attached. I have read some threads on a battery tender, and battery tender disconnect terminal something or others.

Question 3: What is the purpose of a battery tender? How does it do whatever it does?

Question 4: Is there any legal reason that I can't fabricate my own fenders and whatnot for my bike? I want to make a custom back fender/sissy bar combo, with a wider wheel clearance for an eventual wheel upgrade.

Question 5: More of an opinion poll, what mods and fixes can you reccomend without hesitation? Little to big, I'd like to hear about them. I'm getting this baby for a long trip cross country, and want it to be in the best condition possible.

Thank you!
I know I type alot. If you don't feel like reading that whole thing, the short version is Help!, I dunno how to make Savage better! How make savage better?

wiring a 12 volt cigarette lighter plug won't draw from the battery unless you leave something plugged into it.

Okay, so if I install a battery tender with a 12v car adapter, that will allow me to keep the battery charged, as long as I have an extension cord or whatever is required to hook it to house electricity. Having plugins is just extended circuitry, so it won't actually drain battery while not in use.

To ZAR: Yeah, fenders are important! I am not getting rid of the back one, I want to make a new one with an attached sissy bar arrangement, while simultaneously moving the turn lights and getting rid of the back seat.

To Cad: So if i put in for storage (Highly unlikely, a fairweather motorist I am not) the trickle charger is a good idea. But since this is my day to day ride, Just having a Cig lighter plug won't drain my battery too fast. I plan on just having my GPS plugged in to it, mounted on the handlebars for easy access. As well as a freakin speedometer in easy eye range, rather than this "interesting"( read stupid) placement on the tank.

But from what I'm gathering, modifying a motorcycle is pretty much legal, so long as it doesn't make it too loud or polluting. Right? Of course, having it not mess up the bike is very important.

Thank you all for the help, I'll be keeping a project log which I'll post up on my blog eventually.

Another idea I had, what about, instead of buying leatherlyke or what have you, I get some surplus high calibre ammo canisters, and weld up a mount for the modified fender? I think if I rubberize the seals and latch so it doesn't rattle, it would look and be pretty bad arse!

*Edit* I work in a sheet metal fab shop, so theres all kinds of scrap extras laying around. I figure I could get a big enough peice, have it cut out on the laser and then press brake it to dimensions. Just need to measure everything out!

Also, I've read that there are some tires that can be used to replace the stock back tire that are wider. What are the product numbers and whatnot to start trying to find those?

The cigarette lighter port is only an access point for electricity - it does not use up any power by itself......it only uses up power when you have something plugged into it that is turned on.  If you are intending to need a place to plug things in, it can double as an access point for using a battery tender.  Make sure you have an inline fuse installed as near the battery as possible.

The stock carb works fine for most of us, and maybe you should/could rejet it to get the engine to run a little better.  There are plenty of threads on this forum to help you with that......do some reading on past posts in the Tech or RSD section.  The Roundslide carb conversion is expensive, and not really needed on a stock engine.

Al from NH has mounted ammo boxes on his bike and painted it a military theme - I can't remember which section it is posted in.  He does have pictures of it.

Go slow on your mods for a while......get to know the bike a bit better before you make major changes.  It may turn out that the changes that look cool are not the ones that make it ride nice.  I agree on the speedometer thing.....it is really inconvenient to have to bend your head way down to read it......and there is no way to keep your eyes on the road when looking down at the speedometer.

Only really need the speedo when cops are around, anyway... ...

I might have you beat already for a chick stick, sissybar or whatever you choose to call it. Old aircooled metric 4 banger unit that fits behind my saddlebag spacers (3" mahogany) and supports the rear fender. Which is supposed to be on a 1970-84 FLH...

Seat and paint color have changed since this pic, now has floorboards instead of puny pegs (I wear anywhere from a 12-14 boot depending on the maker).

Cross country set-up? Other than needing a decent front fender...

This...

You asked about the Mikuni VM carbs?

Yes, the VM 36 and 38 are upgrades to the stock carb. 36 is a better choice, if i recall correctly as the added size of the 38 doesn't do anything for us.

I just recently made the switch to a vm38 with a UFO installed. Carb was around $110, cable from barnett clutches was $55, spigot mount was $15 or so, then probably $30 in jets (because I messed around too much).

I'm still messing around the with the carb, but it IS an upgrade. Faster throttle response, smoother, etc. Though it does seem more temperamental when it comes to weather and elevation. I busted my stock carb up so I had to switch. Not sure if I'd do the switch on a whim unless I upgraded the engine internals (overbore, hot cam).

That applies more to radials than to good old fashioned bias ply tires. But you will have to shave the bead with either, and use a good tire mounting compound.

Otherwise you're looking at stepping up to a 16" rear hoop and running a quality bike tire. Specifically one meant for rear use on HD Geezer Glides (touring bikes).