I added a couple more shots of the construction in the mid control DIY here: http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1487785879/30#38

Cold and rainy right now.  I took it around the block over the weekend when I finished the mid controls and it's nice and comfy.  Up shifts are stiff though.  I think I might need to adjust the shift lever a little.  Otherwise it's seems like it will work out fine.  

Mostly just need to tidy things up at this point.  And, I should probably add a belt guard and maybe a front fender too.

That's a great looking and unique bike.

Gorgeous work!

Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement.


Gary_in_NJ wrote on 03/29/17 at 06:39:00:
-------------------------


We had some nice weather.  I was able to put in quick ride Sunday and rode it to work yesterday.  Put over 100 miles on it and love it.   It's ergonomics are really comfortable.  I wouldn't change a thing about the seat/bars/pegs.  I'm positioned nicely at the front of the seat and could easily ride two up without feeling squished up on the front of the bike.  

The only things I don't like is how stiff the up shifts are. The shift lever sits on the shaft at about a 45* angle (from horizontal).  So when you up-shift, you are actually pulling the lever out/away from the shaft as much as you are rotating the lever up.  So it's a very firm, deliberate motion.  

I'll need to modify or find a the lever that has more rise so it can be mounted even with the peg and still provide the proper leverage to get nicer shifting. Levers with rise are pretty common on modern motocross bikes but finding one that will fit the tight confines of our bikes might be a challenge.

You might be able to fab up a shifter from the stock one using the lever & rod. Kinda like the RYCA rearset set-up.

Ruttly, I'm going to modify my existing lever to change the pull/leverage.  Hopefully this weekend and hopefully it will work out.  I'll post before and afters.  Oh and no dragging in corners.  I haven't pushed it much but the pegs are actually a tad higher than stock. Dave also pointed out that you get more clearance with mid controls than forward controls.

Gary, yes, it's nice when plans work out and so far this bike has gone according to planned!  I've been around motorcycles a long time but this is the first build I've done.  So far it's gone smoothly and has been one of the least frustrating projects I've ever attempted in my life.  (Now watch the wheels fall off. )

After a little welding, some flapwheel and paint, I ended up with this.  The shape gives me much more leverage and it hit's just above my big toe.  Rode the bike to work today and shifting is improved 100% (because geometry is cool!)