I probably could had just shortened the lever a half an inch and lowered it slightly, but the geometry of this lever will improves the direction of the leverage a good bit.   I could make a custom lever and make it a little better but I like to keep it simple when I can.  So I took it off, notched it until I got the desired results, and welded it up.

I needed a front fender to keep me from being trashed by time I get to work so I got one from a GR650.  Drilled a few holes and it fits pretty well.  Thinking I might go full on  70s UJM and have the rear fender chromed to match.  Still have to finish those side panels too.  

Side Panel

Nothing for now.  Just keep riding it to work.  Put 1,600 miles on it so far this summer and enjoying it very much.

Come winter, I thinking I'll chrome the rear fender to match the front.  I'll probably have all of my fab parts and stock side covers powder coated to match the frame.

I might pull the dents out of the tank and possibly paint it, but I'll probably leave the tank as is because I like it.  

I still might remove the stock airbox and battery box and do a pod filter. I think that will be the biggest decision I make.  Keep it "standard" or add a little rat/brat flavor to it?

I got the spokes from Mike's.  I called Buchanan's and the rear spokes for the XS are nearly identical to that of the savage.

The GT185 tank is a pretty easy deal if you are doing a rear subframe and it goes well with the width of the engine.  I think you'll like it.

Yep.

I smile every time I see that bike. It's so perfect...a vintage bike that NEVER existed.

I'm finishing the initial build on my DRZ Tracker tomorrow. What will be next????

There always another project. Funny, I look at craig's everyday too.

Here's what I've been kicking around for a next project...

KTM came to the United States as an import through Penton. In fact, KTM didn't even make motorcycles at the time (mopeds & bicycles), but John Penton promised them distribution in the US. The partnership resulted in a line of great motorcycles in the 1960's & 70's and now, probably the best and most innovative motorcycle company on the planet today.

I was thinking for a next project to do what I did with my DRZ (modern bike wearing clothes from the 1970's) as a Penton / KTM mashup. Maybe a 1972 Penton 125cc Sixday and a KTM 450 EXC-F Six Day. Seems like a natural.

Like "That 70's Show LS650" and my DRZ Tracker, it's a classic bike that never existed. I kind of like that twist on a custom. Although your bike has a look to it where people probably knock themselves out trying to figure out what it is. Have you heard this one yet..."Oh, yeah, I owned one of those back in the 70's" - because I had a guy swear to me that he owned my cafe racer "back in the day" (he was trying to impress the woman he was with, so I didn't rat him out).