My first build

Noob here.. So I started with a Kent Siesta Key 7-spd that I got off of Craigslist for 75 bucks. Stripped it down from its ugly stock paint job with lame stickers and painted her black. Bought a springer fork, 7-spd thumb shifter and a few other items from Amazon and slapped her together. Later I added homemade layed back seat post and upgraded the air filter. The stock chain tensioner was giving me **** so I ended up making my own. I didnt like how the tensioner would get sucked into the spokes so I made this one where theres no chance of that happening. Kinda crude looking but it works. Here's some pics.. comments are welcomed. Next up I'm thinking of maybe a front disc brake or expansion pipe... not sure.

Chain tensioner..










Thanks for looking!

 

[flotsamm]

Well the analog speedo didnt work out that well. Kept sticking at 20mph then would erratically jump to 35+ and bounce all over. Ended up removing and an installing a wired Bell F20 speedo I got from Target for 15 bucks. So far so good. I also decided to lower the front end today, basically cut the springer spring in half.. seems to work just as well as the stock spring but with a nicer lowered look If you plan to do this mod make sure you cut the spring to match your weight..

Before:


After:


I left 4 full coils installed...
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/8061381441_838f1d45ca_b.jpg

Next up.. a DIY exhaust system. I'm thinking about making a homemade glasspack but not sure it since it might be too loud.

 

[flotsamm]

Installed a front disc brake today. Bought a couple of 12g free-wheel wheels to replace the stock 14g ones and a disc brake adapter from bicycledesigner.com. Best upgrade so far! The braking improvement is WAY better then I anticipated. Restored my braking confidence for sure. Anyway, made a prototype bracket for now, might make another version now that its working great. Here's some pics..

prototype bracket:


painted and installed:

 

[flotsamm]

Inspired by another moderator and his design, I took the day off of work and fixed up my exhaust... used 3/4" EMT and the stock muffler. Not bad for 20 bucks in pipe and a little work. Still need to sand it more and paint it up. Performance wise it seems to have a small torque increase and smoothed out the acceleration to WOT.

Test fit:


Grinded down welds...


Installed but unpainted:


Side shot: