Hand Made Bobber [Updated 7/15]

[biofish1]

Ive been working on my 454 since early spring, here's where I'm at now. Ill post pics of the progress soon.
Bear with me as I find time to do a decent write up, and feel free to ask questions

Aftermarket Parts List
Chrome Drag Style Bar, 28inch -Ebay
Universal 6inch Fender -J&P Cycles

[biofish1]

This is how it all started. I picked up a worn 1990 Kawasaki 454 from a buyer about 30 miles from where I lived and had it towed back to the house.

The Seat was torn and most of the padding was gone, so I decided to pick up some carpet foam and marine vinyl and redo it until I could afford a new seat.

I found this site and came across the thread $800 bobber and decided to start dis-assembling. first were the bars, which I felt put my arms in an odd position so I picked up some 28" drag style bars. At this time I also replaced and fitted the rear fender to the swing arm using a purchased universal fender and thick aluminum bar. All bolts were stainless steel secured with lock nuts.

I relocated all the relays, fuses and wires to the space above the battery and heat shrinked all the splices.

None of the pans at my local motorcycle shop looked right on the kawasaki so I bought some steel and hammered my own

[biofish1]

I recycled the foam from my former seat and cut it to fit the pan. After sealing the pan with primer I used spray glue to tack the foam in place while I cut the vinyl. I decided to cover the seat this time by securing grommets onto the vinyl, and lacing the vinyl to the pan using nylon rope... just incase I ever wanted to change the color or fix a tear.

The front has been lowered a bit by pushing the fork tubes through the tree. The front fender has been removed.

[biofish1]

The girl and I removed the center console and gauges to open up the front of the bike and make for a lower profile. Kinda nasty underneath... It went easier then expected, so I had time to remove the front blinkers as well, just in time for a new set that came in the mail.

I took the rear fender off today for some maintenance I figured it was a good way to show how everything was attached. Don't mind the rust and beat tires.

The front most bracket wraps around the swing arm and is secured with a sheet metal screw.

[wanchesenative]

This is a REALLY nice looking bike. Great job!

[lordnor]

Looks very cool. How does it ride without the front fender? And what mirrors are those?

[eaglerider]

stock 454 mirrors, looks like.

[biofish1]

I havent noticed much difference without the front fender, although someone on this forum said it keeps the forks rigid. I did however notice a big difference when I lowered the front of the bike, its much harder to balance however it can take corners tighter. The mirrors came with the bike, judging by their condition it looks like theyre stock.

[thalu10272]

Where did you get the rear brake light and rear signals ? GREAT looking bike btw.

[eaglerider]

When the forks are pushed up, as you have done, that changes the rake and trail geometry, which, as u have found out, changes and effects the handleing of the bike....a lot of the time, adversley.

[biofish1]

I agree, I may end up returning the front end to normal at some point, just because its nicer for higher speeds. The brake light I bought from ebay, its a 1.5watt 19-led brake light. It was cheap, easy to wire and very bright. It also came with the license plate bracket and a built in license plate light. The set of signal lights in the rear I bought from a Cycle Gear near my city.

[mbirt]

did you have to use any raisers for the drag bar or did it fit fine for you?

[mbirt]

hey biofish

I really like what you have done with your bike and would like to do the same with mine. I would like to ask you some question if that's alright. Is there a way for me to contact you?

[biofish1]

The drag bars fit perfect, no modifications, I eventually need a new brake master cylinder because the stock one was designed to be at an angle and doesnt sit right straight as it is. Since this pic has been taken I actually angled the bars down a bit. Feel free to ask incase anyone else has the same question.

[mbirt]

is there a slight curve in your drag bar,because i'm being told if i don't get risers i am going to hit the gas tank. Mine is an 87 and yours a 90 that shouldn't make that much of a difference should it Thanks for your help!

[mbirt]

was the fender you bought from j&p the steel fender 711-250?

[eaglerider]

Mbirt, all models of the 454s have the same top tripple tree plate, and are the same.

[mbirt]

so eagle rider do you think i will be alright with the straight drag bar not hitting the gas tank?

[biofish1]

Steel Fender: Item 711-287 - Universal Steel Rear Fender

The drag bars do hit the tank if you really rip the wheel, but I tend to lean more than use the bars so it doesnt bother me, but it has chipped the paint a bit in some spots. I'd like cafe style bars personally, but I already have money into these bars and they work great.

[eaglerider]

I would recommend risers be used with the straight bars, to prevent chipped paint, and or damaged tank.

[Jet⚡Black]

Mbirt, you could get tracker bars; they are essentially riser-less drag bars.

[biofish1]

Heres a new Pic of the progress so far. I ditched the cheap plastic ebay light for a Stainless steel Bobber light that has a glass lens. I will be shortening the fender this week.

[bmwpowere36m3]

Looks awesome, nice to see another 454 LTD in CT...

[biofish1]

Thanks man, the sheer number of bikes in CT during the summer is insane, it makes for some fun group cruises hah!

[bmwpowere36m3]

You mean lack of bikes ;D

[biofish1]

Lol I dont know where you're riding but man on the main strip here we have sometimes groups of 50/100 bikes go by.

[bmwpowere36m3]

Well I'm from Fairfield County, so I don't see that many bikes riding around and even less group rides.

[biofish1]

Ahh, you need to get out in the quiet corner sometime its biker heaven haha!!

[chopperfreak2k1]

one of the nicer bobs i've seen!