wick
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by wick on Jun 7, 2013 21:39:34 GMT -6
Hey everyone. First and fore most I would like to thank all the people who have made this forum what it is. I have been a member for a little while now reading posts and learning a lot form all the wonderful info on the forum. I would like to show what I have done with all the information I have attained from all of you
This bike started as a non running 89 454. I brought it home in the back of my truck and spent the better part of a couple weeks getting the darn thing to run . So after ebay purchases and some time reading she fired up and that was the start of my first project bike.
It's mostly stock with a swing arm off a 500 and new bars, paint and tires. Did all the work myself with the help of some buddies .
This year I plan on adding a new rear fender and maybe some new bars. And definitely a two into one exhaust. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Again thanks to everyone who helped me make my first bike a fun project.
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Post by joenson on Jul 16, 2013 0:10:42 GMT -6
It's a beauty!  Well done. Any reason why you put on a 500 swing arm ? |
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Post by eaglerider on Jul 16, 2013 7:09:24 GMT -6
I will answer that......several of "us" have done that, extends the wheelbase about 3 or so inches....the belt from the Vulcan 500 is used also, as the stock 454 belt is too short with the longer swingarm.
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Post by joenson on Jul 16, 2013 12:47:02 GMT -6
OK - thank you. Is it easier to get the 500 belt than the one for the 454 ? Otherwise I don't get the reason for doing it, as I think the bike run a perfect straight line as it is..
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Post by eaglerider on Jul 16, 2013 17:11:41 GMT -6
No real noticeable improvement doing it...but until a reasonable replacement belt for the 454 was found (used ones are scares, and new ones unavailable) this was a "cheaper" alternative. Longer wheelbase = smother ride normally. Ride in a long wheelbase pickup and then in a short wheelbase, on a rough road, and you will find that the "ride" in the long wheelbase is smother, and not so "bouncy".
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Post by Blaine on Jul 16, 2013 18:46:21 GMT -6
No real noticeable improvement doing it...but until a reasonable replacement belt for the 454 was found (used ones are scares, and new ones unavailable) this was a "cheaper" alternative. Longer wheelbase = smother ride normally. Ride in a long wheelbase pickup and then in a short wheelbase, on a rough road, and you will find that the "ride" in the long wheelbase is smother, and not so "bouncy". Any belt 1 1/2" w 14mm pitch,128t will work just fine.  |
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Post by eaglerider on Jul 17, 2013 6:20:15 GMT -6
A few years ago, those belts were not to be found.
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Post by joenson on Jul 18, 2013 16:52:34 GMT -6
How is the mileage for a standard belt ? I have absolutely no idea of age or mileage of mine, but it looks almost new - no noticeable wear...
Does anybody have experiences with worn out belts ? Will it look worn out or is it just going to 'snap' one sunny day at the boulevard ?
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Post by eaglerider on Jul 19, 2013 3:05:09 GMT -6
Mine broke at about 30,000 miles.......because in my "younger days" dealing with the 454, I had the belt tension too tight. Thankfully, I had just stopped at a traffic light in town, not out in the middle of nowhere, like I would have been in about another 20 minutes.
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Post by sdcruzin on Jul 19, 2013 14:48:49 GMT -6
Wick,
in those pictures with the 2-into-1 exhaust, is that a custom creation?
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Post by affenschmiede on Oct 19, 2019 16:53:25 GMT -6
Do u just changed the swing arm and the belt ? Or everything what comes with the belt ? Like the belt roll on the wheel ?
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Post by eaglerider on Oct 20, 2019 4:30:01 GMT -6
Are you talking about installing a Vulcan 500 swing arm (longer than the 454)? If you use a Vulcan 500 (longer) swing arm, then you have to use the Vulcan 500 longer belt.
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Post by affenschmiede on Oct 20, 2019 4:31:34 GMT -6
Yes that's what iam talking about. Thank you 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Post by heathjl85 on Jul 12, 2020 23:39:30 GMT -6
I’ve been thinking of doing something similar this to my 88. Does it matter what year of Vulcan 500 swing arm I use?
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Post by joenson on Aug 15, 2021 7:30:08 GMT -6
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Post by ksen450 on Sept 19, 2021 18:21:32 GMT -6
Love the look. What turn signals are you running and where'd you find that seat? Seat is pretty much exactly what I'm looking for to put on my 450
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