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Date: Sat, 06 Oct 2001
From: Evan Bedford <quixotic@interbaun.com>
Hi Rick,
Built For Comfort (77 XL350)
I wanted to build something that would be comfortable for extended
highway travelling. By and large, I think I've succeeded. Though so
far, I've only had to travel 150 km's at at time, fatigue has not been a
problem.
The accessories were made out of plywood, 2 x 2's, some hinges, some
springs, dowelling, naugehyde, some fairly thin sheet metal, and a whole
lot of wood screws. Not a single power tool was used for the whole
operation.
The carrier assembly is attached to the frame with two hose clamps. The
back-rest is attached to the carrier assembly with four tee-nut/bolts.
The highway pegs are attached with hose clamps and u-bolts. The seat is
attached via two springs (themselves attached to the frame with cable
ties) and the two rubber cushions on the original stock seat. Each
item--except the highway pegs--is removable within less than a minute.
The side covers are attached to the carrier with door hinges, and cinch
up closed with a small suitcase type strap. Immediately under the seat
can be seen a sheet metal cover which keeps the rain out of the air
cleaner intake.
Other additions include the muffler system (the old one had rusted
away). It's an automotive glass-pack with flex pipe and a baffle on the
end of the tail-pipe made from a big washer. It sounds great, but I had
to switch to a slightly colder plug.
The 36 tooth rear sprocket is from Sprocket Specialists. Cruising at
about 105 kph takes about 5,000 rpm.
A set of street handlebars, along with an aftermarket, 2" set-back clamp
allows minimal arm reach. A cruise control and a small windshield are
also present. The back-rest is easily adjustable (out on the road) fore
and aft, up and down, and via angle of repose. "Colonial Blue" rust
paint was used on everything.
Evan
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