Author Topic: New seat and pics of my Bandit (Read 5273 times)

duane · « **on:** April 10, 2006, 10:36:54 PM »

I had Sargent Cycle Products rebuild my seat for the Bandit. They had it for about 4 weeks. I had them reshape the whole thing because I was sliding into the tank, and then of course recover it. I also opted for the upgraded foam that will still cradle my butt after hours in the saddle.

Before

I held a carpenters level up to the seat and made a mark so they could reference a level line.

After

Hi res

The bike is nearing completion. It seems like nearly half of this bike I've replaced with parts from Ebay. At one point I had 6 side covers in my possession before finding some that weren't busted. I like the stock turn signals so I've had 6 or 7 of those pass through my hands. The trim on the radiator has been replaced, the rubber trim on the front of the tank, the ENTIRE head light assembley, the rear fender, handle bars, center stand, levers, cables, and so much more.

I had dents in the tank filled and then painted, along with the side covers. The guy painting it assured me he would match the old color or just look up the color code. It seems he did neither. Although the quality of paint is very good, it doesn't match exactly. Later I had the rust removed from the tank.

A few months after I purchased the bike the chain broke when I was riding. It flew off, busted the turn signal and broke off the side reflector on the fender. (anyone have a side reflector they can sell me?)
I purchased frame sliders for an SV650 and had a machine shop put them on a lathe and make them the right size. It took them maybe 5 minutes or less and and they did while I waited. They turned out great.

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These are stock handlebars I found on ebay. I LOVE them. That's also a National Cycle fly screen F18 I have mounted right now. I also have a Plexifairing GT windscreen for this bike, that's what the knobs on the bars are for. The Plexifairing comes on and off in less than 30 seconds. I plan on touring on this bike this summer. I installed heated grips and the switch is mounted left of center. I put on the heaviest bar end weights that were practical at the time. These are made by Manic Salamander. I never thought I could get excited about bar end weights. The grips are from Murphs Kits. To quell vibration I filled the bars with lead shot and finally I spray painted the tripple clamp and everything else I could black.

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The Header pipes still bother me but that's enough for now. Next year I'll send them off to be ceramic coated black. I'm still working out the details on the Factory Pro jet kit I've installed, but other wise it carburets really well. (Thank you every one who chimed in on my post and helped) The cam chain is a kind of noisey so that may be a next year project too.

Hi res

MasterM3 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2006, 11:00:40 PM »

very nicely done

bikrpitts · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2006, 11:33:21 PM »

Great story, you obviously care to do it right.

interfuse · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2006, 11:37:23 PM »

I thought I was meticulous! Ha.

Love the seat bro. Do you mind me asking how much it set you back? I've got a spare back seat already. If I can scrape up a front on ebay I might go that route!

Krautwagen · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2006, 12:21:59 AM »

May I/we ask how much the seat re-do cost you? I'm very interested in having mine done.

Zhi · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2006, 12:55:10 AM »

That seat looks wicked. :)

Lippy · « **Reply #6 on:** April 11, 2006, 12:58:29 AM »

Quote

I purchased frame sliders for an SV650 and had a machine shop put them on a lathe and make them the right size. It took them maybe 5 minutes or less and and they did while I waited. They turned out great.

Did you just get them down to the same length on both sides, and did you just use the stock bolts in the frame? I have access to a lathe and want to get some frame sliders for the bike before it hits the road.

duane · « **Reply #7 on:** April 11, 2006, 03:58:37 AM »

Quote from: "Krautwagen"

May I/we ask how much the seat re-do cost you?

Well, remember, I asked for nearly all the options available, $250.00.

Quote

want to get some frame sliders for the bike before it hits the road.

First, the SV sliders (both new and old SV's take the same sliders), left and right, are two different lengths. I had the longer cut to the length of the shorter. Two, They come with aluminum inserts that fit in to the B4 frame, I cut those with my own hack saw to the correct length. And third, I bought new bolts from my local hardware store, they were easy to find.

Duane

PitterB4 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 11, 2006, 06:15:12 AM »

Damn - that thing looks GREAT!

Whenever I get the time, I'm painting my top triple like that.

For anyone wanting sliders, search this forum. Someone had a machinist friend who was making nice ones pretty reasonably.

JmuRiz · « **Reply #9 on:** April 11, 2006, 10:14:30 AM »

Love the seat, was thinking of doing the same with mine (sending to Sargent). What did that seat-job cost you, ballpark?

Krautwagen · « **Reply #10 on:** April 11, 2006, 11:12:00 AM »

Quote from: "duane"

Quote from: "Krautwagen"
May I/we ask how much the seat re-do cost you?

Well, remember, I asked for nearly all the options available, $250.00.

Duane

Red01 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 11, 2006, 12:51:57 PM »

The seat looks GREAT.

Heck, the whole bike looks great!

on a job well done!

Russtang · « **Reply #12 on:** April 11, 2006, 04:50:08 PM »

She's a beauty!

jcmjrt · « **Reply #13 on:** April 11, 2006, 08:13:49 PM »

It all looks good but that seat does really set it off!

Katamaniac · « **Reply #14 on:** April 12, 2006, 12:33:32 AM »

That bike looks great. I really love that seat. I will have to take a picture into the guy who did my Katana seat and see how much he would charge me for the job.