My V Star project

[CustomDave]

Well, I finally got started on my small bobber project.

First things first. This is a 2007 V Star custom. It is pretty much all stock, but it has been re jetted and has V&H pipes.

I am trying to make this a low budget build. Most of the stuff I have gotten for it so far has been bought used off of various Yamaha and chopper forums. Buying new seems like such a waste if you don't have to. Anyway, I am trying to get everything I want done for under $500 and so far I think I am on track. Other than wanting a springer front end, which I have found is very expensive and more trouble than its worth for a cheap low end bike.

Anyway here are a few pics of where I am at so far.

This is what it looks like almost stock. At this point I had only removed the stock mirrors and the front fender.





Here it is after removing the tail light assembly.



Next was the passenger seat.



Obviously the next step was the driver seat.



Now the rear fender is gone and it is starting to get the look I want!



And the last thing I got done today was getting the side mount plate bracket and brake light attached. The light is a replica of an old model T or Model A light. I can't remember which.



Future plans include repainting a few things. Also going to try and find someone with a classic head light to trade with. 4" fork extensions, upgraded fork springs, new intake kit, and possibly new exhaust. I still have not decided on drag bars or apes yet. If I go apes I will have to limit them to 12" apes or else buy new cables, and those are around $350. With 12" apes the stock wiring will work, it just needs rerouting. Eventually I will paint the wheels too, but I am gonna wait for the clear coat to wear off, since it isn't real chrome once that happens the wheels on these start to look crappy.
I am also going to remove the crappy airbox (AIS) system. I know its a violation of federal law but the bike looks better without it. Screw the EPA.

[CoFats]

$500.00 isnt much for a project. Though you're stripping more than adding.
Got a timetable? Ready by Spring?

Surprising how the look changed with just the fender removal. I am not a fan of Apes, so I'd vote for a set of Drag bars over the 12" Apes.

Keep a good photo record of the transformation and let us follow the progress with you.

[edger]

I can't wait for the step by step pics. I envy those of you who can do this stuff. I don't have the talent. Keep up the pics!!!!

[undgsx-R]

It is starting to look good imho. I think that they bike will look good with either type of bars, but it will depend on the look you are going for.

[CustomDave]

Thanks for the replies!

I know $500 isn't a lot to build a custom bike. That is part of the reason why it has taken me about 5 months of collecting parts. I check craigslist all the time and wait for people wanting to trade parts or selling cheap. But really I am not going to do to much more at this point. Only about 6 weeks before the weather is warm enough to start riding again.
So I guess I should say $500 for this year. By next fall I will have more plans I am sure. Right now I just need to get the seat on it, some small turn signals mounted somewhere on the rear, and most likely drag bars for the front. I think I am going to run it without a rear fender this season. Also I am going to try putting in a hardtail bar since I have a spring mounted seat. I may try my hand a fabricating a trailer fender to fit nice and close to the rear tire, but that will probably wait. Unless I get really tired of water hitting my back. But with all that being said the first bike swap meet here is coming the first weekend of March so who knows what I can turn up.

[edger]

6 weeks?? Wow that sounds too good to be true. Wait, it is! I think we got about 8 here.

Anyhow, lets get some pics prior to the ride, sounds like you'll have some stuff done soon. Would this be something you might swap out then before your done??

[edger]

No pics yet????

[undgsx-R]

If I remember correctly, he ended up putting it back together for the season so that he could ride. He has been really busy, just bought a house and other things.

[edger]

At least someone is makin some bucks. Glad its one of us and not some stranger!!