57 MPG AND good performance & good manners ( Not farting loudly in public). Thats good work,and its a good lookin thing, too,,

That rumblin grumblin growlin sound on decel just makes me grin,,
Poppin & bangin is embarrassing,

Dave wrote on 06/06/13 at 05:26:40:

I think they look cool.  

Until next winter when the bike will be taken apart and painted.....this will be my last update.  I just rode the bike about 700 miles over a 4 day period a the Dragon Run that the members of this site have been doing for the last 9 years.  Last year was my first ride and my bike was stock, this year it was the Cafe' bike.  The bike rode great and other than tightening one allen bolt that came loose - it needed nothing the whole weekend.  The bike averaged 58 mpg over 3 tanks of fuel.  The seat and handlebar postions turned out to be fine and after one 220 mile day my butt was a bit tired......not too surprising.  I never did get sore.  I did trade bikes with MM Ranch for a 10 mile stretch and his bike was far more comfortable as he has installed some taller rear shocks that are really cushy.......so although my bike was rideable it was not really comfortable.  I have tried to ride my bike a few hours each work to get used to the seating and handlebar positions.

When I was riding behind my bike I noticed the turns signals and brake lights can be seen in the daylight.....but they are not as bright as the stock items and may not get the attention of someone texting while driving.  I may add a supplemental brake light that is brighter and see if there might be some brighter turns signals.  Maybe red rear turn signals in combination with a controller that turns both turn signals on when you brake.....while still letting them blink as turn signals.  I am really paranoid about getting rear ended by a "cage" driven by a driver while texting or adjusting the radio....etc.

I am also planning on doing some pulley changes to get the rpm's down a bit while cruising on the interstate.

The bike rode extremely well on The Dragon and I was able to lean it over within 1/4 inch of the tire edges......it seems to have a pretty good weight balance and was very stable.  I am very happy with the conversion and how it rides!

Dragon Trip 2012



Dragon Trip 2013


     

Please put the Special badges under the Eagle

Dave your bike came out beautiful, I'm so happy that you are happy with the outcome and that you are finally enjoying it to the most after so much hard work  

BTW it is a Special 650!  

paulmarshall wrote on 06/17/13 at 14:22:28:


It may be illegal, but doesn't stop all the knob heads doing it though!

Dave,
Congratulations on your successful Dragon Run. If there were ever a place to test the meddle of a scoot's engineering, craftsmanship, and durability it would be on the Tail of the Dragon while dragin' the pegs for 700 miles over 4 days. Your journey was a special accomplishment
considering your build schedule and your limited time for shake down
and testing before you committed to the Dragon.
I've enjoyed watching and reading your progress leading up to this occasion.  Thanks for sharing it with us.