Cafe-ish project 77 standard

[boss77]

Hey guys. I got my bike about 2 years ago (in June), but life's path led me away from the bike until my car took a dump and left me without transportation. I'd love to say my bike is going to be original, but it's not. Like many before me, I am going after somewhat of a cafe look, but not a true cafe since having fenders and sidemarkers are important to me. In any case, here are a couple of pictures of the bike:


When I first got it:



And now:



The bike was DOA when I picked it up and I began slowly accumulating parts, more so lately since I'd love to see the d**n thing up and running by or before summer hits. Being a bit of a grease monkey who always has to have some sort of money sucking project, I bought a lot of things I probably didn't need right away, but I'm neck deep now and there's no turning back. Here is a list of stuff I have already acquired off the top of my head:

-xs750 tank
-joe wiseguy underbraced swing arm w/ brass bushings
-clubman bars
-Avon tires
-Koni adjustable old skool shocks
-Tkat fork brace
-fisheye big brake kit (dual floating disc w/ dual pot calipers)


I also bought quite a bit of tune up and general replacement parts, which I'll save you guys the trouble of reading. I do have some questions for anyone who wants to chime in. Please let it be known that I have read the Minton Mods at least three times and have also read the "performance" section at the end of my Clymer manual so it should go without saying that I'll be doing things like needle bearings, solid swingarm bolt w/ zirk fitting in the swingarm, etc.


First question: Before I realized that the emulators sold though Mikesxs were actually Chinese knock offs, I bought some and recently tried to put them in only to find that the part they sit on isn't as shown in the installation pictures I've been able to find. I guess since my bike is a '77 standard, that I got what appears to be the early style piece. I posted a thread and was told to just make a spacer, but I am wondering if it wouldn't be easier or better to just get the later style piece like the one shown in the pictures, or just get them from Race tech and try to sell the knock offs I have.


Second question: Can someone point me in the direction of a good electric starter delete DIY? I found some info on 650motorcycles, but have been unable to find anything with a list or procedure.


Third question: Ignition system improvements. Which one should I get? I know there is Boyer Bransen, Pamcopete (a great, well supported product from what I've read), VW DIY scrap together. I'd like to get something that suits the bike's needs. The motor will pretty much be stock.


Fourth question: I am giving serious consideration to buying new carbs since mine need rebuilding anyway. Can someone recommend a good size or show good reason to stay with stock? I don't have any plans to beef up the engine and won't for at least a few years since my BMW will be needing time and money immediately after I get the bike going. Plus, I only have 11k on the original motor so I think it will be good for a while.



Thanks to any and all who read this. It's one of the nicest things to be able to have a community like this one who shares an interest and can lend help when needed.



Logan

[5twins]

1. Simplest solution would probably be newer damper rods or forks (eBay) but add that cost to the valves and it might be cheaper to sell yours and just get the real ones. The original forks aren't all that bad if you clean them out, do the Minton Mods, replace the springs, and use a bit more than the stock amount of oil.

2. The starter delete is pretty simple. That's probably why it isn't written up much. Pull the starter and install the block-off plate. If you want to go further, various parts associated with the starter can also be removed (gears under the right side cover, shaft through the motor, starter relay, safety lock-out, and assorted wiring). I think most just leave all that stuff in place.

3. The Pamco gets my vote. Although it's not 100% electronic (still uses the mechanical advance) it's way cheaper than the Boyer. I found the Pamco very simple to install and set. I coupled it with a hot Andrews coil ($25 from eBay) and I couldn't be happier.

4. I would stick with the stock carbs if possible. Most rebuilds consist mainly of a thorough cleaning. Your '77 carb set is considered one of the best so I would try to save them. For stock or mildly modded motors, the stock carbs are fine.

[boss77]

Thanks for the response, 5Twins! I sent you a personal message.


On another note, a small update: The dual sport brake retrofit kit arrived today. It looks pretty sexy, but one concern has come up with it. The rotors which came from a Suzuki had the mounting holes redrilled so they would fit the bolt pattern on the Yamaha hub. I didn't know this was going to be the case and am a bit worried about the safety aspect of the modification. Since the wheels are already apart for resto/rebuild, I am wondering if it wouldn't be better to use Suzuki hubs instead and bolt on the same rotors I got with my retrofit kit sans the extra mounting holes that were drilled. Any thoughts?