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After what seems like FOREVER (actually, about a month) I rode my XS home
from the local shop today!
What started out as fresh tires and a tune up ended up including a tank
sealing, paint (might as well paint the tank while it's off, right?), a new
chain and sprockets, steering head bearings, tuneup, fork brace, etc, etc.
I replaced the front fender b/c there was a dent in it. Now I know how it
happened. On the very first test drive the homemade 2-1 header hit the
fender under braking. So my "new-from-ebay" fender now has a small dent in
it, too! GRRR! Changed out the rear shocks and put on the Commando exhaust,
as well as some Daytona bars and new grips. Lots and lots of scrubbing and
elbow grease and she's just about done!
I still have some detaililng I want to do, and I have some bar-ends on
order. Also, I replaced a broken tach cable, but the first time I took her
out for a test drive the tach broke...spun the needle all the way around,
breaking it off. It's pretty much dead now. What years will fit/work on an
'83?
Here are a couple of before and after pics. I'll take better "after" pics
soon.

I'm proud of my sweetie, BUT I wish I could impress on him the importance of ATGATT. He bought boots, but didn't wear them today. While he looks adorable in Chucks, I can't imagine how hard it was learning to kickstart in them!

Nice bike! Honestly though I like the before color and seat !

It looks great though. I second the shoes comment lol.

The before color and seat would fit you just right Nurse! But for a guy? I'd have to fight my way out of every bar I went to! Periwinkle? Not for me!
OK, I know I shoulda worn the boots.....

BTW, anyone want to buy the seat/sissy bar, handle bars, highway pegs, etc? All the cruiser stuff is up for grabs!

Nice! Thanks for the pics!

scott s wrote:The before color and seat would fit you just right Nurse! But for a guy? I'd have to fight my way out of every bar I went to! Periwinkle? Not for me!
OK, I know I shoulda worn the boots.....

BTW, anyone want to buy the seat/sissy bar, handle bars, highway pegs, etc? All the cruiser stuff is up for grabs!

Oh no doubt! I meant to add that lol . For a guy...no not so much.

Your excused this time as far as the shoes. Ive been to known to wear red patent leather high heels while riding on the back of the bf's bike once or twice...It was that or drive home drunk - easy decision!

Snotter to rocker in one fast step.

Bike looks sick. How does it sound?

That is one beautiful bike. What an excellent refurb.
Painting it black was the right choice and I like the new seat.

It fits you well and the jacket and helmet look good.
But yeah, you need boots.

Ride it with pride and congrats.

Flipper

Thanks all! I have boots...just didn't have them today.
The pipes are "Commandos" from MikesXS.com. They're patterned after the old Norton pipes and sound GREAT! Not too loud, very distinctive. The mechanic at the shop likened them to an old Triumph sound.

Wow, the bike looks brand new in the second pic. Excellent job!