99 Ex 250 project Cafe/streetfighter, The build thread.

[cerberusrex25]

Originally Posted by bob138

My suggestion for the tail cowl is use a busa, tiller, or srad seat cowl as a base.

They have the shape you want and can be pretty cheap seeing as you can make due with a damaged one.

There may be some other ones that work too.

I'm in Centreville too btw, off Compton, if ya need a hand with anything

And I'm the same Bob138 from customfighters

Bob

Yo bob, thanks for the advice, also glad to see a fellow fighter around(specially from my neck of the woods). I will let you know if I ever need anything, maybe once this thing is done and I get my M endorsement we should go for a ride.

[cerberusrex25]

Finally got the integrated Tail light kit from D2 moto yesterday, pretty solid but I might end up replacing the bulbs for better quality bulbs. I like to thank Bosgarage57 and CZroe for the recommendation.

On a different note, anyone know of a good set of clip-ons for the pregen? or at least what size of clip-ons I should buy( not sure if the forks are 35 or 33mm). also looking for a 2 into 1 exhaust system for my pregen two( preferably one that sends it to the right side) any adapters or full systems out there?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[CynicalC]

Originally Posted by cerberusrex25

Finally got the integrated Tail light kit from D2 moto yesterday, pretty solid but I might end up replacing the bulbs for better quality bulbs. I like to thank Bosgarage57 and CZroe for the recommendation.

On a different note, anyone know of a good set of clip-ons for the pregen? or at least what size of clip-ons I should buy( not sure if the forks are 35 or 33mm). also looking for a 2 into 1 exhaust system for my pregen two( preferably one that sends it to the right side) any adapters or full systems out there?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

General consensus is that you want the woodcraft lowered risers instead of actual clipons. I'm looking for a pair myself.

For new exhausts you have area p and 2 brothers probably. I found a muzzy on eBay for 175. Here's a yoshimura that might clean up ok with a new can on it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-...#ht_2830wt_640

Just remember they each have their own downfall. Gotta take off the yoshi to change the oil filter. Or you gotta remove the sidestand for the muzzy. Read the ninja250 exhaust wiki for more info.

[CynicalC]

Heres a nice used muzzy. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Muzzy...2#ht_942wt_948

I recommend aerating eBay pretty deep. There are usually some gems buried there.

[cerberusrex25]

Originally Posted by CynicalC

General consensus is that you want the woodcraft lowered risers instead o actual clipons. I'm looking for a pair myself.

For new exhausts you have area p and 2 brothers probably. I found a muzzy on eBay for 175. Here's a yoshimura that might clean up ok with a new can on it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-...#ht_2830wt_640

Just remember they each have their own downfall. Gotta take off the yoshi to change the oil filter. Or you gotta remove the sidestand for the muzzy. Read the ninja250 exhaust wiki for more info.

I'm gonna wrap it anyway, this might be something I might jump on, looks like the one on my concept drawing. I wonder if I would be able to fit one of them new triangle yoshi slip ons or maybe an akra shorty pipe.

As for the bars, i kinda want clip-ons because I kinda want an old racebike/cafe lookand stance(rider position) besides no front fairings which makes it less of a problem. I know it will be uncomfrotable as hell but I am willing to take the hit. also thinking on ordering a solo seat cowl from Airtech to complete the tail. this way it gets me the look I'm going for and get it road legal really quick.

[CynicalC]

Is there a law about fairings?

[cerberusrex25]

Originally Posted by CynicalC

Is there a law about fairings?

Nope, but usually that's why people recommend the lowered risers over clip ons, because they interfere when you have a front fairing.

Also soooooo mad both those listings are gone.

[CynicalC]

Oh my bad, didn't realize it on my phone. Dig around eBay though. You might find something

[cerberusrex25]

Will do, now I know what they are and look like, will go fishing for that yoshimura pipe, I like it a lot.

[andylawcc]

you get universal clip-ons (36mm) from ebay for $80 buck or so, but it might have tank clearance issue. the safest best is Woodcraft lowered Risers, which are $150 bucks, but it will clear both the tank and front fairing.

[andylawcc]

and keep up the good work!

[cerberusrex25]

Thanks Andy, I will keep those issues in mind. So today the weather was fair (and so was my wallet), so my father and I took a trip to the autozone to get some stuff,and there is where my disappointment began. First all the 1156 sized bulbs they had were white(apparently is impossible to find them in amber or yellow) then their crimp terminal selection was atrocious. I got out of there all bummed and ready to throw in the towel when suddenly he says: "Why don't we check the ACE hardware by the house, maybe they have something" and he was right!!!; at least I got the terminals and got it all mounted on the bike.As for the bulbs I just did a quick search and found I can buy LED ones for virtually nothing so I ordered some.

Here she is with her new integrated tail light kit:

My haul


Installing the terminals




All installed






I feel like it was a very productive day, Monday the engine leaves my house and goes on to my friend Jason to finally get rebuilt.

[cerberusrex25]

Today I woke up late and the day was awful, so while I wait for parts that are coming in the mail I decided that the weather was not gonna ruin my day. I showed the day who's boss and DW'd instead, here are the results:

Rearsets installed:




so is the rear brake caliper and the torque link:



Also the front caliper and brake disc:



Even the kickstand:


As the days pass this is looking more and more like a bike:




Now all that is left is to wait for my engine to leave the shop and the other odds and ends to arrive, but I hate waiting

[andylawcc]

the blackout rear tail light looks nice!

[Too40gawlf]

Its looking absolutely sick. Awesome job.

[cerberusrex25]

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

Its looking absolutely sick. Awesome job.

Originally Posted by andylawcc

the blackout rear tail light looks nice!

Thanks guys, I can't wait to finish it and ride it. Need to do MSF and such but, I can guarantee i will be riding this baby next season.

[tanman2003]

are those rearsets? they look to be stock?

[cerberusrex25]

Originally Posted by tanman2003

are those rearsets? they look to be stock?

If you are asking if they are the old stock rearsets, yes they are, they are the ones that came with the bike. I bought this thing in pieces and now getting it back together and roadworthy. Do you know of any aftermarket ones that might look better?

[tanman2003]

sorry i thought rearsets moved your controls more rearward and sometimes up in some cases.

[cerberusrex25]

LOL, is ok, adjustable rearsets do. The fact is that you are correct, the original term does mean what you think. I really meant the after market rearset question though, this things look ugly as sin and I sat on it today and I feel quite awkward on it, I really need to move my foot controls back and down a bit.

[Tony B]

Rear sets usually move your feet back and UP, they give you a 'racier' look and feel; when people use a bike for the track, it is standard practice to use rear sets. When I started riding, (several decades ago lol), footpegs were generally much further forward and down than nowadays, so rear sets were a total necessity. Now, sports bikes have pegs that are in a much sportier position right from the factory.

[cerberusrex25]

Well got my seat and other parts in yesterday and decided to set them on the bike to see how they fit.

08wheel and seat mounted up:



problem is the hub is a bit bigger on the 08 but this could be solve by custom spacer or replacing the swingarm, I opted for the swingarm, here is how the problem looks like:



and overall how everything looks;




Thanks to hinow41 for the seat, it is in excellent condition along with the other parts that he sent me.

[Alex]

Is there enough clearance above the tire at full suspension compression? Looks a bit tight.

[cerberusrex25]

It is, but then again I have not messed with my rear shock yet, apparently it is set on a lower setting, once I calibrate it for my weight and height I should be golden.

[cerberusrex25]

The mail came today, got my 20 buck complete swingarm from ebay and the caliper bracket, I could say I was happy. You know how they say something is too good to be true?Well 20 bucks for a complete 08+ swingarm is awesome, until it arrives and is a little bit bent inwards and the caliper bracket wont fit. Is not a huge dent but, it sure makes me a bit angry when they say" excellent condition" and neglect to mention something like this. Sure is a few millimeters but, is worth mentioning. I still have to buy the dog bones and the rest of the shock linkage; as far as fitting goes, it fits like a glove and only will need a washer on the main joint.

Now for pictures, because we all know how useless build progress posts are without them.







Here are the correction pics, as you can see everything fits and lines up correctly:

[CynicalC]

What is the real benefit of the new gen swingarm and wheel? Are the tire options really that much better? From what I can tell, they are still relatively limited.

[cerberusrex25]

I just like how the new wheels look over the older gen ones? Also I am a dumbass and had everything assembled backwards, the swingarm is still a tiny bit bent but everything fits like a glove and travels properly.

[bob138]

Sweet. Coming along nicely.

Could you weigh the old rear wheel? I'm curious how much it weighs compared to my ex500 rear. If it's noticably lighter, you interested in selling it?

Oh and is the newgen swingarm lighter than the pregen one?

I got a moped in the works so I'm looking for light parts

Thanks

Bob

[cerberusrex25]

I will weigh them to get detailed info.

[cerberusrex25]

Bob, I weighed both Assemblies together( shock, links, swingarm and wheel with tire) and pregen came out weighing 55 pounds vs new gen being 50. the difference is quite small.

I don't know if this is light enough for ya. As for your other question, yes I would sell but would like to get rid of this things as an assembly. I would part out of course, but would prefer to get rid of the whole shebang.

PM me if oyu want to discuss this further.

[bob138]

Originally Posted by cerberusrex25

Bob, I weighed both Assemblies together( shock, links, swingarm and wheel with tire) and pregen came out weighing 55 pounds vs new gen being 50. the difference is quite small.

I don't know if this is light enough for ya. As for your other question, yes I would sell but would like to get rid of this things as an assembly. I would part out of course, but would prefer to get rid of the whole shebang.

PM me if oyu want to discuss this further.

I'll PM ya if I decide to go that route. I'm aiming for 70-80 lbs wet for the moped so that is a bit much.

5lbs doesn't seem like much but it depends on where it comes from. If a couple lbs of that reduced rear wheel MOI then you could notice a bit more pep compared to stock.

Bob

[JLinde1339]

Will you be using those purple rims off the pre-gen? I'd love to get ahold of some purple rims for my ride....
Posted via Mobile Device

[cerberusrex25]

Originally Posted by JLinde1339

Will you be using those purple rims off the pre-gen? I'd love to get ahold of some purple rims for my ride....
Posted via Mobile Device

It seems like I am not, so far is not too much work to mount the 08+ parts into my ninjette. I need to find a relatively cheap front wheel in black to get both off from the bike, when that happens you know that you have first dibs on both. Right now Im holding onto things just in case.

[JLinde1339]

Mine are black. May need some touch up, but planning on getting new tires in the off-season (winter). If you'd like to consider a swap, I'd be cool with that. Just dreaming here, but I've been looking to add some purple to my matte black bike that has kinda morphed into a fighter. Was very inspired checking out customfighters, and love the look. I snipped some steel grating and painted it purple for a radiator guard.
Posted via Mobile Device

[CynicalC]

I think he's looking for an 08+ front wheel now. Why not just paint your wheels purple?

[cerberusrex25]

^what he said, I am looking for an 08 front tire. JLinde PM me with an offer and we can start from there. Also great to know you are lurking around custom fighters,If you are there often feel welcome to look me up( same SN and avatar)

PS: I wont talk business in here anymore because I don't want to break the rules, I will start a general for sale thread in the marketplace soon.

[JLinde1339]

Ahh, sorry. Didn't realize you were going for 08+ on both front and rear. Would make sense, since they upped the rim size on the new-gen's (if I'm not mistaken).

When I bought my bike used, the stock pipes were chopped, and a lot of the mounting brackets on the rear are gone. Plus the fairing was cracked on one side, presumably dropped by one of the PO's. So I said screw it, let's see how she looks nekkid. Then I was hooked. I'm also thinking about mounting some turn signals to the front fairing/mirror mounts and putting bar-end mirrors on. I also shaved off the seat, giving it another seating option between the original driver and rider seat, so when I'm at speed, I can scooch back and get real low. On the turn signals, I want to put them on the mounts, rather than the forks, so there's no clearance issues while turning. Also so they stay stationary in relation to the headlight.
Posted via Mobile Device

[cerberusrex25]

Sounds to me like you have a solid plan there. I am actually researching on how to make a sturdy cowl so I can make mine a solo seat, I also plan to shave the seat a bit. I have not thought of front signals yet but, I know for sure they will be integrated to something.

[choneofakind]

Build looks like it's going well. congrats

once you've got more of it figured out, consider getting a hugger. it will keep the shock clean and go along nicely with your cafe racer tail. plus then you'd be the only pregen on this forum with a hugger. Heck, you'd probably be the ONLY pre-gen EVER with a hugger.


how do the two swingarms compare dimensions-wise? I want to try to use one of the new-gen huggers on my bike, but don't want to potentially ruin an $80 body part in an attempt to fit my bike.

[cerberusrex25]

well, the new gen is slightly wider at the back because the tire hub is a few millimeters bigger, I have yet to confirm it but, the new gen also looks slightly shorter overall. I might be wrong so, don't quote me on this.