A noob's project

[corey5988]

I picked the bike up two weeks ago. It's a '99 Shadow 750 ACE with Cobra exhaust and footboards and House of Kolor Tangerine Pearl paint, otherwise pretty stock. I've already gotten everything planned out for the most part and have started doing a little work. Here's how it was when I picked it up.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10053.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10054.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10055.jpg

Plans for the bike are........

hardtailed or lowered 2.5"
chopped fenders (repainted same color)
one piece 2-up seat
Harley rear wheel and 21" front wheel
aftermarket bars
forward control extensions
custom exhaust

[corey5988]

Made some hardtail struts today. Here they are fit up, but I took them back off to paint.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10056.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10057.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10058.jpg

I also have some 12" apes and a Shadow Spirit C2 one piece seat ordered and on the way.

[Romparoo]

Bike looks pretty good already, can't wait to see what you do with it. Good job on the struts. Ya, my seat (C2) is a nice looking stock seat.

[corey5988]

Thanks man. I got the struts painted an put on today. After riding it a bit like that I ordered a 2.5" lowering kit from scootworks and posted the struts for sale in the classifieds. Here's the pics.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10060.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10059.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10061.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10062.jpg

[Romparoo]

They look good painted black, matches the frame pretty well. I hear a few guys on here not liking the lowering kit because they seem to bottom out sometimes.

[corey5988]

I can deal with that, as long as my tire doesn't rip anything off. I'll just have to crank the shocks up some. I just want it to have a little give, instead of being completely solid.

[RescueXJ]

I also have some 12" apes and a Shadow Spirit C2 one piece seat ordered and on the way.

Will that seat fit the ace or are you going to be making up some different mounting brackets?

[Dcfam]

Hey corey, while looking at your ACE, i had an idea of what the ACE's rear end should look like.......What do you think?
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv343/Dcfam555/newbikie.jpg

[corey5988]

Hey corey, while looking at your ACE, i had an idea of what the ACE's rear end should look like.......What do you think?


That's similar to how I'm going to cut it, except maybe an inch or two shorter.

[corey5988]

Will that seat fit the ace or are you going to be making up some different mounting brackets?

Got it in and mounted today. The front "bar" piece that slides under the tank and the rear mount holes match up. I just had to take off the strap bracket and chop the plastic pan up some at the rear of the front portion.

[corey5988]

I forgot to mention I also got my bars in yesterday and put on. They're a bit higher than I had intended, but I think I'll probably go with some drag bars or maybe back to the beach bars later on in the project.

[corey5988]

The new pics

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10065.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10064.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10063.jpg

[Dcfam]

So how rough is it w/o the rear shocks? Is it crazy rough compared to stock?

[corey5988]

So how rough is it w/o the rear shocks? Is it crazy rough compared to stock?

I've been riding the past few days like that. I could deal with it every so often, but not on a daily bike. It's fine, until you hit a big bump. The others you can feel, but it's more of an annoyance for me than comfort. Not to mention my life is pretty stressful and I get headaches a lot.

[RescueXJ]

Can you post some pictures of what you shaved off the seat and possible how it mounts (I know that seems obvious). It looks great on there.

[corey5988]

Can you post some pictures of what you shaved off the seat and possible how it mounts (I know that seems obvious). It looks great on there.

Give me just a few to snap some. And thanks.

[corey5988]

Here you go. Had to cut a strip sticking down in the front and cut out the old fender contour. The foam portion sits on my fender, but I'm going to cover it somehow. Not sure how yet.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10067.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10069.jpg

[RescueXJ]

You could probably shape some thin sheet metal and rivet it to the seat pan to cover that up. Maybe cover it in vinyl and add a little more foam for some extra support in that area.

I am having seat issues with my ACE and its really been starting to piss me off. I really dislike the look of the stock seat, so I ordered a Saddlemen Profiler. I love the looks, but its like sitting on a fucking cinder block. So now it looks cool but rides like shit, so I am no better off than where I started.

I just recently picked up a stock seat on CL so I can shape it and re-cover it. Its too bad I didn't see this thread earlier, I would have done the same thing. I really like the looks of the C2 seat on the ACE.

[corey5988]

You could probably shape some thin sheet metal and rivet it to the seat pan to cover that up. Maybe cover it in vinyl and add a little more foam for some extra support in that area.

I am having seat issues with my ACE and its really been starting to piss me off. I really dislike the look of the stock seat, so I ordered a Saddlemen Profiler. I love the looks, but its like sitting on a fucking cinder block. So now it looks cool but rides like shit, so I am no better off than where I started.

I just recently picked up a stock seat on CL so I can shape it and re-cover it. Its too bad I didn't see this thread earlier, I would have done the same thing. I really like the looks of the C2 seat on the ACE.

I'm thinking I'll cover it in vinyl, since it's a pretty tight fight on the fender as is. I originally wanted a Profiler, but decided to spend the money elsewhere.

[RescueXJ]

I'll sell ya one cheap!

[corey5988]

I'll sell ya one cheap!

Maybe we can work something out. :thumbsup: Throw me a pm.

[RescueXJ]

Gotta message.

[corey5988]

Got this wheel on the way. It's a 17"x6" from a Harley Nighttrain.

http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9898&stc=1&d=1253494781

[corey5988]

And here's a pic of the bike after putting the lowering kit and old struts and bars back on.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10070.jpg

[old4x4]

Nice...esp the color!

[corey5988]

Got this wheel on the way. It's a 17"x6" from a Harley Nighttrain.

http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9898&stc=1&d=1253494781

He noticed a crack in that wheel when he was packaging it, but found a black one for me for the same price, so it should be on the way soon. I also found a place that makes custom aluminum sprockets where I can get a 37 tooth for $68. I'm going to grab a master cylinder off my cousin's GSX-R parts bike and I have a spare used 17" tire that came off my TL1000R I'll slap on temporarily. Plan on doing that the next couple of days it's supposed to rain, since it's my daily.

[corey5988]

I changed my mind on the sprocket place. I ordered a custom 37 tooth from PMP sprockets for $70 shipped to my door. Also bought a caliper from a Dyna Low Rider on ebay for $43 shipped.

For those keeping tally here's the price list for my Harley swap.

Bought -
HD Nighttrain wheel and rotor - $125
PMP 37 tooth rear sprocket - $70
HD Dyna brake caliper - $43

Will have to get -
GSX-R master cylinder - $0-$15
custom hose (if GSX-R hose doesn't work) - $25-$35
machined axle and spacers (will do myself) - free
Shinko tire - $130

Projected price = $393-$443

[corey5988]

After going through three handlebar set ups I finally found one I like. I had stock and it was decent, then I put 12" apes on and hated it. Then I put the stock bars on spirit risers and hated it. The combo I really like is a stock HD Sportster drag bar on the spirit risers. Here's a pic. I also got my HD Nightrain wheel, caliper, and my custom PMP 37 tooth sprocket. I have a tire ordered and it should be in and hopefully mounted on tuesday.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10078.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10080.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10081.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10083.jpg

I'd highly recommend PMP sprockets to anyone. The sprocket got here in no time at all and they carry hard to find stuff like this 37 tooth '99 up harley sprocket.

[corey5988]

I started working on the rear wheel. Go to this thread to see progress of that.

http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/showthread.php?t=15934

[corey5988]

sneek peek

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10125.jpg

[corey5988]

Finished up my wheel swap for the most part (still have to do the master cylinder). Also thhe wiring harness is rubbing hard, but that's no biggie since I'll be cutting the fender anyway.


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10128.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10127.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/SDC10129.jpg

[corey5988]

Also gave the go ahead for the machinist my work uses to order the aluminum for the custom fender struts. He said he won't have it this week, but maybe next week.

[corey5988]

I have the "SS rider" model 2 LED taillight setup on the way. Probably start cutting on the fender next week.

[Lynne]

I like that new wheel. A lot. I'll be watching your project raptly as I also have an ACE ('03) and it doesn't seem like too many people mod those.

What part of Kentucky are you in, Corey? I'm in the Louisville area.

And now I have a n00b question. What is the purpose of lowering? Is it just aesthetic, to change the angles, or is there more to it? Are there any downsides?

[corey5988]

I like that new wheel. A lot. I'll be watching your project raptly as I also have an ACE ('03) and it doesn't seem like too many people mod those.

What part of Kentucky are you in, Corey? I'm in the Louisville area.

And now I have a n00b question. What is the purpose of lowering? Is it just aesthetic, to change the angles, or is there more to it? Are there any downsides?

Thanks a lot. I plan on running a Sportster front wheel, just like below, sometime down the line.

As for lowering my main reason was aesthetic. I'm going for the slim look, similar to a pro street chopper, and hate a lot of gap between the tire and fender. Just look way off for me. I came from sportbikes and lowering kills the handling on them, but for some reason it seems to have made the ACE handle better in my experience. I can't think of any downsides except for ground clearance over bumps. I've never scraped though and I've rode over some decent bumps.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Harley-Davidson%20XL%201200L%20Sportster%201200%20Low%2006%20%201.jpg

[corey5988]

Also forgot to mention I live in northern Metcalfe County, about an hour east of Bowling Green.

[corey5988]

Cut the fender today. I'll be smoothing it out/sanding and primering it soon. I won't be able to paint it until I get my struts back, so I can drill my holes for the mount. Here's some pics. The seat will be getting trimmed up, it kills the flow of the fender the way it is now.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/d3507e53.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/d6145d46.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/6359105d.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/23bad5c2.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/e01f1a5f.jpg

[Lynne]

wow! It's already a completely different bike. I love the look of the fatty tire and chopped fender. I agree that the seat needs to be cut. Looking forward to seeing more of your progress.

[corey5988]

Thanks a lot. I got my fender modded for my taillights. I'm using "SS rider" LED tails.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/251c9ae7.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/3c85e878.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/3eb711a1.jpg

[corey5988]

I made some forward control extensions the other day. Just got them sprayed with KG Gunkote (the best/strongest coating imaginable) and they're in the oven for another hour. I do have a huge update coming tomorrow so stay tuned despite the suspense.

[Lynne]

I made some forward control extensions the other day. Just got them sprayed with KG Gunkote (the best/strongest coating imaginable) and they're in the oven for another hour. I do have a huge update coming tomorrow so stay tuned despite the suspense.

:tap: :tap: :ears:

[corey5988]

Here it is. Might not be as exciting for anyone else, but this is one of my favorite parts of the project.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/50099a03.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/4d0a3b57.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/9ffe5dee.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/f4f13071.jpg

[corey5988]

Here's a pic I fixed in Paint of how I'm wanting to trim the seat up some. Should help a lot.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/f83440d6.jpg

[firefighter212]

I like but should have waited til you got your fender struts to cut your fender.A lil more of matching would have went a long way.jmo. dont get me wrong,looks 100 times better but would looked better if it matched the fender struts.Maybey a lil more trimming on the second half of the struts.Just a hair more off the arc. to make it match.It`s easy for me to sit here and judge,but you got alot of work in it and glad for you.If your happy with it then so am i.A carpenter pencil is your best freind in a sititution such as this.Hate to see someone said wish i did this or that after paint when he had the suggestions before hand.Forgive me brother been framing up a garage all day and hit the coors light`s too soon.

[corey5988]

I drew the prints up for them and used them to cut the fender. I intended for it to sit 1/2" lower than the struts. I'm not sure if I want it like that or flush yet. Thanks.

[Lynne]

I like the way the struts look with the fenders. I think when the fender is painted, it's going to look amazing!

Dumb question for you - is the the original fender? Is it metal?

[corey5988]

I like the way the struts look with the fenders. I think when the fender is painted, it's going to look amazing!

Dumb question for you - is the the original fender? Is it metal?

Thanks. I sure hope so.

The fender is the original, majorly chopped. It's steel, not sure what gauge though.

[Lynne]

Thanks. I sure hope so.

The fender is the original, majorly chopped. It's steel, not sure what gauge though.

huh. I figured my ('03 ACE) rear fender was crappy plastic just like the front one, but it's not. I had to check - it's steel, too.

[billace]

what color are you gonna paint it?

[corey5988]

what color are you gonna paint it?

House of Kolor Meteor Maroon.

[corey5988]

Got my forward extensions put on the other day. When I made them I neglected to account for my front exhaust. I think I'm going to do a custom exhaust anyway, though.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/0c4ade37.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/229ab095.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/RedNoma/Shadow/1858d2b5.jpg

[Lynne]

those look good, Corey. I wish I was skilled enough to make something that would fit with the crash bars I got for my ACE after I wrecked. But no forward extensions for me... a trade off I've decided to live with, but I'll still complain once in a while :milk:

[ahjort]

I used these forwards on my '98 ACE. Fast easy, swap and oh so affordable! Not sure if they would work with crashbars! You can see them in my pics gallery!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Shadow-ACE-750-Forward-Controls-The-ORIGINAL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c0debe71dQQitemZ120492648221QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_1880wt_1169

[corey5988]

Sorry there haven't been many updates. I got married the 14th and the bike is at my parent's since I don't have room to work at my place, and I have another project going to that has to get done soon. I will update though.

[Lynne]

Sorry there haven't been many updates. I got married the 14th and the bike is at my parent's since I don't have room to work at my place, and I have another project going to that has to get done soon. I will update though.

how funny that you posted this today. I *almost* posted on this thread last night to hassle you for another update.

Congrats on the wedding! And so it begins, eh? New bride and the honey-do list trumps the bike. :laugh4:

[Swilly]

I got married the 14th and I have another project going to that has to get done soon.
This Thread Is Useless Without Pics.......:break bed

Swilly

[KAHUNUCT73]

how much did you pick up that car for? Im looking for something like this for a project car.Nice work btw

[obtaigo09]

All noobs that are new here post here and maybe make some friends. Get post count up higher, and get known a bit. Also so you can get used to this before you use the general forums.

[billace]

All noobs that are new here post here and maybe make some friends. Get post count up higher, and get known a bit. Also so you can get used to this before you use the general forums.
WTF?!?!?

[VoodooMaster]

+1 Bill....................................wtf.......................................

[ahjort]

I think he is onto us! There is only one thing to do...




10551

[Timinator]

All noobs that are new here post here and maybe make some friends. Get post count up higher, and get known a bit. Also so you can get used to this before you use the general forums.


Shhhhhhh, guys.......I found a 'loop-hole' to their system. :idea3: All you have to do is post here where they can't see you and then you don't have to worry about being picked-on in the 'BIG-BOY' section. "gosh.....i sure hope none of the mean boys see this..........." :uhoh2:

[slowc10]

you mean i could of posted here and not got picked on at all, oh man....better man up and post in the big boy section or we will all come here and pick on you instead

[Dcfam]

I don't see any noobs in here, they must be hiding........:freak: I guess i'll leave them alone.

[nealdrums]

All noobs that are new here post here and maybe make some friends. Get post count up higher, and get known a bit. Also so you can get used to this before you use the general forums.

We see you........ fuckoffhidingnoob . Oh, by the way, NO PICS = NO BIKE:pics_or_s

[Lynne]

dang and I was hoping these new posts would be pictures of progress

[ahjort]

dang and I was hoping these new posts would be pictures of progress
Sorry, I guess we got kinda carried away fishing for noobs!

[Lynne]

no worries ahjort, I should have bashed some n00bs when I stopped by, too, but I was having too much fun this Winter. :knife:

So corey5988 you got any updates for us?

[Dcfam]

no worries ahjort, I should have bashed some n00bs when I stopped by, too, but I was having too much fun this Winter. :knife:

So corey5988 you got any updates for us?


Where have you been?? thought you may have given up the bike after the incident....

[Ghost Shadow]

It was about time someone posted a pic of a hot looking shadow so here.
http://www.thekingofchoppers.com/images/bikes09.jpg

[corey5988]

Sorry guys. I've been busy and the shop is 30 minutes away. Not to mention I've been swamped with insurance jobs (do body work). The shadow's been setting. I'm going to start back on it soon though.

[mcvierh]

So are you trying to say it took you 4 months to get 30 minutes away?

[Lynne]

Where have you been?? thought you may have given up the bike after the incident....
oh I've just been busy and not thinking much about riding, or the bike - 'cept when I was able to ride it one day last month. Winter flew by (a trip to Barbados didn't hurt!) but now I'm getting psyched up for Spring riding and will be pestering y'all once more. :grin:

How are you, Dcfam? Have a good Winter? Sick of the friggen snow yet? I sure hope it is DONE for the year. GAWD.

[Lynne]

Sorry guys. I've been busy and the shop is 30 minutes away. Not to mention I've been swamped with insurance jobs (do body work). The shadow's been setting. I'm going to start back on it soon though.

dang dude, I was counting on you to inspire me to do some stuff to my ACE. But heck, mine is in an attached garage and I walk by it every day on the way into the kitchen yet I still didn't do anything to it.

[wataskia2000]

Bike looks great. You might think about getting a belt drive conversion. They are expensive but make it much smoother. The other thing I did when I had mine was the thundermfg air breather and a dynateck ignition. I did trade over to the dark side though....

[Lynne]

Corey, did you go with the 1.5 or the 2.5" lowering kit? (Scootworks, right?)

[Timinator]

Spam