I feel like I've ran out of cool, budget-friendly mods - I've been knit-picking at my 06 for stuff to do to kill time on my weekends off....

For months now, I've wanted to LOWER my bars, but my brake line didn't agree with me. It was stretched to the MAX to accomodate my clip-ons from day 1 (see old pics). That's the cool thing about clip-ons, they are fully adjustable to almost any position

In the last week I found a thread on here about clip-ons where MREED posted a picture of his YAMAHA Sportster (LOL). I noticed his clips were lower than mine, so I inquired. I'm too cheap to buy longer cables, wires and such, so I asked about what I could do to lower my bars and not run into a HUGE project in the process. Mike suggested 'sectioning' a part of the brake like - in turn, this would allow me to run my brake hose UNDER the top tree actually allowing room to put these bars anywhere I choose. Although I'm mechanically inclined and I have a degree in collision repair, I have NEVER messed with brakes. So I turned to MREED again for a full 'how-to' on this process. Geez, I don't even know how to bleed brakes! LMAO! Anyways, Mike sent me a huge email and provided step-by-step instructions on sectioning the line and bleeding the brakes. THANKS, MIKE!

However, I didn't take that route.....

I freaked myself out thinking this was out of my realm, and almost neglected to even attempt this. Then I started thinking about SLACKSTER'S copper wire jobs....hmmm....Slackster used copper tubing in place of his intake breather and now his new 48 tank breather. So I started thinking. Instead of compromising my brake tubing by cutting it and splicing in back together, what if I went to the store and bought a tubing bender? And so I did. I went to Lowes and the guys there are idiots. I went to Advanced Auto and bought a tubing bender for $12. Luckily, it can bend brake line as small as 3/16", which is a common size. I came home and went to town. I was a little scared, but I did it. It may not be the prettiest job ever, but it worked and I think the brake hose curvature helps add to the 'roughness' my bike has in it's looks. I bent it in 3 spots to achieve this look and it works perfectly. I lowered my bars to about an inch and a quarter above my lower tree.

Now for my headlight. It's been bothering me. I like the 'old-school' look and I've gotten a million compliments on it, but it's just been bothering me for a while. Almost like it was too drastic of a change for a sportster. I got the idea from JOEBOTICS a while back, and he's gonna be pissed I went back to the visor mount, but I just had to! SORRY, JOE! The bars were just so damn low, that there was too much space between the headlight and my clip-ons. So after a half hour of digging through the garage I found my old visor mount and set it up. I'm much happier now. Looks way more CAFE style, which is what I wanted.

The riding position is so aggressive on this bike it's pretty much RIDICULOUS. My neck hurts after about 15 mins of riding. My chin is about 2 inches away from the gas tank, and the mirrors are a BITCH to see through unless you burn your knees on the rear cylinder head However, I think it looks great, so I will sacrifice. I've been told by a few people my bike is UGLY, but I don't care. I like it! I hate people feeling like they have to say positive things on here, so whatever you can dish out, I will take. Just wanted to share some knowledge and thank MREED, JOEBOTICS and SLACKSTER for inspiring me to do a lot of cool ****! Below are some pics.

 

I assume you have those rear pegs to throw your feet back there...ever think about rear sets?

 

God I feel bad for your back after a long ride lol

 

Mike - Do you know how much rear controls cost? AHH! Hell yeah, I'd like some! I think I would also have to replace my exhaust. The rear pipe won't allow them to bolt on. HUGE expense

 

I bet a guy could make a set pretty cheap...and exhaust is what you need to start cutting next!

 

I'm up for rear sets and new exhaust. Money sucks right now. You wanna make me some for free? I'll put your name and phone number on my bike as payment

 

I guess you don't have any 500 mile days in your future, huh ...

 

Went 800 miles on it before in 1 day with regular bars and suspension. I'll still go 500 miles. Where do you wanna meet up, Charley? Let's go!

 

Just a small suggestion

 

Dude - you layed my tank down! haha! I was gonna do that. I'm not cool with these tank lifts anymore. It's almost like I outgrew the childish mods. Maybe I will do that tomorrow. Awesome pic! Thanks!