ProTouring442's 1993 Suzuki Motorcycle

Factory Options:

None

Exterior Modifications:

So, I spent the weekend making the old girl a bit more “mine.” On the way home from the shop, I noticed a slight weave, especially in the corners. When I picked the bike up, my mechanic had mentioned that he thought the head bearings were a little on the tight side, but that they might be OK. After consulting with him via phone, I decided we should start by loosening them a bit. My test ride later in the weekend confirmed this, and the bike drove like a dream with nary a hint of weave.

While I had the top triple clamp off, I painted it as it had become a bit scratched through the years. I also installed a set of bars made for a 1969 European market Triumph Bonneville. While I felt that the original bars were too narrow, the Bonneville bars were a bit too wide, so I narrowed them 2 inches. Now, the bike fits my 5’8” frame and riding style perfectly.

The previous owner (Chuck) had installed a set of Motolites driving lights down on the fork lowers. I really didn’t like the looks of them way down there, and took the opportunity to move them up to a position just below the top triple clamp. I also wired them so that when turned on, they only light up with the high beam. Wiring them this way will allow me to aim them for longer distance, while not blinding on-coming traffic. Finally, I removed the fairing Chuck had installed. I have an aftermarket version of a BMW R100-S fairing that I may try later though. Anyone know where I can get paint in the factory color?

I spent quite a bit of time detailing the bike. I can’t emphasize enough how clean it was when I got it, but nobody is quite as anal as I am when it comes to cleanliness! I even waxed the under seat area. I need a shrink! I polished and waxed all of the paintwork, while removing the “VX800” decals. The bike now looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. In fact, my cousin dropped by yesterday and just could not believe that it had 17K miles on it! I may need to get a life!

While cleaning, I decided that I didn’t like the big, Mickey Mouse ear turn signals sticking way out in the wind. I investigated installing a set of after market signals, but they are so small. In the end, I shortened the stalks on all four factory turn signals, and this had the desired effect. They look a lot better, and will still provide a good deal of safety with their larger lenses. While focusing on aesthetics, I removed the factory rear square reflector, instead using those little round ones you use to secure your tag. I also moved the tag up closer to the tag light. While no major changes were done here, I feel it makes a nice difference in looks as the rear fender now looks a lot shorter.

I am ordering a set of mufflers for it as the originals on it now have been drilled and just don’t sound good to me. I have noticed this on other bikes with drilled mufflers. They all seem to have a rather flat “blat-blat” sort of sound that just doesn’t “do it” for me. I am replacing them with a set of reverse cone mufflers I found on a site specializing in Yamaha XS650s. They have a nice “classic” look that I think will compliment the VX’s look very well, and will hopefully have the sound quality I am looking for. I would also like to upgrade the front brake, maybe with the R-6 upgrade. My only problem being what I have read about master cylinder difficulties. I want a master cylinder that will have a built-in brake light switch as the stock one does. Any ideas?

And now for the ride! Man, what a bike! With the slightly wider bars, this thing steers like a dream, seemingly responding to thought instead of a deliberate push. It’s narrow, light, and torquey. In my humble little opinion, it is a modern version of a ‘60s Triumph Bonneville. A do all, go anywhere bike if there ever was one. It even possesses that same sort of visual quality that causes you to turn and look as you walk away from parking it. Other than the too-short mufflers, there really isn’t a bad line on it, and just like the old Bonneville, the engine has the same sort of “see through” design that makes it so you can “see” what the parts do that lay just under the cases.

Speaking of cases, maybe I’ll get the side covers polished… And the fork lowers while I’m at it... Well, that will have to be a winter project, now is the time to ride!

Interior Modifications:

It's a bike... no interior

Performance:

I added a set of "Commando" style mufflers from a Yamaha XS650 site. The original Norton Commando mufflers were smaller, with longer reverse cones though. I think these match the lines of the bike quite well, and the sound is great! Not too loud, but with a nice tone.

Suspension/Chassis:

It has Progressive Suspension front springs in it, and since I came home to a bit of shock fluid all over the floor the other day, it will have Progressive Suspension shocks on the rear very soon as well!

Drivetrain:

N/A

Electronics:

N/A

To-Do List:

N/A