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CX Customization and Modifications

Started by Randall-in-Mpls at 03-04-2008 7:30 AM. Topic has 139 replies.

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   03-04-2008, 7:30 AM
Randall-in-Mpls is not online. Last active: 10/9/2008 3:28:21 AM Randall-in-Mpls



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Joined on 07-06-2007
Minneapolis, MN
Posts 1,110
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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 mine_us_3 wrote:
i'm not using blinkers, horn (which now is my middle finger)...

 tntchitwood wrote:
No gauges, no signals, no horn.

I don't know about Wisconsin and Kentucky, but here a bike doesn't need to have turn signals but is required to have an operable horn (and speedometer.)  Do what you want, but don't be surprised by the technical citation if you're ever pulled over.

R


'78 CX500 - The Black Maggot

My mid-life crisis has two wheels.

CX500 Factory Service Manual
(Downloadable by chapter)

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   03-04-2008, 7:47 AM
dozer1 is not online. Last active: 9/18/2008 9:15:21 PM dozer1



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Joined on 05-26-2007
Frederick, Maryland
Posts 489
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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I thought anywhere you go a bike has to have what it came out of the factory with. not the factory parts per se but an aftermarket version of them at least. not that i care, i took my speedo off, but i'd also like to remove the blinkers if its not illegal..
1980 CX500 "Stella"
Dozer1 AKA Snowplow
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   03-04-2008, 8:41 AM
Randall-in-Mpls is not online. Last active: 10/9/2008 3:28:21 AM Randall-in-Mpls



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Joined on 07-06-2007
Minneapolis, MN
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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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You can remove the turn signals because hand signals are an accepted substitute (at least in MN.)

Get a copy of your state's motorcycle riders manual that they publish to prepare for the license exam. (It may be available online.)  It should cover the minimum requirements for a street-legal bike.

R


'78 CX500 - The Black Maggot

My mid-life crisis has two wheels.

CX500 Factory Service Manual
(Downloadable by chapter)

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   03-04-2008, 10:26 AM
dozer1 is not online. Last active: 9/18/2008 9:15:21 PM dozer1



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Joined on 05-26-2007
Frederick, Maryland
Posts 489
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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What do they inspect on my motorcycle?

  • VIN Number/Registration/License Plates
  • Tire and Wheels/Wheel Bearings
  • Axle Clamps/Cotter Pins
  • Brake Operation/Condition
  • Steering Head Bearings/Stops
  • Handlebars/Fork Tubes/Cables
  • Frame/Body/Fenders
  • Controls/Mirrors/Horn
  • Headlights/Headlight Aim
  • Turn Signals/4-Way Flashers
  • Tail Lamps/Brake Lights/ other Lighting Devices
  • Seating/Footrests
  • Fuel System/Engine/Battery/Exhaust/Excessive Noise
  • Swingarm/Shocks
  • Chain/Sprockets/Guard
  • Windshield/Cowling (if applicable)
  • Safety Bars/Luggage Racks
  • Sidecar (if applicable)
Do you think that means all of those things are obligatory?i see chain/sprocket but not cardan/shaft, so im wondering if thats the final word

1980 CX500 "Stella"
Dozer1 AKA Snowplow
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   03-04-2008, 11:45 AM
Randall-in-Mpls is not online. Last active: 10/9/2008 3:28:21 AM Randall-in-Mpls



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Joined on 07-06-2007
Minneapolis, MN
Posts 1,110
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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Per the Massachusetts motor vehicle statute, you are required to have, at a minimum:

2 brakes, unless originally manufactured with only one.
1 white headlight
1 red taillight
1 rear brakelight
1 white number plate illuminator
an approved helmet for each occupant, unless "participating in a properly permitted public parade and ... 18 years of age or older"
eye protection (eyeglasses, goggles, face shield, or windshield)

I didn't find anything about turn signals or horn, but I was only looking in one place.  There is also language leaving a lot to the discretion of the registrar, so there may be non-statutory requirements.

I recommend you call (anonymously, if you wish) your local motor vehicle office, and find out how to get the full list of requirements.

R



'78 CX500 - The Black Maggot

My mid-life crisis has two wheels.

CX500 Factory Service Manual
(Downloadable by chapter)

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   03-04-2008, 12:07 PM
Cobram is not online. Last active: 10/10/2008 4:38:21 PM Cobram



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Joined on 06-23-2007
Boston, MA
Posts 631
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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Practically, in MA, if you manage to make it to the inspection station without going through the back wall or running over the inspectors feet, you've passed.
I think the grandfather clause is the norm for the whole country. The only equipment required is the equipment it came with, or was present when it was first approved (licensed.) That's why alot of the custom builders will buy old frames (or just numbers IME), and register their new creations as restored bikes.
1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out.
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   03-04-2008, 12:30 PM
fshnne1 is not online. Last active: 3/7/2008 8:43:42 AM fshnne1

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Joined on 02-23-2008
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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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Alright I am going back to the org. topic

 

What is the accuall degree of rake on your's mine-3


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   03-04-2008, 2:19 PM
motosque is not online. Last active: 2/25/2008 4:03:57 AM motosque

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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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Love your lowrider man, f***ing amazing job dude!! Looks SO RIGHT!! Nice to know the insanity is still prevalent in the real world!! If you see my CX bobber (elsewhere here) you'd understand why you have my admiration and respect dude!
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   03-04-2008, 3:03 PM
fshnne1 is not online. Last active: 3/7/2008 8:43:42 AM fshnne1

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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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 motosque wrote:
Love your lowrider man, f***ing amazing job dude!! Looks SO RIGHT!! Nice to know the insanity is still prevalent in the real world!! If you see my CX bobber (elsewhere here) you'd understand why you have my admiration and respect dude!

 

So show it!


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   03-04-2008, 4:24 PM
shimdiddle is not online. Last active: 2/14/2008 8:36:18 AM shimdiddle

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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state=ca

Click there to see what IS required in your state.  It varies from state to state, there is no set mandate.  Some states do not even require an inspection.

Nice job on the chopper.  Seeing it makes me want to do that to my spare bike....but I've got too many projects...

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   03-04-2008, 5:20 PM
tntchitwood is not online. Last active: 10/6/2008 8:45:59 PM tntchitwood



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Joined on 03-02-2008
Pine Knot, KY
Posts 509
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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R, Guys, We don't have vehicle inspections here where I live and if we did my '82 silverwing would fall under the too old to regulate rule.....And even then if it didn't...... the bike would comply on inspect morning but that afternoon it would be to my liking.Sorry about your luck.........If I gave a damn what the gov. thought I would buy an electric moped and drive it off a cliff!
'82 Silverwing Chopper
'02 750 Shadow

http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx


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   03-05-2008, 7:55 AM
Rusty is not online. Last active: 4/16/2008 3:01:31 PM Rusty



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Joined on 08-09-2007
Long Beach California USA.
Posts 121
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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Just so we keep our focus here.
A chopper is about looks not comfort or legality, it's all about the engine, length and lowness and no frills. It's the fearfull look of grandmotherly types as you pull up next to them at the stop light.
You are not going to commute to work on this beast.
You are going to live the dream and put the chrome plated high dollar bikes in thier place.
Your chopper still rocks the casba.
Rusty

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   03-05-2008, 8:57 AM
tntchitwood is not online. Last active: 10/6/2008 8:45:59 PM tntchitwood



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Joined on 03-02-2008
Pine Knot, KY
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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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Your the man Rusty!
'82 Silverwing Chopper
'02 750 Shadow

http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx


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   03-06-2008, 7:03 PM
mine_us_3 is not online. Last active: 8/16/2008 1:38:49 AM mine_us_3



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Joined on 06-24-2007
Stevens Point, WI
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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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my 2 cents-
  wisconsin requires a horn.  i just don't have one.
  also, wisconsin does not require a helmet. just eye protection.

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   03-21-2008, 4:15 PM
fshnne1 is not online. Last active: 3/7/2008 8:43:42 AM fshnne1

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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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what are you guys that have raked yours doing for shorter cables ( clutch, brake etc)

 

mine is coming out of the shop next from getting raked.


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   03-22-2008, 8:55 PM
mine_us_3 is not online. Last active: 8/16/2008 1:38:49 AM mine_us_3



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Joined on 06-24-2007
Stevens Point, WI
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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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i just left my cables as they were. maybe just slip them in under the tank or where ever they come out a little bit to hide them.  i wouldn't go ordering shorter cables...

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   03-28-2008, 4:48 PM
fshnne1 is not online. Last active: 3/7/2008 8:43:42 AM fshnne1

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Joined on 02-23-2008
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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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have you got your seat done yet? how about rear fender?
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   03-28-2008, 7:51 PM
mine_us_3 is not online. Last active: 8/16/2008 1:38:49 AM mine_us_3



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Joined on 06-24-2007
Stevens Point, WI
Posts 67
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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nah, haven't done that yet.  I think I might just have to go get a trailer fender from fleet farm or something for a rear fender.  And I acquired a sewing machine ( a nice one) so I will be able to sew my own seat now

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   03-29-2008, 7:00 AM
Rusty is not online. Last active: 4/16/2008 3:01:31 PM Rusty



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Joined on 08-09-2007
Long Beach California USA.
Posts 121
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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Speaking of farm supply.
I just roughed a seat out of an old rusty tractor seat I sound on the road.
I cut the outside rim down so it would not be so big. Need to add a hinge and springs.
Soon as I get a picture I'll post about it.
Rusty
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   03-29-2008, 7:37 AM
tntchitwood is not online. Last active: 10/6/2008 8:45:59 PM tntchitwood



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Joined on 03-02-2008
Pine Knot, KY
Posts 509
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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my seat pan came off of a three wheeled bicycle. I lenghtened the "nose" of it a little and covered it with foam and $1.00 a yard black vinyl.
'82 Silverwing Chopper
'02 750 Shadow

http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx


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   04-19-2008, 8:40 PM
mine_us_3 is not online. Last active: 8/16/2008 1:38:49 AM mine_us_3



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Joined on 06-24-2007
Stevens Point, WI
Posts 67
Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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This last week my dad gave me a old seat off his since-long-gone '69 triumph.  It's a low profile seat and it's basically in the shape of mine is now, but continues back and has a little spot for the wife.  I'll remove the cross bracket on the boke that the normal seat connects to that seperates the plastic rear fender from the metal one.  Then get a normal rear fender, and install the seat.  I'll mock it up and post a pic for you guys...

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   04-19-2008, 10:02 PM
fshnne1 is not online. Last active: 3/7/2008 8:43:42 AM fshnne1

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Joined on 02-23-2008
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Re: CX Chopper project. (lowered and raked)
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cool, Tonight I finshed the electical, made a head light bracket, cut my seat pan and charge the battery, I ended up raked at 45 degrees
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