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Topic: The ongoing motorcycle project (Read 4227 times) previous topic - next topic

The ongoing motorcycle project

About 3 years ago, I picked up a shadow - brand new for just under $5K.  Since I couldn't afford a night train, and didn't really care for the Harley nameplate; I've been slowly moving towards the blackout look.  Hopefully I'll get the engine powder coated black this winter and the project will be more or less done. 

Feel free to ad criticism, ideas, etc.
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #1 –
looks nice I will post some pics of the bike I just got.  It's and early 80's 400 nighthawk all chopped up and it's a hardtail.

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #2 –
Diggin the all black.  Keep up the good work.
84 TC 302 -5.0L/t5/7.5 locking rear and a 3.45 gear, Edelbrock Intake, Aluminum Heads, Edlebrock 65mm Throttlebody, Edlebrock Cam, 24lb injectors & MAS Air Sensor calibrated via chip,  BBK headers, Catback H pipe, Magnaflow lers :evilgrin:
:pics-stfu:

 Project Thread with pics

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #3 –
I thought about blacking out my GSXR.
I like you young guys here!

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #4 –
looks good!
RIP 1988 and 1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
I welcomed the dark side and currently am driving a 2000 Dodge Durango SLT plus, with a 5.9, Code named project "Night Runner"
Shes black on black, fully loaded, with headers, 180 tstat, e fan, straight exhaust into a cherry bomb vortex ler, full tune up, ported intake and T/B, MSD coil, and round aircleaner.
Mods to come: Fully rebuilt and heavily modded 46RE, and a richmond rachet locker.
my $300 beater ;)
R.I.P Kayleigh Raposa 12/18/90 - 2/24/07

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #5 –
Looking good !!!!! some drag pipes would look good on that bike.
Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.
:birdsmily: :birdsmily: :birdsmily::birdsmily: 
  [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
:birdsmily: :birdsmily: :birdsmily::birdsmily:
1983 base model,1969 302 (originally a v6),upraded c5,currently 30,441 original miles.

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #6 –
Drag pipes and drag bars. Just :2c:

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #7 –
not trying to hyjack this, but this is a video of cobra slash cut drags, with no baffles.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j85m_KsJPjI
Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.
:birdsmily: :birdsmily: :birdsmily::birdsmily: 
  [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
:birdsmily: :birdsmily: :birdsmily::birdsmily:
1983 base model,1969 302 (originally a v6),upraded c5,currently 30,441 original miles.

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #8 –
Hm, what did my dad do wrong?

He put drag pipes on his Shadow (actually, they're basically just slip on straight pipes that replace the lers and still have the crossover). It sounds alright at idle, but when he's going down the road it sounds exactly like his Ford 2 cylinder diesel tractor (i.e. nothing like a harley)

Is it the crossover pipe that makes it sound py like that?

Garrett H.
'94 F250 XLT- 4x4, 5 speed, 7.3 IDI Turbo Diesel, 4" intake, 4" exhaust, 5" turnout stacks, manual hubs, etc.
'87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Engine, wheels, tires, etc!
Exhaust sound clip
Another clip

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #9 –
I'm really satisfied with the sound I have at the moment, I just drilled out the baffles in the stock setup and it sounds A LOT bigger than it is.  Dare I say, like a harley. My next move is to pick up some drag bars, and get the engine done and it will be pretty much set to go.  It's incredibly nimble and great in town, but this is my last bike before I pick up a Victory hammer.  has anyone driven one of those?  I took one out a couple weeks back, and WOW!  I felt like the front tire was coming up for sure.  The bike was stock, too.  So yeah...
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #10 –
If you haven't demo'd a V-rod yet then do it before you buy a hammer.  Plenty of stock power in a v-rod.

84 TC 302 -5.0L/t5/7.5 locking rear and a 3.45 gear, Edelbrock Intake, Aluminum Heads, Edlebrock 65mm Throttlebody, Edlebrock Cam, 24lb injectors & MAS Air Sensor calibrated via chip,  BBK headers, Catback H pipe, Magnaflow lers :evilgrin:
:pics-stfu:

 Project Thread with pics

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #11 –
Not a Harley guy, sorry...  I'm so tired of the image they've created.  Sure, they've got classic style, plenty of power, but i can't justify paying more for the nameplate on a mediocre motorcycle.  I have had way too many friends stranded for some reason or other on their harleys.  My bike needs to live on the road, not in the shop
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Red_LX;151227
Hm, what did my dad do wrong?

He put drag pipes on his Shadow (actually, they're basically just slip on straight pipes that replace the lers and still have the crossover). It sounds alright at idle, but when he's going down the road it sounds exactly like his Ford 2 cylinder diesel tractor (i.e. nothing like a harley)

Is it the crossover pipe that makes it sound py like that?


What model shadow is it?  I know that the single pin crank design has a LOT to do with the sound.  Any of the bigger and newer models have the offset design, which makes for a smoother running engine, but takes away from the rumble.  Maybe this is the case?
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #13 –
theres gotta be room somewhere for a bird or coug emblem.

The ongoing motorcycle project

Reply #14 –
With the jugs (cylinders you perv), id paint them black, and then polish the tops of the fins, it gives a very nice contrast, while still keeping it rather blacked out.

Black with a good amount of chrome and polish is great.
It's Gumby's fault.