I'm back! And the bike has almost risen! .......... 2001 Marauder 800

So I made it back home to the states! No more sandbox for me! I finally got some time to work on the VZ800 today so I went crazy. Got the new dual headlights on, did the Stage 3 upgrade (only had to fight 8 stripped screws out of 20). Slapped a 17 tooth sprocket on which was surprisingly easier than I thought it would be. The only issue I have is that I got the wrong air filter for the front carb so I have to wait two more days for that to come in and take her for a ride. I really need to get my custom exhaust made to complete the package, well, until I find more stuff to do to it. Once I get the new filter in and the tank back on I'll get some pictures to show you guys.

Seems like it's going to be some picture, some bike, too.

Look forward to seeing and hearing about the mods.

 Jim.

Welcome home Dan. I have been wondering how your doing. Looking forward to seeing your bike

Glad you have returned Dan! What double headlights did you go for? as I am interested in doing this myself

Always good to hear when people return home safely,waiting for the pics now Dan.

Welcome home Dan, Will look forward to the pics

Glad your home safe Dan  on looking forward to the pics.

These are the headlights I got. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TWIN-E-Marked-Clasic-Chrome-Motorcycle-HEADLIGHT-Light-conversion-HLUTRCH-/281115044125?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item4173c3291d

One of them had a slight dent in the ring, but it isn't noticeable unless you're looking for it and paying for the shipping back to the UK was going to be more than it was worth. They were really easy to install and they had small lights under each headlight that I swapped for amber bulbs to make them turn signals so I could get rid of the lollipops. Now I just have to try and avoid the fix-it ticket the cops can give me. Though technically they could do that for my debaffled exhaust as well. I brought back some 30mm shells from the A-10 squadron that was stationed at my base and I'm currently thinking about trying to turn them into grips for my handlebar. They definitely have the diameter, it's just they're about an inch longer than the standard grip and in order to look right the open end of them would be visible to the outside. I was thinking bar end mirrors as I have one currently mounted, but doing the throttle would be tricky as the mirrors grip to the inside of the handlebar itself and there would be a huge gap to overcome. Who knows. All I know is that I can't wait to get her back together and ride!

Sounds great, you have a good insight.

Welcome home man !

She's alive! I love putting the last pieces on and firing her up with no problem. I won't get a chance to really take her out until tomorrow as I don't have anyone to watch kiddo for me and the authorities frown on leaving an 18 month old by herself, but she sounds great. No leaks, is running a bit rich, but honestly less than before I did the Stage 3. Now I just really need to get that exhaust done so she'll actually look right. Yes, I am missing part of the heat shield. I was attempting to do slip-ons a couple years ago and the pipes didn't want to come loose so I had a casualty. All in all though I'm happy with her!

Oh boy does that look great or what  

Sight for sore eyes

looks great!!  you know you want to chop the arse end off though lol and bob it

Looks cool! Love that seat 

Way to go Dan. Looking good.   Take good care of that baby. (the 18 month old that is)

Haha fat intruder, I do want to bob her, but I need the pillion seat for the old lady. And simbo, that seat is fantastic for solo riding, but I'm going to get the foam redone in the stock seats so the wife can enjoy it as well. And tex, I'm trying. I'm still learning, but I don't expect that to ever change.

Well I got to take her out for a little 50 mile ride today. Mix between city and freeway riding, and man, she's a whole new machine! The sound under throttle is much better, probably due to the new air filters. She had a bit more power, but with the 17 tooth sprocket I couldn't feel as huge of a change as I think I would've if I still had the stock 15 tooth. The sprocket did make a huge difference. It had to be one of the easiest and cheapest mods I ever did and I have to say it is by far the best mechanical mod anyone could make. The revs are so much more manageable at highway speeds. There was a few times I didn't realize I had more gears left that I could run through. I did find out that I made one mistake though. When I took the shift linkage off to do the sprocket change I put it back on backwards. Found out real quick that I had a 1 up, 4 down transmission. Luckily it was a quick 2 minute fix, but just a warning to others to actually pay attention to the linkage orientation if removing it. All in all, I'm very happy with it.

1 up 4 down he he he was it nice to ride like that or just really strange? never mind all sorted now bet when  you first got on it it was difficult to pull away in first (5) lol