Transformation of my 09 RSV is almost completed.

[YamahaLarry]

Some of you know I have been riding a 99 RSV for several years now and had a custom HOK paint job done in 2015 in memory of a 6 year old girl from Oxford, AL that lost her life to cancer and use it to run lead/escort on 20+ charity rides a year. The 99 is a good bike, just wanted something a little newer, a few less miles and the pillow top seating, plus I found one in Georgia for a very decent price.

 

So, what I've been doing for 2 weeks with injured ribs is transferring all the body parts from the 99 to the 2009, upgrading the audio, installing new led flashing white lights to be used on the bike rides, and while I had it torn down, buffed all the painted parts with 3 step compound, adjusted the valves, sync carbs, changed much of the fluids, greased splines, etc. And I also changed out mufflers to Road Kings that were a dealer pull and swapped the rear shocks (one on my 99 was only 1 year old).

 

To get her completed by this past Sunday morning for a breast cancer ride, I had to work on her from about 8 AM Saturday morning til about 7 AM Sunday morning, no sleep, and only stopping to get a bite to eat and to screen print 45 tee shirts for the ride. Got a few loose ends to tie up, like swap the aluminum levers (brake/clutch) to the chrome ones from my 99, swap out the little plate between the 2 side covers, install the ground effect lighting that were originally on the 09, and recut/apply 3 childhood cancer decals that were removed for buffing.

 

So, anyhow, got it done and wiped down (waxed the parts prior to assembly) for the ride. So, the only test ride was the 2 miles from my house to where the registration was for the ride. She rode like a DREAM and the sound of both the audio upgrade to Polk db402s and the RK mufflers were AWESOME.

 

If you are looking for an inexpensive exhaust upgrade, I do recommend the RK mufflers. They are a very tight fit and will have to really work hard to get the all the way upon the header pipes, but the sound is great. She's got some grunt now. And IMO, the Polk 402s for 65 bucks a pair are really a step up over factory. I forgot to put the cones on the back of the speakers and will have to go back into the front cowling for that, but they sound great as they are. No real deep bass, but the volume is a boost as is the crisper sound.

 

Will try to post some pics in the next couple days. Didn't have time yesterday to take any, and after catching up on missed sleep, just didn't have the time this evening.

 

While being a mechanic in a prior life, couldn't have done this transition without all the helpful information I have gained from this website.

 

Best $12 annual recurring bill a man can possess.

[Beachbum]

Hats off to you sir!