I can dig it. Been a sport bike guy since 1974. Moved to higher bared naked bikes around 2000 - multiple Speed Triples, Buell XB’s, a ZRX1200 etc. the old gray mare ain’t what what she used to be - ha ha.
I need to know more about the black one. The shortened seat assembly is something I have long thought about but never seen done. Looks fantastic, there.
Update on selling the RS. I’ve taken the ads down. I’ve been riding the RS more and more, and I am in the process of doing all I can do to acclimate and conform myself to the RS. The shifting issues I was having at the start of ownership has become pretty much a non issue now that I’ve come to learn the shifting technique and I’m really growing quite attached to this quirky critter as time goes on. I really want to make this relationship work, because I really like the looks of the RS. While I’m currently looking for a pair of K75S bars, I have ordered a RS seat cover and will have a local auto upholstery guy cut the foam and build a stock seat for me. The PO had installed a very low seat that desperately needs changing. I’ve noticed that when I sit up higher, the wind noise starts to diminish. I’m hoping that between getting the higher stock seat and installing different bars, and possibly a modification or changing of the windscreen, the roar will be lessened and the riding position more comfortable for me. If I can get the riding comfort close as possible as to how good the RS looks, I will be one happy camper. Thanks.
Congrats, I hope it works out. I have also read about people cutting the little re-curve lip off the top of the windscreen with good results, plus it still looks pretty 'stock'. Yours looks very, very tidy except for the hideous seat. If it has the original heavy flywheel the shifting takes a good bit of getting used to. It took me 18 months to almost master mine, and I still stumble on the downshifts occasionally. I also recently installed new Pilot Activ tires and upped the pressure to 34f/38r and she now handles much better than before.
I’d like to cut the top lip off also, but not sure the best (safest) way to do it. I’m thinking of cutting it slowly and gently while it’s still on the bike by hand following a line of blue painters tape. Any suggestions as to a proven way of cutting?
I don't have a suggestion, but I'm sure someone will. If I were taking an uneducated whack at it I'd be tempted to use a fine tooth jigsaw and cut very slowly. I'd probably cover the whole thing in a contact paper or something to protect the lexan, and tape the edge as you mentioned. The stock RS has this welted rubber edge that will cover minor imperfections, so at least you have that (if you are going for the stock look). [
A lot of modern windshileds have a U shape, or horseshoe, with the edges peaking higher than the center. It won't look stock at all but I have been super curious what a shape like that would do on the bike. If I had the means it would be fun to vacuum form some cheap plastic replicas and just experiment with them, cutting them differently just to see how they affect the air.
What happened to your side panels? If you lost the R one, Solo Lobo has a set in the FM. Glad to hear you are giving it the time and effort it really deserves. Even if you do pass it on eventually, the decision to do so will be more solidly grounded.
Fwiw - I messed with cutting mine and had some luck with painters tape and a dremel cut off wheel - finished by sanding. That being said I didn’t absolutely like my result so ordered a std height from Clearview and had THEM cut it down 2” - seems to be working very nicely in addition to k75S bars Good luck!
Motorworks UK have the K75S bars in their ‘Used Parts’ shop – not particularly cheap for a used part, but I understand their shipping to US is reasonable and quick:
This guy prob has them in the US. Larry “Stoner” Stonestreet Stoner’s Beemer Stash 951-813-1704 ca.stoner@yahoo.com Also maybe Re-Psycle BMW Parts https://m.re-psycle.com/ (614) 837-1160
If not mentioned, you might also try a standard style seat--it may offer some difference in the seating position that helps your comfort level.
I cut my windsheild with a jigsaw and a coasre metal cutting blade. Couple strips of blue tape on the plastic and on the entire sole of the jigsaw. Helps to be good with the jigsaw and go with a low blade speed. The stock windsheilds are very UV sensitive. At 5000' I get cracks in about 2 years no matter what I smear on them.