You got that right! I love winding through the countryside on mine. Nothing beats that classic sound.
For maintenance, always check the chain tension. If it’s too loose or tight, you can ruin your ride!
I sometimes wonder if anyone has tried modernizing their 850 Special? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
I’ve heard about people upgrading to LED lights! Anyone done that here?
Maintaining those original parts is key! But I get the need to enhance performance. It’s such a fine balance.
I’m new to this bike, but I’ve got to say, it looks amazing! Any beginner tips for upkeep?
Welcome to the club! Just start with the basics: tire pressure, brake fluid, and regular cleanings. It’s worth it!
I’m in the middle of restoring my 1980 Yamaha 850 Special, and it’s been quite a journey! I’ve replaced the old pipes with a 4-2-1 system that gives it a nice growl. Anyone else tried aftermarket exhausts?
Sounds like a fun project! I’m considering different paint options—what color are you going for?
I went with a deep metallic blue. It really highlights the bike’s curves! Plus, I’ve updated the seat to a cafe style for better comfort.
Love that choice! Did you have to do anything special to fit the cafe seat?
Not really! It was a direct fit with a few adjustments. I’d suggest reinforcing the mounting points just to be safe. For modifications, I’m thinking of adding LED lights, anyone have recommendations?
In my experience, the LED conversion kits from Cycle Gear are solid. I recently upgraded mine and it’s made a huge difference!
I’m curious about aftermarket parts as well. Anyone tried swapping the carburetors? It seems like a popular mod but I’ve heard mixed reviews.
It’s a love-hate situation! I swapped mine for Mikuni carbs, and they’ve been great for performance but tricky to tune. If you have patience, it’s worth it.
Restoration projects like these really teach you about perseverance. The thrill of seeing your bike transform is unbeatable! I’ve been tweaking it for months now—and still love every moment.
Absolutely! It’s like giving life back to a classic. Does anyone have before and after photos? I’d love to see your transformations!
Here is my before and after! The difference is wild. I also added custom grips which really improved the handling. Hopefully, this inspires others!
You all have some crazy mods! I just swapped the mirrors for something sportier and made a huge difference in my riding position. But seriously—how do you afford all these upgrades?
Hey, it’s all about saving up! But every penny pays off when you’re riding a bike that reflects your style. Totally worth it!