Two bikes in one - how brilliant is this?

[vinylengraver]

I have this idea. Perhaps it is not a new idea, but I think it's brilliant.
I recently acquired an unmolested 2007 GT1000 in two-tone cream'n'black.
All original except drilled cans. Didn't like the sound at all and was very keen on a idea of keeping the bike looking true to its classic character, so I ordered the set of Keihan Contis. I love the sound now and the pipes look outstanding.

A rear rack, comfort seat, set of leather panniers on their way from Bologna and the touring windscreen waiting to be installed will complete the bike and make it a true GranTurismo cruiser. Old bloke's bike with a wild soul under its skin.

It's funny how I almost bought a Harley earlier this year... I guess it's the age, but I have this great attraction to chrome and things that need constant care and polishing. But somehow the thought of Harley ownership did not bode well with my personality. I maybe getting old, but still have it in me... I don't think I'm ready for forward controls just yet.

So the GT1000 is a true blessing. A REAL modern bike and it's so old looking and shiny too. Did I mention I love chrome?

But what do I do, so I never get tired of this bike? I mean, it is great and Italian and all, but the urge to get something new every couple of years must be so familiar to anyone who rides. Come on, admit it - you do itch for a new bike every once in a while, don't you? Plus, when I put the helmet on and zip-up the leathers, once in a while I feel young and invincible again.

So now, here's the idea. How about I collect all the parts needed to complete my Ducati's alter ego - say, a red tank with chrome front fender, set of aluminum wheels, performance shocks, clip-ons, rizoma reservoirs, rear hugger + fender eliminator, custom cafe solo seat, a bikini fairing some rearsets, bar-end mirrors, cool rubber grips...perhaps a checker flag stripe - and -.VOILA! - after just one weekend in the garage I can have a brand new bike. Best part is I can do this every year or so - swap between my "two" sport classics - and this way I will never get tired of either of them and never get "the itch" again.
Friggin brilliant, isn't it?

PS: I got about half of the parts needed to complete my plan. And I just started this journey a month ago... Isn't life great?

Did anyone else have the same idea?

[ncgt1000]

The force is strong in this one.

[LondonDutch]

Aye. He'll be on here late at night, his eyes bleeding, while he reads of all the blingy bits he can put on his GT... Welcome to the bottomless pit of SC ownership dude.

[1duckyboy]

His credit card is in double trouble.

[DGT]

You will begin to try and rationalize all your purchases, whether it's a performance increase, greater comfort, styling, etc.

I've owned mine a few months (red '07 GT) and I already have sourced SC1000 aluminum rims and installed a 14T front sprocket. I'm saving for a fork upgrade (ST4?), YSS rear shocks, Oberon slave, Rizoma mirrors....

I'm a bit wacky about spares since production has ceased and I love the bike and plan on keeping it. To this end I have a spare seat, voltage regulator, starter & solenoid, plug wires & ignition coils, switch gear, rotors, sprockets and misc other bits. If a spare tank & fenders pops up in a different color (or a good low mile DS engine), I may be silly enough to buy it!

I've thought about the fender/tank swap quite a bit, especially in light of the tank spread issues. My weekend conversion "fantasy" is an Evan Wilcox polished alloy tank and fenders and to remove the touring parts for a more aggressive vintage look.

It's all good, hard to face the wife sometimes, but I pay the bills and at least I'm usually at home and not out and about - even though I am usually working on a bike or car in the garage most of the time.....

[egrafx2006]

Your GT will have a personality disorder, so I would just buy a red GT and keep them both.

[arbakken]

Honestly, I'm not so sure it sounds like a good idea. I think it would just cost way too much. Getting the necessary parts would cost as much (if not more) than just buying another bike. Not to mention all the screwing around entailed (although if you enjoy that kind of thing). I don't know you, but if you were me, (and I do enjoy that kind of thing) I'd probably do the conversion once, and never switch back.

Now I could see a situation where a guy had a set of easily removable clip-ons and swapped handlebars once in a while

[FareWarning]

already have my eye on a GT tank to paint black also just bought forks off ebay. same idea? you betcha.. im pretty much half way there..

[IMG][/IMG]

[Riderjeff]

We have a sickness.... A very very good sickness...

I've already got the spare tank and some chrome fenders. You're not alone!

(I might, however, be persuaded to sell the tank... PM me w/?)

[lukeeye]

Sorry guys, I'm content with one SC... just a few things left, but I think the more you own the happier you'll be!



...going to add the 1199 Panigale S to the stable next, I need diversity.