1995 Revival

[mayhem8]

Hmmm, thought I did a post here but seeing it. Anyway, nice find 2wrens. I was considering doing a custom rear seat update because the Mrs says the rear seat doesn't have enough padding, but for now I'm considering an inflatable or gel seat pad.

Was thinking I could just remove the current seat cover (which is in good shape) and add some padding under it, but not sure if I'd be able to add enough to make a difference AND get the same seat cover back on AND not have it look wonky.

[Nails]

Was thinking I could just remove the current seat cover (which is in good shape) and add some padding under it, but not sure if I'd be able to add enough to make a difference AND get the same seat cover back on AND not have it look wonky.

I recommend thinking about what kind of padding you want -- probably high-density foam rather than fluffy stuff. At any rate, look at the naugahyde when you take it off. There's probably a lot extra, plus your cover probably is loose anyway. I mean, one thickness of ensolite (backpacking sleeping pad, under your old foam) would probably do as much good as anything; and I'm pretty sure you'd be able to get the cover back on just fine.

But if you screw with the top (such as trying to sculpt replacement foam), you'll want that to end up being smooth. Even little ridges and valleys will show.

[2wrems]

My current seats are probably from the 1986 body. Still weird my frame is a 1995, but all the body is a 1986. So it has the older seat covers with the "deep" buttons, i liked the look of the newer seat covers so i ordered them. I might have to fill in some of the valleys where the buttons are so the the seat is smooth. I don't think that will be hard, i don't have an issue gluing some foam on top and sculpting it to be smooth to fill in the valleys. I like doing new things and learning. I will do the passenger seat first to see what i will be getting into.

[Nails]

i don't have an issue gluing some foam on top and sculpting it to be smooth to fill in the valleys.

Just be careful. Small irregularities can stick out (literally) in the sun -- easy to get lumps. Regularly spaced button pits might look better.

I suggest running any thin, soft foam on top all the way down the sides. It can be hard to feather the edges so that they don't show. (And look, of everyone here, I'm probably the least fussy about mere appearances.)

Another idea might be to make the foam part of (glued to) the cover. Upholstery fabric often comes that way in the first place.

[2wrems]

New covers showed up. They are nice. Will be a much needed improvement.

[Nails]

Nice that it isn't Pig-on-a-Hog black.

[2wrems]

Well, i couldnt help myself. Was sunny and 45. Had to take it out for its maiden voyage. It runs great! All the work i did paid off. Although the speedometer isnt working. Don't know how many miles i did, but was out for over an hour. I did pull the old seat vinyl off already. I just pulled the old vinyl back on until i get the seats done. The new foam came it, took over a week longer. So i can start finishing the seats.

[sir old dirt]

2rems,
It is nice to feel the excitement in your post concerning your maiden voyage. All Voyager owners will testify to the longevity you can expect from your new scoot.
Congratulations on the work you accomplished.

[cushman eagle]

2wrems,I too,congratulate you on a very successful maiden voyage
I have had my '99 for 11 years,and almost 70,000 miles,and still enjoy it every time I get a chance to ride it.

[2wrems]

So i took the bike apart last night. More parts showed up. Everything to get the powered GPS mount on and the fog lights. I looked at the speedometer cable, thankfully it was broke in the middle. I had nightmares of the gauges needing replaced. So i started the install of the fog lights and GPS wired mount. Ill Hide the fog light switch where the CB is supposed to go, i dont have the CB on my model.

[Nails]

Nice.

Do those fog lights mount between two parallel metal strips? If so, how far apart are the mounts? I have accessory lights that mount like this. I welded SS strips to the case savers. (Yeah, it discolored the chrome -- don't care.) My lights have both spots and "angel eyes", and they're wired to change with the high-low beam switch (when a DPST switch is on). Very kool. But the lights suck -- nowhere nearly as powerful as advertised. I'd like to replace mine with something that actually makes a difference. Yours might work. (I'm also thinking of going for HID headlight bulb instead of the LED I put in there, which also kinda sucks.)

I kept that little door where you put your switch. I also left the hole and fish out pigtails for electric clothes, trickle charger, USB charger, &etc. I like keeping plugs out of the rain, at least most of the time. But I also installed switches and lights in the fairing above this door. The switches (push-button and toggle) include those rain condoms.

Glad you're having a good experience with this cheap bike. I do think it'll grow on you.

[cranky]

.. got these off Amazon, NOT street legal... but who's gonna check? I aim them away a tad...
They ARE bright!!! LEDs so draw little current, saved me 6 amps off the set I had with the scoot...

https://www.amazon.com/Nilight-Driving- ... NrPXRydWU=

[Nails]

Those are stud mount, and I'd really rather have something small and round. If I had room, I'd try some projector assembly -- I think I do have room on another bike. Something like https://www.motorcycleid.com/adjure/5-3 ... 2362319816 (but I wish they'd mention cutoff -- and came as a pair).

"Projector Design: The light source behind a projector is much more intense and the projector lens helps project the light source further and wider down the road. This is why higher end vehicles use projectors and not reflectors in their headlight system."

[2wrems]

I'll find the link to which ones I ordered later. But when on nice. Got the gps mount on. Waiting for the speedometer cable. Working on the seats now.

[2wrems]

Here is the link to the lights i ordered
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1

Wiring harness/kit.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

[Nails]

Thx, looks good. I already have the wiring for them to come on with high beams.

Switching topics to an LED headlight bulb ... this usually gives a crappy blotched light pattern. Here are some possible solutions:

https://www.ledoauto.com/blog/index.php ... ight-beam/
LED and halogen bulbs both work with reflector. But, different reflector has different inner structure. LED can’t emit lighting with a 360-degree angle like halogen bulb. So, when we make it fit into different headlight reflector, we gotta adjust it to have a perfect light beam. Watch this video, we will show you the detail. [Nice, short vid. Dunno if I have this set screw.]

https://jalopnik.com/why-most-led-headl ... 1843070472
A long explanation of why LED upgrades rarely are.

https://jalopnik.com/should-you-swap-yo ... 1728026383
Follow-up to above with some testing.

https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/ ... g_any_led/
Rather breathless diatribe on why LEDs don't work.

https://www.carbibles.com/best-led-headlights/
Most of these brag about producing a good pattern. YMMV

https://www.autoguide.com/best-led-headlight-bulbs
As above, plus user reviews including "pattern".

I'll try to salvage my existing LED headlight. The pattern sure sucks now. I might spring for those Cougar pups: $30 for two with free returns. I'm really trying to like LED headlights.

[2wrems]

Yesterday i changed the oil. Got the seafoam out of the crankcase. Put a Battery tender plug on. I got the foam glued on the seats and the covers are ready to be stapled onto the seat pans. Finished the RAM mount for the GPS. I also decided that i wanted power in the trunk for charging while riding. Just like i put a SAE plug on the hard saddlebag of the KLR to be able to charge things while riding and it be water proof i am going to do that to the trunk on the Voyager. Ordered the plug last night.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1

Then i will be able to convert the SAE plug into what ever i want in the trunk, and it will still be removeable.

Staple the seat covers on, speedometer cable, sae plug. Thats all on my list now.

[2wrems]

I got the SAE port installed in the trunk. Put it on the bottom to keep it out of the weather. Now I can charge anything in the trunk while riding.

[2wrems]

Got the seats done! Just need the speedometer cable.

[2wrems]

Speedometer cable came in yesterday. Threw it on and headed out. Did 30 miles. i didnt realize these bikes had self cancelling turn signals!
Thanks to everyone that helped me along the way. Now i can just enjoy it and put the miles on! It is in full working order.