handlebars, weird box, air suspension, and lowering

[jasncab]

Hi everyone. I just picked up an 81 that was laid down but damage seems to be all to fairings and engine guards.

I have restored my current bike which is an 85 Vmax, so I at least know some of what I am getting into.

As I was checking the bike out last night I noticed a few things I was hoping you all could comment on.

1. Plastic box on right side of airbox area. Seems to have a few wires coming out of it and a ball inside. The balls rolls if you tip the box. It is a rectangle in shape and about the size of my hand (not small).
2. Bars. 7/8" right?
3. Air suspension. Can I replace the air system with a single schrader/presta valve on each? Thoughts? Does the bike actually get taller in the rear when I add air or is it just adding load?
4. "lowering" the front end. Is it as simple as letting the forks rise through the trees a little? Any advice on how far?

Thanks for the help. I took what I learned on the vmax and I turned it around and help other as much as I can from what I learned. Ill payback the same here when I can!

[Wilcoy02]

#1--Sounds like an add on by the P.O.

#2-- 7/8 yes

#3--no idea about the valve. It does get taller.

#4--Most put a spacer on top of the spring.

[jasncab]

Thank you for the reply!

Sorry if this is obvious How does the spacer lower the front end? Wouldn't that just make the springs harder?

I might have misunderstood. When I replaced the seals on the max there was a little spacer (2") at the top that made the spring compress and definitely did not lower it at all.

Lowering ride height right?

Thanks for the explanation. Sorry for being dense!

[RBGERSON]

1. not OEM picture might help ID...

2.right

3. You can but will be hard to balance, same on the front. why would you want to?? Also you can replace with Progressive shocks with or without air..at least thye use to sell them.

4. you can lower by sliding the tubes but it effects trail and rake very quickly the bike gets squirrely ..try 1/2" at a time..luckily easy to put back.

[jasncab]

Weird box pics!


I suspect it an alarm?

All the wires in the pic belong to that thing. One goes to the horn.

[indianakid]

maybe a headlight modulator.......................

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Martek-F10 ... 3156618456

[jasncab]

I think you nailed it.

You WIN! Send me your address and you are the recipient of a "headlight modulator" lol!

[DenverWinger]

Headlight modulator with a wire going to the HORN??

[jasncab]

ok I lied. Or well I was mistaken.

I removed about 10 wires yesterday after getting the bike running.
That box was wired through what could only be the headlight "boot".

(my bike was um.. well the front fairing wasn't on it)

Thanks guys!