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What’s up guys? So I started out with a 99 Chevy s10. I really wanted a sport bike to begin with, but this dude locally offered to trade an 01 shadow for my truck. I’ve always REALLY wanted a motorcycle in general, so I took the plunge. It was in great shape, 28k miles. Loved it. Had it for about 3 months and said “nope. I want a sport bike.” 😂
So I searched the marketplace and found a guy wanting to trade this 96 F3 for a cruiser. As luck would have it, specifically a shadow. Met up with him, we both test rode each other’s bikes, and BAM. I’m the proud owner of this not so pretty F3 with custom paint and 38k on the clock. Ha.
TBH it’s in pretty good shape for a 96 IMO. I just hate the paint job. I’m not certified or anything, but I’m extremely mechanically inclined and do all my own vehicle maintenance. Building an 02 Audi TT at the moment as well. But that’s a different story.
With that being said, I immediately join a forum for any new vehicle I own and do TONS of research. I find out that this bike is running with no fuel pump, had horrible CCT chatter, an upgraded R/R (pretty sure it’s from a Gsxr,) f4i gauges installed, k&n filter, horrendously loud exhaust due to the lack of muffler, had the fairings molded into each other to make for a huge PITA when trying to do any work on the girl, and some other things I can’t remember. Probs needs some new brakes soon. Oh and it was lowered like SIX FREAKING INCHES front and back. I’m 6 feet tall, 216 pounds. NOPE.
Some goods and bads, really happy the gauges were swapped. Love them.
So far I’ve raised the front back up to stock, raised the back as far as it would go on the lowering link that it has on it, (still feels like it’s lower than stock which is annoying,) installed a manual can chain tensioner, got new grips, replaced a marred and chewed clutch cable adjuster, new clutch cable, new windshield as it came with a broken one, hooked up the clock wire on the f4i gauges (cause clocks are convenient and I like to estimate how much fuel I have with the trip meter,) flushed the brake system, and I think that’s it. Still need to change the oil and coolant for peace of mind. With the mileage a valve adjustment will probably be needed. It has a slight sputter at about 1/8th throttle. Could be plugs, which I’m going to change as well, or the carbs need a good cleaning. Probably should be done anyway.
I’ve got plans for her, yes I do. I want to do the f4i fairing swap. Need to put on a proper exhaust system. At the very least a slip on. But anyways, I’ll post whenever I make changes or think about it really lol. Cheers.
Nice to read you got what you wanted in the end. As I looked at the pics I thought to myself “bet that’s loud!”. I am with you about the paint job. Not really my cup of tea but I’d look at it as someone at some stage was looking after her well. The plastics themselves actually do look in very good order so you can do whatever you want to them.
Enjoy yourself with your new bike and stay safe mate.
Thanks man! I’m very pleased. It’s a Danmoto gp. Got it off amazon for $103 shipped. For the price it’s amazing, I highly recommend. Except for the t-bolt clamp that came with it. It’s crap. I broke it and had to get an exhaust clamp from autozone. Now it looks gaudy. I’ll have to pick up a nice quality clamp soon.
Here’s a link.
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