Looks like we're soul brothers now Rocker.
I have also recently acquired a beautiful 2004 EV Cali, thanks be to Mister Roper who referred me to this machine.
So it was very original and has had the recalls done as well as a gearbox restore by Pete , changing those plastic caged mains to proper metal. If yours isn't done I suggest you keep a weather eye on oil in the bellhousing cause those plastic cages are not long for this world.
So for me , like you, I hated that huge screen thingy, hate looking through layers of perspex and hate that turbulence.
My first act was to remove it. I rode it like that for a week and then fitted a little bikini fairing that I have had on a few bikes over the years.
Turns out it suits this Cali.
Next thing was those horrible footboards. Luckily I found a bloke with a set of lower rails and footpegs from a Jackal, complete with levers.
Fitted those but missed the bling which I ordered from Harpers. Sorry but I have to say Harpers service was not as expected. After a couple of weeks I realised there was no tracking number so I contacted them to be told that they were in a turmoil , apparently from other reports, a continual state in their company, and that I would have to pay more than expected for the freight because they didn't have their act together online. They claimed they had contacted me but that was not so. A shame, I have dealt with them before and I hope they lift their game.
Anyway, I eventually got the bling and it didn't fit , didn't have clearance for the levers, so I belted it till it did, and it's OK, just a bit rough if anyone bothers to look.
Next thing was the riding position with those bars. My issue is we have a lot of potholes round here and sitting bolt upright gives you a bad jolt right up your spine if you are unfortunate enough not to be standing on your pegs.
So I found a set of wide dirt bike bars that have the right diameters centre and outer but are much lower than the standard bars. Only problem was the inner diameter was different for the bar end weights, so I had to improvise some rubber to fit in there.
Result is I have total control of my pedals, what a difference to gear selection and ease of braking, I look over a bikini fairing that pleases me, and I lean forward so bumps don't jar my back and I feel more in control.
What a wonderful machine.
Here's the original bike .
Then I fitted the small fairing.
And here it is with the footpegs and lower bars.
Only 38,000K's on the clock. I think this will see me out. Love every moment on it.
