To let you know the changes: the obvious...the trunk and subframe supporting it were removed to the tune of about 30 pounds; the windshield was cut way down and painted to match; new rear wheel and tire; I cut the stock "ape hanger" handlebars off and welded on some from a mid-eighties Honda FT500 Ascot; the exhaust was drilled until such time as I can afford to have a header pipe made ($75 bucks, give or take) and I eliminated the airbox (about 3 pounds) and used a Uni filter...and of course, the jetting adjustments required to accommodate the freer breathing mods to both air intake and exhaust. For a Helix, it's kind of a rocket now...
And I only have about $750 into it including the purchase price of the original pearl white, bone-stock Helix.
First off, I must confess to being Scottish...not Irish. But the name "Sgian Dubh" (pronounced skee-in doo) is Gaelic for "black knife". The Sgian Dubh is the name of that little knife you will see slid into the top of the kilt hose in traditionally dressed scotsmen (not part of the Irish dress). The one I wear has my clan's crest in the handle. It was originally used as a personal defense item and was worn either under the arm or tucked in the folds of the kilt. Clans didn't particularly trust each other and although the custom was to leave your swords, hammers and axes outside, they pretty much all had their "holdout"...the Sgian Dubh. It is now just an "accessory" for the traditional Scottish garb.
I have to agree that it's quite the transformation. I especially like what you did to the rear end, it looks purposeful and very much like a "sport" scooter. I'd like a better look at the cut down bars if you ever have a chance.
Oh, and are those prancing horse shields I see on the front bodywork?
Andy
2006 Buddy 125 (orange), going to a good MB home
2009 Vespa 250 GTS (black)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800 (black)
2008 Ducati Hypermotard S, traded for Tiger 800