Planning my modifications

[Louimart]

With the Minnesota weather starting to get cold, I have been thinking of making some modifications to my 96' GS500e.

I would ideally like to make frame modifications to add a Cafe/Brat style straight seat.
There are a few ways of going about this, but would anyone have any suggestions?

I'm thinking of chopping the frame where the top and bottom brace join above the rear wheel and cutting off/trimming down the cross braces to make room for a straight flat seat.
I also really like the look of having a round top hoop much like a lot of the cafe racers you see out there. Cut off the top rails right up to the fuel tank bolts and weld on the round cafe top hoop.

As I am still planning everything out, here are a few images. First one is my bike as it is right now, followed by a quick photoshop image I made of what I'm going for and other images I found online I like.

Also, I'm looking to buy a welding machine, but anyone have suggestions on what kind to get? Would a 100amp arc welder work just fine? I've seen someone on here use a small portable torch can of butane/propane... if you have suggestions for other tools for frame works, I would greatly appreciate your input.

Please let me know what you guys think.

Thank you,

Louimart


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[Big Rich]

I don't know enough about welding to give any useful advice, but I do want to say this: if you plan on welding up your own subframe, please have it done or at least looked over by a professional. I shudder to think of what would happen if your subframe snapped while riding.......

But I like your idea as far as the seat goes. Make sure to plan for some kind of splash guard / fender, license plate position, suspension travel, etc, and you should be ok.

[Louimart]

Thank you Big Rich,

very good point. I took a metal sculpture class in college so I know the basics... but thats just welding bunch of junk together aha. I will see if I can find someone who can help locally.
(Anyone on here from Minneapolis?? North Loop area??)
I'm thinking its safer to go with just shortening the frame rather than replacing the top rails completely. Seems like thats what the example pic did.

As for the splash/fender, Im in the process of ordering a chain guard so I can span across to attach a rear hugger fender.
I found a stoplight+license plate mount just like the one in the last picture on Dime City Cycles. Been spending too much time surfing that site...

Thank again for your input!

[Louimart]

Here is the tail light Im thinking of.

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-lighting-parts-classic-retro-satin-black-taillight-62-21512-sbpc.html

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