GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => Projects / Builds, Racing and Tech => Topic started by: FrictionBurn on September 28, 2012, 03:12:38 AM

Title: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: FrictionBurn on September 28, 2012, 03:12:38 AM
I have had a major accident, my bike is totaled and I have a concussion/whiplash. The accident was not my fault, but still I get to deal with the consequences. Right now my education is on hold and I am taking time to recover.

I hope to one day be back and do a good build thread. Thanks for the interest, I have removed all my posts because they really no longer matter.  :icon_neutral:
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: mab32 on September 28, 2012, 10:29:25 AM
That looks like a great project !
That GS450 is a bike with a strong little engine.
And supercharged !!!!
Anxiously awaiting further details..

And pics of course !!
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: Big Rich on September 28, 2012, 08:41:57 PM
A big +1!!!

As far as the forks go, have a chat with Rich Desmond over at Sonic Springs - I'm sure he can help you out. I talked to an older gentleman that raced a GS450 "S" and he said that an extra 50cc's of fork oil in each fork helped tremendously (although I haven't tried it myself). But he said the extra oil covered one of the internal dampening holes, but left the other holes exposed so it firmed up the front. Also, have a look at fork braces from Fast From the Past - I can't recall if they make one for the 450 though?
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: FrictionBurn on September 30, 2012, 03:12:09 AM
--SEE EXPLANATION ABOVE--
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: mab32 on September 30, 2012, 08:14:19 AM
Frictionburn,

Can I sugest you join http://www.thegsresources.com/.
Post your build over there also.
The guys over ther would be really interested in the build.
And thay have incredible knowlege of the GS's.
You would find all the help and encouragement you could ever need.
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: Big Rich on September 30, 2012, 04:38:02 PM
Quote from: mab32 on September 30, 2012, 08:14:19 AM
Frictionburn,

Can I sugest you join http://www.thegsresources.com/.
Post your build over there also.
The guys over ther would be really interested in the build.
And thay have incredible knowlege of the GS's.
You would find all the help and encouragement you could ever need.

+1. There is a member there (Pete) that tried making a new igniter for his GS450, but ended up going with a Dyna system. Another member by the name of Mekanix (sp?) has plenty of knowledge on the GS twin motors in general.
Title: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: NortwestRider on September 30, 2012, 04:53:03 PM
+++1 for GSResources,great people and a great place for everything GS!!.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: GSnoober on October 13, 2012, 05:46:23 AM
Nice project; can't wait to see/read more details...

I've owned three GS450's over the years, including two of the 1983 GS450E models, the only ones sold in the US with the Katana bodywork, which is identical to yours. The '83 US models had a black chrome exhaust and the older "star" pattern wheels. I used one for spare parts (blown engine) and installed rear shocks from a 1983 GS650G on the runner, which were MUCH better than the originals, and I planned on installing forks from a suitable GS550/650/750, whichever would have worked best. However, duty called and I left the country, so I passed everything to a friend of mine to continue the project. He got into a financial jam so I told him to sell anything he could find a buyer for, and that was the end of my 450 build.

My NEXT project will be to steal every good idea Big Rich ever had and build my own wire-wheeled wonder...

Keep us updated, and another +1 for GSResources...
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: Big Rich on October 17, 2012, 05:29:17 AM
Hey FB, I was at Barbers Vintage Festival last weekend and saw this 1980 GS450. Figured you would appreciate the pics:

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt70/rmyers104/Barbers%20in%20Alabama%202012/photobucket-17609-1350422205325.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt70/rmyers104/Barbers%20in%20Alabama%202012/photobucket-20249-1350422201805.jpg)
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: GI_JO_NATHAN on October 17, 2012, 06:05:51 AM
Awesome! I hope it turns out great.
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: BockinBboy on October 17, 2012, 06:50:21 AM
Quote from: Big Rich on October 17, 2012, 05:29:17 AM
(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt70/rmyers104/Barbers%20in%20Alabama%202012/photobucket-20249-1350422201805.jpg)
Though it is not finished... I'm not a fan of that sidecar on that GS.  The lines of the sidecar just don't compliment those found in the bike.  Maybe there's just too much more planned but unfinished work I can't see, but right now they go together like lamb and tunafish.

Love the machine, though.

- Bboy
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: Big Rich on October 17, 2012, 07:27:47 AM
Bboy, I can't remember all the details, but I think he said the side car was either for racing or for when his daughter wanted to ride (not racing with his daughter in it however).
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: BockinBboy on October 17, 2012, 08:21:36 AM
Oh I gotchya.  Not for a regular look, then.

- Bboy
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: FrictionBurn on October 24, 2012, 11:44:03 PM
--SEE EXPLANATION ABOVE--
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: FrictionBurn on October 24, 2012, 11:45:11 PM
--SEE EXPLANATION ABOVE--
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: jfman on October 27, 2012, 11:17:40 AM
Nice!

What front end is that and how did you make it fit bearingwise?
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: FrictionBurn on December 09, 2012, 05:19:12 AM
--SEE EXPLANATION ABOVE--
Title: Re: GS450 DIY project 1988
Post by: werase643 on December 29, 2012, 02:46:37 PM
for better front susp..... look towards yamaha.... yzf600 or early R-6  same brg sizes and fully adjustable and lighter than a USD set-up
actually the gs 450 was a pig and the springing for a modern bike wouldnt be off very much
also the blue pot 4 piston calipers are very good


rotor....... replacement floater pins?