Well first off; Hello, my name is Joshua. I'm currently holed up in the Northern Virginia area, just south of Washington D.C. I'm a full time student, work full time, and married with two kids so most of my work will be done after bedtime in my backyard/basement area. I've never rebuilt a bike before, so I am learning as I go. if you see me do something real dumb (which is likely) just let me know. No need to be polite about it either.
So, this bike I got for a steal. In fact, as the title says; it was free. Obviously there was a reason for it. She isn't pretty. Don't let those distant shots fool you. What's left of the PO's custom paint job is pretty trash. But i'll cross that bridge when I get to it. More importantly, it doesn't run. To be honest, this thing barely rolls. the chain is rusted, the brakes are rusted, the tank is probably rusted, the frame is...well, the frame is in pretty decent condition really. Chalk that up in the win column!
I am also building this mainly for my wife in hopes of sparking her interest in 2 wheels a little more. She's tried to ride with me previously but the ZX-6 i had was ungodly uncomfortable, and my V-Star that i have now only has room for one. So here I am, slaving away in the hopes that we can ride together again someday. and if not, then ill have a cool little cafe style for myself when I'm feeling sporty.
Anyhow, on the the build. I wasn't planning on doing a build thread, so pictures up to this point probably aren't as in depth as one would hope. I'll try to score some better ones from here on.
(http://i.imgur.com/oF42IUeh.jpg)
Here she is the night I got it home. it's hard to see but it was lowered significantly. at this point i had already removed the seat and fairings. they are pretty trash, but if anyone can use them just pay for shipping and they're yours.
(http://i.imgur.com/CLmuoGRh.jpg)
Front view
the levers were broken, the fender is melted. everything is awesome :icon_eek:
after digging around in the carbs and fuel lines for an hour, I actually got it to turn over. but it would'nt fire. tried to bump start it. nothing. Did some reading and thought it could be the clutch sensor. BINGO! that thing was all chewed up. so i took it off, and closed the circuit. now it will at least turn over on command.
took the tank off and fed fuel directly into the carbs via a tub-tube action. it started after messing around with the choke. Hell yeah! felt like i was getting places! check the petcocks and lines coming from the tank. they all looked good so i threw it back together and BAM... nothing again. popped the gascap and tried again. Success! Guess the OEM cap wasn't venting properly. Good, I had the OEM on and the key was barely turning on it anyway. so ordered me a new shiny keyless one.
While i was at it. I decided to do the lunchbox filter cause the OEM airbox is huge and rather ugly anyway.
(http://i.imgur.com/7b9tRHNh.jpg)
Amazon has everything!
Same day a friend of mine offered up a pair of clubman handle bars after i mentioned i was looking for a pair! woo! more free shaZam!!
(http://i.imgur.com/Dd1FUF3h.jpg)
Just testing the look. I'd prefer to do them upside down but after having the wife sit on it, it was clear right side up was the only real option here.
My buddy who gave me the free bars also had a spare seat laying around from his cafe build. he offered that up for free.99 as well. Which I couldn't say no to. so I took that home and mocked it up. Looks like it should fit nicely with a little cutting and welding here and there.
(http://i.imgur.com/CUbrwXBh.jpg)
I unfortunately cannot cut or weld metal so I have to take it to a fabricator friend of mine and have him do the fun part.
And as of today, my new main jets have arrived as well as the Delkevic slip-on. This thing is really pretty for only $209. Made in the USA too.
(http://i.imgur.com/bQ8WP0mh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/2BbVC92h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/kI9j33jh.jpg)
Hope to have updates regularly. I'll do my best to entertain you all but this is my first time doing a build like this and documenting any of it.
Joshua! Super envious of that seat.
Looking forward to watching this thing take off! :thumb:
Quote from: Hupjai on April 06, 2016, 08:28:19 PM
Joshua! Super envious of that seat.
Looking forward to watching this thing take off! :thumb:
Thanks man! me too! i'm waiting on some new parts for the carbs so i can get to tuning those. then it's off to the chop shop with the tail section. maybe if i'm lucky the guy will paint my frame too. Still need to drop the rear wheel, engine, and wiring harness before i load her up for surgery.
more deconstructing today. I also found out that the breather filter i got wasn't exactly the right one. So i ended up kind of jimmy rigging it to work (hopefully). a couple clamps, double ended barb thingy, and some shrink wrap and i think it should hold up until it bother me enough to reorder the correct part.
(http://i.imgur.com/VEl2GUWl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/5SQm3pYl.jpg)
Shot of how bad this chain is. Even with all the rust i got it to break pretty easily without having to grind off one of the roller heads.
(http://i.imgur.com/iIjouotl.jpg)
Swing arm and shock off. Swing arm will be prepped for paint and shock will likely go in the parts box. have a friend with R6 shock that i'm gonna throw on in. Still need to find out what year his is, and what years will bolt on directly
(http://i.imgur.com/GW5zj1al.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DvUSwEul.jpg)
And then there was this spring. found it laying just on the ground. No real idea where it came from. if anyone has a suggestion please feel free to leave it here. I've tried to be careful about what bolts come from where and keeping every thing together as i'm disassembling. But this little guy must have fallen out pretty silently at some point. Or maybe it doesn't even go to the bike. time will tell.
(http://i.imgur.com/jBqpSvMl.jpg)
Wow Joshua, this is a super cool build thread ! I loved reading through and IMO you have just the right amount of pics.
I hope you and your wife will be able to ride together some day too. Is that cafe seat big enough for both of you guys?
I have never seen clubmans mounted like that... very creative! Often times in the past I've thought about getting a set but shortly after I bought my GS, I replaced my bent handlebars with the superbike kind and I do enjoy them... never could really justify in my mind spending money on another set of bars when the ones I have are so new still... and I was nervous about not being comfortable with such a drastic change in riding posture/position.
What colors are you thinking about for paint?
Good luck and can't wait to see more :cheers:
Quote from: ShowBizWolf on April 07, 2016, 02:49:16 PM
Wow Joshua, this is a super cool build thread ! I loved reading through and IMO you have just the right amount of pics.
I hope you and your wife will be able to ride together some day too. Is that cafe seat big enough for both of you guys?
I have never seen clubmans mounted like that... very creative! Often times in the past I've thought about getting a set but shortly after I bought my GS, I replaced my bent handlebars with the superbike kind and I do enjoy them... never could really justify in my mind spending money on another set of bars when the ones I have are so new still... and I was nervous about not being comfortable with such a drastic change in riding posture/position.
What colors are you thinking about for paint?
Good luck and can't wait to see more :cheers:
Thanks el mucho grande for the interest. Sadly, no. the seat will not fit us both. I don't much like riding two up anyway. so this is hopfully going to be for her to just ride next to me. And I REALLY hope I can convince her to try the clubmans in the aggressive position. If not, i might have to get a set for my VStar. as for color. we are going black frame/engine and white body. still havent decided on wheel color yet.
So far things have been going rather smoothly. I foresee some hiccups once I get to piecing it all back together though.
Ill use this as an opportunity to note that I just got an 09 R6 shock off ebay for $50. hope it freakin' fits.
Regarding that mystery spring
There are springs on the throttle cam on the carburetor. There are a few there actually. One on the idle screw and two on the carb sync screw.
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Suzuki/Motorcycle/2001/GS500/CARBURETOR/parts.html
There are also springs on the choke needles, but yours is too heavy a gauge spring for that.
My next best guess is number 10 or 37 from this diagram.
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Suzuki/Motorcycle/2001/GS500/GEAR+SHIFTING/parts.html
If it isn't any of those, it may have come out of the handle bar controls?
Thanks Lucas. I'm about to crack open the carbs right now. I'll check those two screws for missing springs. and it could have been from the controls too. it did take some prying to get them open for what ever reason. As for the first diagram. i don't think I've messed with anything other than the foot shifting peg from that. Will post updates on that as well as the fixings I've got for the carbs. mostly just gaskets and new jets really.
That spring also could be from headlight adjuster screw.
Yea can be carb butterfly balancer too, if so, you might want to look for the other one.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: The Buddha on April 07, 2016, 04:58:47 PM
That spring also could be from headlight adjuster screw.
Yea can be carb butterfly balancer too, if so, you might want to look for the other one.
Cool.
Buddha.
headlight has it's screw. not sure what a butterfly balancer is but ill see if I can't find out.
Since the rain sent me indoors, I went into the carbs. Got new bowl gaskets, vacuum seals and various hardware. adjusted floats, put the idle air screw out 3 turns, and sealed it up. hopefully I just need to put the proper jets in and the carbs will be ready to go. Highly doubtful though.
(http://i.imgur.com/hmejVsBl.jpg)
oohh. Shiny!
But, I'm an idiot and got the wrong jets for my carbs. So, if anyone is looking for some sets of 140, 147.5 or 150's for the 2001+ model years let me know. (4 pack)
You can see the difference in sizes of the head here. although it seems like they fit fine, I am going to go ahead and get the proper ones.
(http://i.imgur.com/mykiDyRl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/6x4UOjQl.jpg)
This is my "garage" it isn't fancy, and I clearly need more space and tools. But I'm making do. If you look closely, you can almost see a whole motorcycle disassembled in there.
Awesome! Should be fun to follow on your journey here. My wifey loves to ride on my GS with me (she doesn't have her license, but it's not totally uncomfortable for a little cruising)
Look at all that free stuff. I should probably get some friends too. :laugh:
Quote from: Tekime on April 07, 2016, 09:15:46 PM
Awesome! Should be fun to follow on your journey here. My wifey loves to ride on my GS with me (she doesn't have her license, but it's not totally uncomfortable for a little cruising)
Look at all that free stuff. I should probably get some friends too. :laugh:
haha, yeah lots of friends/people I know through work. So I can almost always find someone with something I need. im debating on cutting off the passenger pegs. I'm thinking there wont be be room for 2 with the new seat.
Just a tiny update. Got home today and put the new hacksaw to use. Would have taken pics of cutting, but it actually took effort and both hands. I know this isn't a traditional Cafe type exhaust, but after seeing some of the other Delkevics combined with the price and the sound, this seemed like a cool option. Eventually ill get around to wrapping the pipes. But wrap is expensive, and I just did it on my VStar so I am just not in the mood to get all itchy again.
Anyway, here's what it looks like all together. It was a very simple mod. and couple probably be done without even taking the whole system off.
Step 1: Cut a few inches above the split for the exhaust.
Step 2: put on new slip-on.
Step 3: feel accomplishment.
(http://i.imgur.com/dmBlxwyl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/jcmP7pxl.jpg)
And a shout out the The Buddah for hooking me up with some PROPER jets. It's a little embarrassing that I got the wrong ones the first time around. But, it will be kind of cool knowing that my jets came from the Guru Srinath himeself. (GS, Guru Srinath... see what I did there?.... ok... sorry that was super lame :cookoo:).
Planned for this week is to drop the motor and wires and take it to fabrication for the tail section. While its out, if I have time i'll see about getting to cleaning the engine. If I get the frame back in a timely manner I'll start painting this week too.
on a side note, any recommendations for a classy, simple odometer and tac? I don't mine the OEM on much tbh but the light dash is horrible and needs to go. open to suggestions on this.
Carry on.
So I dropped my Frame and tail section with my buddy who welds. Told him to take his time with that since I barely pay him. I Did receive an R6 shock today. in a very shady box and only wrapped in plastic cling.. All seems well though. and yes, the shock is on my stove. Don't tell the wife.
(http://i.imgur.com/gU0Iulbl.jpg)
Plans for the near future include picking up new sprockets and an AGM battery. Hitting up Home depot for new cleaning solutions and some random bolts. Additionally, i'll be stripping the tank of it's paint and cleaning out the inside. Hopefully everything checks out. May get a new tank depending on the condition of mine.
This should do the trick.
(http://i.imgur.com/v2Mj3oHl.jpg)
Started on the tank tonight.
(http://i.imgur.com/gzWc963l.jpg)
this is what's on the inside. Lets see if we can't clean that out.
And this is what I siphoned out of the tank. ewwwww
(http://i.imgur.com/l7KyT2ql.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/KXKaQ1Yl.jpg)
I took all of walmarts white vinegar. I then learned I could use muraitic acid. I'll remember that next time I do a tank.
But first, need to take off the exterior gunk.
(http://i.imgur.com/t9ij3G3l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/GCI0I1Ll.jpg)
This is after a pressure wash just to flake off any loose paint or grime that may prohibit the stripper from doing her it's job.
first coat of stripper. You can see it eating up the paint already.
(http://i.imgur.com/9tLhxzTl.jpg)
scrapey scrapey (stripper works a hell of a lot better when you apply it very liberally.
(http://i.imgur.com/rF3fByUl.jpg)
Just after my second coat of stripper and scraping.
(http://i.imgur.com/Xz2Eebzl.jpg)
Picking up new sprockets tomorrow aswell
Aw, the pics are broken . . . :sad:
But otherwise, looking like good work so far! :cool:
Quote from: Daeouse on April 15, 2016, 08:38:58 PM
Aw, the pics are broken . . . :sad:
But otherwise, looking like good work so far! :cool:
yikes! looks like imgur is having some trouble. i'll see if i can correct it later on today.
okay i think i fixed it. :technical:
Yes fixed!! Woot :woohoo:
Holy buckets @ how the tank looked just after a pressure wash :icon_eek: You weren't kiddin' when you said it was bad!
I remember the first time I used a paint stripper/remover. It was super cool to watch it bubble up like that and then just scrape it off... hell I still think it's fun to watch :D I agree, it works great when you apply it heavy.
I love seeing another GS get some tlc... can't wait for more!
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on April 16, 2016, 01:14:18 AM
okay i think i fixed it. :technical:
Excellent. Definitely looks like good work!!!
Cool! How are you planning on painting it?
Quote from: lucas on April 16, 2016, 07:10:50 PM
Cool! How are you planning on painting it?
with very expensive spray paint :D . As for color....I havn't come to a complete decision. but so far the schemes both me AND the wife like the best include
-black frame/motor, white body, black wheels. (maybe a little racing stripe)
-bright blue frame, black motor, white body, white or black wheels. (again, racing stripe is a maybe)
I'd personally love to do something crazy like bright blaze orange or red, or even yellow.. but I think she's a little tamer than I am.
Color is literally the hardest part of any build.
I'd really like to test out this golden chrome paint i found. as for the expensive stuff. Ill be using the dual stage Eastwood spray cans. nearly a professional spray from a can. very cool stuff.
Looks like your'e making good progress, keep up the good work man. :thumb:
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on April 16, 2016, 07:37:26 PM
Quote from: lucas on April 16, 2016, 07:10:50 PM
Cool! How are you planning on painting it?
with very expensive spray paint :D . As for color....I havn't come to a complete decision. but so far the schemes both me AND the wife like the best include
-black frame/motor, white body, black wheels. (maybe a little racing stripe)
-bright blue frame, black motor, white body, white or black wheels. (again, racing stripe is a maybe)
I'd personally love to do something crazy like bright blaze orange or red, or even yellow.. but I think she's a little tamer than I am.
Color is literally the hardest part of any build.
I'd really like to test out this golden chrome paint i found. as for the expensive stuff. Ill be using the dual stage Eastwood spray cans. nearly a professional spray from a can. very cool stuff.
Easy:
Black frame
Black motor
Black wheels
Lavender body
You're welcome.
Quote from: Hupjai on April 17, 2016, 11:10:10 AM
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on April 16, 2016, 07:37:26 PM
Quote from: lucas on April 16, 2016, 07:10:50 PM
Cool! How are you planning on painting it?
with very expensive spray paint :D . As for color....I havn't come to a complete decision. but so far the schemes both me AND the wife like the best include
-black frame/motor, white body, black wheels. (maybe a little racing stripe)
-bright blue frame, black motor, white body, white or black wheels. (again, racing stripe is a maybe)
I'd personally love to do something crazy like bright blaze orange or red, or even yellow.. but I think she's a little tamer than I am.
Color is literally the hardest part of any build.
I'd really like to test out this golden chrome paint i found. as for the expensive stuff. Ill be using the dual stage Eastwood spray cans. nearly a professional spray from a can. very cool stuff.
Easy:
Black frame
Black motor
Black wheels
Lavender body
You're welcome.
Well hot damn Hupjai! You may be on to something. Something super lame... but something :2guns: lol Im pretty dead set on a white body.
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on April 17, 2016, 03:48:28 PM
Quote from: Hupjai on April 17, 2016, 11:10:10 AM
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on April 16, 2016, 07:37:26 PM
Quote from: lucas on April 16, 2016, 07:10:50 PM
Cool! How are you planning on painting it?
with very expensive spray paint :D . As for color....I havn't come to a complete decision. but so far the schemes both me AND the wife like the best include
-black frame/motor, white body, black wheels. (maybe a little racing stripe)
-bright blue frame, black motor, white body, white or black wheels. (again, racing stripe is a maybe)
I'd personally love to do something crazy like bright blaze orange or red, or even yellow.. but I think she's a little tamer than I am.
Color is literally the hardest part of any build.
I'd really like to test out this golden chrome paint i found. as for the expensive stuff. Ill be using the dual stage Eastwood spray cans. nearly a professional spray from a can. very cool stuff.
Easy:
Black frame
Black motor
Black wheels
Lavender body
You're welcome.
Well hot damn Hupjai! You may be on to something. Something super lame... but something :2guns: lol Im pretty dead set on a white body.
I am not offended. I might actually do this... on a different bike. :icon_lol:
White would be clean. You thinking metallic or flat white?
high gloss, Wife is trying to actually get me onboard with a blueish/purplish frame. :mad:
I like the concept of negative bike.
Where the frame is painted a bright color, like silver with multi color speckles, or red or yellow, and the body parts are flat black or flat dark blue or something.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: The Buddha on April 18, 2016, 11:40:53 AM
I like the concept of negative bike.
Where the frame is painted a bright color, like silver with multi color speckles, or red or yellow, and the body parts are flat black or flat dark blue or something.
Cool.
Buddha.
My fear would be that the square tubing on the GS will make everything look weird. I need to get a hold of some type of drawing paper that i can sketch out some designs and try some different color combos.. we shall see.
p.s. Did you ship those jets yet? :bowdown:
Build related. did a little work on the tank today.. now my arms are sore.
(http://i.imgur.com/lGI5CAMl.jpg?1)
when all the way up to some 300 grit, probably need to hit it at least once more with some sand paper and steel wool just to be sure ill have a nice surface for primer and paint.
(http://i.imgur.com/o4edBdCl.jpg)
Next up is treating the inside with all that vinegar while actually decide on color...
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on April 18, 2016, 11:11:44 AM
high gloss, Wife is trying to actually get me onboard with a blueish/purplish frame. :mad:
Oh, I meant the color not the finish (NOT trying to be a jerk). Sounds dope to me!
But really..... lavender frame. It's a "compromise".
NICE work on that tank!! 8)
So Imgur hasn't been uploading my pictures via mobile like it should be. here's a small update. filled the tank with vinegar. It's starting to work.
(http://i.imgur.com/kNgqf3Sl.jpg)
ewwwwww.
and i scrubbed the swing arm, roughed it up a little. Then hit it with some Kylon Paint+primer. this stuff is awesome.
Will be using a little nicer of spray for the white body parts however.
(http://i.imgur.com/hAqXeBul.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CFfCmyzl.jpg)
Ill hopfully have better pics later on. the swing arm actually came out pretty nice. Just hope i can remember how it goes back together :technical:
Consider pearl or eggshell white. if you want, you could email them to me ill host and post. or theres a thread on resizing images. i know posting pics to pb can be an issue sometimes. specially with this mobile of mine. but ive a few options there.
Aaron
Got the frame back from my buddy. (i paid him in beer).
Here's the profile and back view. bonus pic of myself having pretend time =D
(http://i.imgur.com/9wHHetbl.jpg) (http://imgur.com/9wHHetb)
(http://i.imgur.com/6WjyxLwl.jpg) (http://imgur.com/6WjyxLw)
I really like the way the lines form from the rear view.
(http://i.imgur.com/rpD5EUsm.jpg) (http://imgur.com/rpD5EUs)
LOVE it!!!! Ditto about the lines... super work this bike is gonna be sharp :D
Looks really good man. Im a fan of that rear, the bikes....
AMAZEBALLS! That looks fantastic!
It's awfully phallic from the rear shot. Sorry, I can't un-see it. hahahaha
Quote from: Hupjai on May 02, 2016, 09:36:22 AM
AMAZEBALLS! That looks fantastic!
It's awfully phallic from the rear shot. Sorry, I can't un-see it. hahahaha
Haha! Maybe i should just paint it pink? I think it will look a lot less weinery once it's back together.
All this rain this whole week is really putting a damper on getting and real progress done. :bs:
(http://i.imgur.com/yRCF8Vtl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/EtJpcHjl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gJnT09vl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/6vMsXT5l.jpg)
Here's the chop on the tail bits. Ill probably just end up using Velcro to hold the seat pan on. But I saw a really cool hinged seat seat up that i think would be awesome later on down the road.
As for the deathly looking sharp ends. it will get capped with some square tubing to connect the two sides. Again. that's a later on project.
before and after paint of the wheel. (bonus new sprocket as well). I don't have a tire changer available at the moment. So they got painted with the rubber still on.
If this damn rain would stop, I'd go paint the frame and check valves.
I know, nothing exciting lately. I'm hoping to have the wheels back on the frame by the end of the next week. Again, Weather pending.
Excellent! Definitely worth deciding if I want to do this myself!
As for the wheels, if you drain some of the air out, you can carefully mask around the rim's lip without unmounting the tire.
Quote from: Daeouse on May 02, 2016, 07:37:41 PM
Excellent! Definitely worth deciding if I want to do this myself!
As for the wheels, if you drain some of the air out, you can carefully mask around the rim's lip without unmounting the tire.
Wish i had thought of that.. haha. I think I did pretty well byt slipping the masking tape in the crack of the tire and the rim.
How did you prep the wheels for paint? I've been trying to clean my wheels and the surface doesn't seem very smooth..... and I can't get the crap off! Sponge? Abrasive pad? Media blasting? Wizardry?!!?!? :2guns:
Quote from: Hupjai on May 04, 2016, 09:49:54 AM
How did you prep the wheels for paint? I've been trying to clean my wheels and the surface doesn't seem very smooth..... and I can't get the crap off! Sponge? Abrasive pad? Media blasting? Wizardry?!!?!? :2guns:
Media blasting for the really bad stuff, acotch-brite for everything else. . .
On mine I used coarse sand paper and scotch brite
Quote from: Hupjai on May 04, 2016, 09:49:54 AM
How did you prep the wheels for paint? I've been trying to clean my wheels and the surface doesn't seem very smooth..... and I can't get the crap off! Sponge? Abrasive pad? Media blasting? Wizardry?!!?!? :2guns:
Yep, a red scotch bright pad, some 150 grit sand paper for anything that was really caked on.soaked the wheel in degreaser and scrubbed it with a brush. then once it was dry i hit it with some brake cleaner. But do NOT get it on any rubber parts. but i'd say a good scrub with a scotch bright pad and some elbow grease is more than enough.
So.,.. no wizardry? :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: Hupjai on May 06, 2016, 09:45:45 AM
So.,.. no wizardry? :icon_mrgreen:
scotch bright is made of 25% wizardry. Says right on the label.
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on May 06, 2016, 09:58:39 AM
Quote from: Hupjai on May 06, 2016, 09:45:45 AM
So.,.. no wizardry? :icon_mrgreen:
scotch bright is made of 25% wizardry. Says right on the label.
+1 to this, at least for the red colored stuff, not sure if the grey stuff contains more or less wizard juice
Just a slight update.
Been swamped with work and summer school and around the house crap(Overwatch). Not to mention the 30 days of rain we just had in the DC metro area. :dunno_black:
Here's whats new.
Frame is all painted up and clean. engine and wiring harness back on.
Fresh rear shock installed with swing-arm, rear wheel mounted up.
New chain and sprockets on. Well the chain is kind of just dangling there. not clipped up yet.
Currently i'm trying my hardest to get the races out of the steering stem. tried a few things and managed to free the top one, but the bottom race looks like i'll need a special tool for. $30 off Amazon and now I play the waiting game.
front fender is being all mangled up and I've been tearing down that free cafe style seat pan I got so I can repaint and reupholster it.
I've managed to take almost no pictures of anything. I'll upload what i can for those following sometime this weekend.
At this point i'm trying to get it all back together and running and then hit the aesthetics as we go. I'm hoping to have the carbs and airbox back on this upcoming week so I can see if she will actually run.
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on April 29, 2016, 06:33:51 PM
Got the frame back from my buddy. (i paid him in beer).
Here's the profile and back view. bonus pic of myself having pretend time =D
(http://i.imgur.com/9wHHetbl.jpg) (http://imgur.com/9wHHetb)
(http://i.imgur.com/6WjyxLwl.jpg) (http://imgur.com/6WjyxLw)
I really like the way the lines form from the rear view.
(http://i.imgur.com/rpD5EUsm.jpg) (http://imgur.com/rpD5EUs)
Looks dopest.
BTW I rarely ever like these builds, but this one almost drop kicks my dislike ....
Here is my thoughts.
The bike should look factory when its done. That means, licence plate where it usually is mounted, no exposed fasteners, no exposed wiring and gauges and all the other bits where they belong plus - original airbox.
If you fab up a nice side cover you could get these all put into that space under the seat and make it look like it rolled out that way.
Cool.
Buddha.
Thats the plan. Factory aibox is out of the question though. i almost beat it to a pulp from frustration. plus i like the exposed filter look. the left side will be easy. hiding the wiring. the right i will have to remount. just not sure on the details of it yet. but i agree. exposed fasteners and wiring is a def no-go for me.
:thumb:
Any updates for us TGW ?
Quote from: ShowBizWolf on August 08, 2016, 05:31:03 PM
Any updates for us TGW ?
Hey! I am so sorry. Been a hot mess lately, my V-star needed some work, I've been traveling, trying to figure out my upcoming year of University and just working as much as I can. I have put some time into the GS. still fumbling over the wiring. having trouble making it go back the way it came out. Those damn wiring diagrams do almost nothing for me either. Here is how she sits now. I'm pretty much trying to get it back together and just tweek it here and there once it's running.
(http://i.imgur.com/UVWxeg7l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/IrmPYxel.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LiphH9Ml.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/EaQCcAYl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/BBfadzHl.jpg)
Couple pics of the tank and seat pan mocked up. I need to have the seat re cleared. And i forgot about the headlight completely :mad: So that will have to be touched as well.
Still a long way to go. But I do plan to ride this thing before it's too cold damnit!
This thing is looking awesome, something I wish I had the stones to do to mine.
raw tank and blue tail looked sweet, not too keen on the white personally but its got a real mean shape and its coming along nicely, keep it up man :cheers:
Quote from: iamhiding on September 02, 2016, 08:10:48 AM
raw tank and blue tail looked sweet, not too keen on the white personally but its got a real mean shape and its coming along nicely, keep it up man :cheers:
I don't love the white either, but it's not really "for me"
Sorry no updates, started school fulltime again and I was waiting on some carb boots to show up. I just had a solid 3 days of almost nothing going on and I just sat around playing Overwatch. Sorry, sorry, sorry.
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on September 14, 2016, 04:24:21 PM
Quote from: iamhiding on September 02, 2016, 08:10:48 AM
raw tank and blue tail looked sweet, not too keen on the white personally but its got a real mean shape and its coming along nicely, keep it up man :cheers:
I don't love the white either, but it's not really "for me"
Sorry no updates, started school fulltime again and I was waiting on some carb boots to show up. I just had a solid 3 days of almost nothing going on and I just sat around playing Overwatch. Sorry, sorry, sorry.
PM me your Battle.net ID and #, I'd be happy to sit around and play Overwatch with you lol
School and Overwatch can wait, we want to watch your progress! :woohoo:
I agree!! Was just thinking about this build the other day and wondering what's goin on :D
Quote from: Daeouse on May 02, 2016, 07:37:41 PM
Excellent! Definitely worth deciding if I want to do this myself!
As for the wheels, if you drain some of the air out, you can carefully mask around the rim's lip without unmounting the tire.
Another option is to deflate the tires a bit and slide playing cards between the bead and the rim. Using my googlefoo, I found this:
http://hermajestysthunder.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-painting-motorcycle-rims-on-cheap.html
Quote from: Dwayne on November 26, 2016, 08:56:20 PM
Quote from: Daeouse on May 02, 2016, 07:37:41 PM
Excellent! Definitely worth deciding if I want to do this myself!
As for the wheels, if you drain some of the air out, you can carefully mask around the rim's lip without unmounting the tire.
Another option is to deflate the tires a bit and slide playing cards between the bead and the rim. Using my googlefoo, I found this:
http://hermajestysthunder.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-painting-motorcycle-rims-on-cheap.html
I think that's a tube-type tire in the picture. Harder to set the bead correctly on a tubeless. You'd have to deflate the tire and break the bead. IDK if you have a big enough compressor to set the bead.
I masked mine. It's imperfect but unless you absolutely know what to look for, you can't find the masking faults. It does take a while to mask a wheel with the tire mounted.
Quote from: ShowBizWolf on November 10, 2016, 02:40:45 PM
I agree!! Was just thinking about this build the other day and wondering what's goin on :D
Hey everyone!
First off, I am suuuuper sorry I havn't had updates. But, here's what has happened the past few months.
School and work have been rough on me. I'm in my last semester and classes are kicking me in the nuts. fortunately i have a good friend who runs a custom build shop, and have enlisted his help in finishing the job. the last pics i posted were the most recent.
I told him to take his time, (he doesn't charge me very much) and he should be starting actual work on in here in the next couple weeks.
Good news was it was running. and i drained everything proper so there shouldnt be anything nasty in the carbs or tank.
Bad news is I can't weld and for some reason, wiring harness frighten me.
In other news... I drove up to Pittsburgh with the wife and picked up an XSR900, hauled it all the way back to Northern VA in a mild snow storm and a box truck...
made some changes to my other bike and taught my little brother (who has moved in with me) to ride a little too.
Sorry I take crappy pictures too. but these were the only ones I could find.
I PROMISE to have the GS road ready this season!
(http://i.imgur.com/DkKvHwK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/kicaAix.jpg)
So went over to my buddies for friday night at the shop (beer and bullshitting). and he has already fabbed up a housing for the wires and the battery box. cut off some tabs and cleaned up the seat pan a little. following pics are the progress thus far.
the battery is under the tail hump. and the wiring is all layed under the flat part of the seat pan.
(http://i.imgur.com/AQUolqkh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/35UWRyph.jpg)
Nice!!!!
Looks awesome mate. Looks super clean with all the wiring under the seat and stuff.
tiny update.. picked up some bars, turn signals and grips from work today. we are forgoing the clubman style bars and putting a mx style bar on. not my choice but if it gets the old lady to ride it i;m okay with it. plus, ill keep the clubmans for when she finally comes around :kiss3:
below is a little fiber glassing to cover up the gap between the seat pan and the tank. it's almost ready. maybe a couple more weeks. the biggest hurdle is going to be getting padding on the seat. I think im going to try and recycle the foam that came with the seat. will have more updates throughout the week and next.
Yes its a bad picture, i wasn't there for too long.
(http://i.imgur.com/08gYDSRh.jpg)
Excuse me if you've mentioned it somewhere else, but is that a license plate mount coming off the swingarm? I love the look the plate mounted there on bikes. Makes the tail look so clean.
Quote from: qcbaker on March 02, 2017, 09:57:20 AM
Excuse me if you've mentioned it somewhere else, but is that a license plate mount coming off the swingarm? I love the look the plate mounted there on bikes. Makes the tail look so clean.
Yep. That was put on a couple days ago too. Just bolts right on. I like the look too.
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on March 02, 2017, 11:22:52 AM
Quote from: qcbaker on March 02, 2017, 09:57:20 AM
Excuse me if you've mentioned it somewhere else, but is that a license plate mount coming off the swingarm? I love the look the plate mounted there on bikes. Makes the tail look so clean.
Yep. That was put on a couple days ago too. Just bolts right on. I like the look too.
Is it custom, or did you order it from somewhere?
Quote from: qcbaker on March 02, 2017, 12:30:59 PM
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on March 02, 2017, 11:22:52 AM
Quote from: qcbaker on March 02, 2017, 09:57:20 AM
Excuse me if you've mentioned it somewhere else, but is that a license plate mount coming off the swingarm? I love the look the plate mounted there on bikes. Makes the tail look so clean.
Yep. That was put on a couple days ago too. Just bolts right on. I like the look too.
Is it custom, or did you order it from somewhere?
We carry them at Cyclegear (my employer )
here you are bud https://www.cyclegear.com/parts/speedmetal-swingarm-license-plate-bracket
so how goes it?
Aaron
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on March 02, 2017, 07:44:38 PM
so how goes it?
Aaron
It's going good! how are things with you?
i'm just sitting in class, preparing for midterms next week.
nothing exciting
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on March 02, 2017, 05:56:33 PM
We carry them at Cyclegear (my employer )
here you are bud https://www.cyclegear.com/parts/speedmetal-swingarm-license-plate-bracket
:cheers: Thanks, mate.
Looks awesome! Keep us updated
It looks vaguely similar to mine. Great minds think alike :tongue2:
Quote from: Endopotential on March 06, 2017, 06:57:52 PM
Looks awesome! Keep us updated
It looks vaguely similar to mine. Great minds think alike :tongue2:
I'd be lying if I said I didn't steal a couple things from you. Namely your electronics nest..
latest update. she runs. both calipers and master cylinders were rebuilt. new brake lines. Wifey has got some crazy paint scheme in her head. So until she finishes her class next week its gonna be getting prepped for repaint and some finishing touches.
upcomming mods. new headlight assembly, new cluster gauges,
Today was the first time i actually got to ride it. fun little bike and it handles like a pro. it has a tendency to idle really high after a little ride. im wondering if the choke is getting stuck open or something. ill have to check in on it soon. :cheers:
(http://i.imgur.com/cVr6ALeh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/25gLu89h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qMm7oSsh.jpg)