I plan on lowering my 95 GS500E a little more than what she is now, but was thinking of making her into a sportbike version of a hard tail. Basically taking out the shock under the seat and replacing it with a strong solid piece of steel. I realize the ride will be a little harsh but I wouldn't need to worry about any rubbing issues, etc....
Thoughts on this idea?
I can't imagine that being very fun to ride, but to each his own! :dunno_black:
Curious to know what this will accomplish apart from making the rode rougher.
Is this something for like drag racing or something?
.... a little harsh?!! ... umm. .. I hope you've ridden something hardtail before?! ..
it's one thing with a cruiser style where you are mostly back on your bum cheeks. .. with the more forward lean (not supersports forward thankfully) you just might start bumping much more delicate 'equipment' ?
If you really just want a stiffer ride, bang a katana shock in there and preload it right up to 7! It'll be pretty firm but still have some vibration damping!
Whoops, forgot.... the katana shock raises ride height a little. But seeing as you lowering anyway your different length dogbones should still take care of it! :thumb:
Most Id10t rednecks who replace rear shocks in cruisers give this retarded excuse "Less sheite to go wrong".
They forget these important factors.
1. Shocks on a cruiser rarely blow, and if they do, they just leak oil and look fugly, don't strand you in the middle of nowhere.
2. Shocks help everything be smaller, thinner and lighter. Like fenders, axle holes, swingarm plates, all the rest. Its about energy dissipation. The shock travels 1" for a bump say. so it loses that energy over that 1" and results in heating the suspension oil and its own body. Now to have to dissipate energy over 1/100th of that ". If it had to dissipate a bump over 1" it will experience a lot less stress than if it had to over 1/100th of an inch, and if it was truly 0 it would be infinite.
Turn that into the GS. You have a linkage and a shock that travels 1/10th the travel of the wheel. You hit that same bump that compresses the cruiser shock by 1", you're already @ .1" you'd be dissipating that energy over.
Turn that into a rigid, and you go clean to 1/1000 th.
You'd easily tear sheite up, starting with the shock/linkage fittings on the frame and swingarm. AKA, stuff that if it breaks, not only will it leave you stranded 100 miles from home, you cant even fix it if you did get it home.
So, sorry, Hard tail's are retarded on cruisers, and even more so on the GS style mono shock bikes.
So, why look stock and stupid, when you can look retarded ??? If that's your outlook in life, go for it. Just don't cry to us when it tears off the bolts and shears off the clevises and brace bars. Cos we just gonna say "we told you so".
Cool.
Buddha.
Buddha is on the right track - the GS frame just isn't made to be hard tailed (especially not with a solid bar replacing the shock). If you do that, you WILL destroy something...... and it won't be when you expect it.
Besides, what's the point? Some people enjoy riding a back breaker for the simplicity, some for the thought it looks cool, etc. You would be losing on both of those - you won't be simplifying anything, and nobody will know it's a hard tail and think it's "cool".
Personally i don't see the point,but whatever keeps u happy.
BTW, I love this statement when it comes to rigid bobber looking bikes.
"gets a lot of looks" - ummmm .... so does a 32 car pile up on the freeway, or a burning building ... that doesn't mean squat.
I'd like to see this statement - Gets no reaction ... sometimes even after I point it out to people that know bikes in a bike ad on craigslist.
Or, They usually notice something else, like the seat or the pipe.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: The Buddha on May 11, 2016, 05:56:08 AM
BTW, I love this statement when it comes to rigid bobber looking bikes.
"gets a lot of looks" - ummmm .... so does a 32 car pile up on the freeway, or a burning building ... that doesn't mean squat.
I'd like to see this statement - Gets no reaction ... sometimes even after I point it out to people that know bikes in a bike ad on craigslist.
Or, They usually notice something else, like the seat or the pipe.
Cool.
Buddha.
It won't even get any looks. The GS mono-shock is concealed beneath the seat and between the arms of the swing-arm. No one will see it unless you point it out. The premise alone makes little sense.
If you want to do a hard tail, go buy a cruiser. The GS is a "sport bike". You're playing Russian-roulette with your life. As its been stated above, when it shears off of the frame, and it
WILL, you could be in for a ride in a hearse.
If you really want it lower, search the forums for options that have been discussed already. There's a lot of wisdom on here, take advantage of it.
I was talking about general retards on Craigslist.
GS - yea and we're already bashed the OP into not doing it I think.
Cool.
Buddha.
Eh, looks like it was just a hit and run.
Quote from: lucas on May 11, 2016, 09:27:36 AM
Eh, looks like it was just a hit and run.
Forum trolls. . . ugh. . . :icon_rolleyes:
Yea this retarded ass POS -
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5575356442.html
The instant "I crashed and have no clue about riding or fixing" look.
Cool.
Buddha.
Huh? What's wrong with that bike?
I didn't get it. Maybe that says something about me
Thanks for the candid input, I will take all into consideration.
Thank you.
Quote from: lucas on May 11, 2016, 02:36:03 PM
Huh? What's wrong with that bike?
I didn't get it. Maybe that says something about me
Generally the difference between done right and cobbled together is all in the details and finish. Exposed wiring (or complete lack there of to T/S'es and stuff) and the retarded side hanging tail light, license plate crap, exposes fasteners, and other crapola covering up stuff, like that retarded bag hanging off the side.
Yes we spent 2000 hours modifying the bike, and we forgot we have to put a license plate and tail light on it. Ooooo what do we do, what do we do ... OK lets just put it on the axle nut. Yea ... that's the best.
This bolt isn't as bad as this one -
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5546871829.html
What a POS. A turn signal for the tail light ... yea dumbass.
And a savage is just about the easiest bike to mod to a bobber and make it look right. I did a cheater chopper a few yrs ago. I'll put a pic of it later today.
Cool.
Buddha.
Haha I guess I like crappy bikes, cause I like the second one too! :oops:
Oooo then you'd love this.
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5584169418.html
Did you notice it still has its functional rear suspension.
And the seat is sprung.
Yea ... not a hard tail, a double softail.
And best of all ... its an automatic - look on the right for transmission. And for that, its just 3 grand. What a bargain.
Cool.
Buddha.
This atleast has the $$$ going for it.
http://lynchburg.craigslist.org/mcy/5543172900.html
And I have made decent $$$ by buying these POS'es and turning them into stock, and selling them on craigslist as an easy bobber conversion, and when they buy it, I'll tell them I would buy the body work off you when you bob it.
With in days I have got the body back. That was this beautiful powdercoated off white, I managed to get the body back and slap it on the bike I am finishing.
Its is a lot more profitable to sell a stock bike and a dream and let their dream turn into a nightmare on their watch IMHO.
Taking a stock bike and murdering it out or bobbering it or whatever sends a clear signal. I cant ride and I cant repair and I have no common sense ... buyer beware. Its the instant I crashed and forgot to fix it look, Crashing optional.
Cool.
Buddha.
Gee Buddha.. someone hit your 'passionate about bikes' button eh! ! ;)
But. . Just for fun. .
" Mate of mine wants to get one of those teeny little pocket bikes. .. bobber it and race in the classic class" at the local go kart track" ... do you think he should use black electrical tape for the seat cover or go high end and use brown gaffa tape for the leather look? ... ;) :thumb:
Quote from: lucas on May 13, 2016, 09:07:34 AM
Haha I guess I like crappy bikes, cause I like the second one too! :oops:
Im right there with you. i like the unprofessional look. I want something that looks like I built it myself. Now, not everything looks good ratted out. But to each their own.
As far as staying on topic. I cant imagine anything good coming from hard tailing the GS. i think some one mentioned it before, but the energy dispersion alone would have nuts and bolt falling off in no time.
The longer I'm apart of this forum the more I thoroughly enjoy Buddha's outlook on things. I usually agree with his rants. :thumb:
Iv'e always been of the thinking, if it's worth doing, then it's worth doing right. Different strokes for different folks though eh.
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on May 14, 2016, 04:55:28 PM
Quote from: lucas on May 13, 2016, 09:07:34 AM
Haha I guess I like crappy bikes, cause I like the second one too! :oops:
Im right there with you. i like the unprofessional look. I want something that looks like I built it myself. Now, not everything looks good ratted out. But to each their own.
I aint no professional, I'm a software engineer. I cant imagine being less suited to do this - OK fine I could be an accountant. OK but I am just a computerized accountant.
There is unprofessional looking, and retarded looking. Separate things, you can skirt the line, but its easy tpo drop into the retard abyss.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: The fink on May 15, 2016, 04:34:33 AM
The longer I'm apart of this forum the more I thoroughly enjoy Buddha's outlook on things. I usually agree with his rants. :thumb:
Iv'e always been of the thinking, if it's worth doing, then it's worth doing right. Different strokes for different folks though eh.
Doing something right, doesn't always have to equate to doing it perfect, if that makes sense.
I'm all for customizing a bike to suite ones own needs, believe me. As far as I'm concerned, if it's safe it's ok in my book. What irks me is when people customize a bike to the point of no return and then try to sell it for top dollar. "I've spent 1000 hours working on this $500 bike, so that justifies the asking price of $8000!". No....no, really it doesn't work that way.
Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on May 15, 2016, 03:54:06 PM
Quote from: The fink on May 15, 2016, 04:34:33 AM
The longer I'm apart of this forum the more I thoroughly enjoy Buddha's outlook on things. I usually agree with his rants. :thumb:
Iv'e always been of the thinking, if it's worth doing, then it's worth doing right. Different strokes for different folks though eh.
Doing something right, doesn't always have to equate to doing it perfect, if that makes sense.
Yeah I think I follow. Different people have different ideas of what "right" is as well.
Quote from: Big Rich on May 15, 2016, 04:20:45 PM
I'm all for customizing a bike to suite ones own needs, believe me. As far as I'm concerned, if it's safe it's ok in my book. What irks me is when people customize a bike to the point of no return and then try to sell it for top dollar. "I've spent 1000 hours working on this $500 bike, so that justifies the asking price of $8000!". No....no, really it doesn't work that way.
Or count a crash repair as "customization" ...
Or turn it into something it was never intended to be. Like a 4 cyl 750 into a café. WTF, from the side, looks like a billion $$$, from front or back, it looks like a Mammut or an amazon.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: The Buddha on May 16, 2016, 11:42:37 AM
Quote from: Big Rich on May 15, 2016, 04:20:45 PM
I'm all for customizing a bike to suite ones own needs, believe me. As far as I'm concerned, if it's safe it's ok in my book. What irks me is when people customize a bike to the point of no return and then try to sell it for top dollar. "I've spent 1000 hours working on this $500 bike, so that justifies the asking price of $8000!". No....no, really it doesn't work that way.
Or count a crash repair as "customization" ...
Or turn it into something it was never intended to be. Like a 4 cyl 750 into a café. WTF, from the side, looks like a billion $$$, from front or back, it looks like a Mammut or an amazon.
Cool.
Buddha.
I'll agree on that first point. I see guys all the time who are like, " got these sweet new levers, grips mirrors and turn signals.."
okay, cool.. I'm guessing it's cause your dropped it and broke all the previous parts, haha!
As for the second part... 750 make great cafes! I don't know what a Mammut is, but they sound AWESOME :icon_lol:
4 cyl's as cafe's look terrible from the back or front.
Mammut is a weird a$$ east german car/bike basterd child -
http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-german-motorcycles/clymer-munch-mammoth-zm0z14mazbea.aspx
BTW the pic does not do justice to how huge it is.
Amazon was a VW engine equipped bike -
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Custom%20Bikes/amazonas_1600.htm
Cafe's are supposed to be skinny and like barely even show a motor. Or even a frame. The perimeter frame gets in the way of a good GS café. In fact a factory made café - MZ scorpion - I know, I own 2 of those, still looks stupid. And its a german/brit/jap basterd with a 1 cyl 660cc 5 valve Yamaha motor. Still looks off to me. Perimeter frame doesn't work on a café IMHO. But nothing as stupid as a big a$$ 4 cyl motor.
Cool.
Buddha.
That Mammut story was really interesting, so much has changed yet some things never will. Like the obsessive need to haul ass.
Attractive bike as well.
Quote from: The Buddha on May 17, 2016, 05:38:27 AM
4 cyl's as cafe's look terrible from the back or front.
Mammut is a weird a$$ east german car/bike basterd child -
http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-german-motorcycles/clymer-munch-mammoth-zm0z14mazbea.aspx
BTW the pic does not do justice to how huge it is.
Amazon was a VW engine equipped bike -
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Custom%20Bikes/amazonas_1600.htm
Cafe's are supposed to be skinny and like barely even show a motor. Or even a frame. The perimeter frame gets in the way of a good GS café. In fact a factory made café - MZ scorpion - I know, I own 2 of those, still looks stupid. And its a german/brit/jap basterd with a 1 cyl 660cc 5 valve Yamaha motor. Still looks off to me. Perimeter frame doesn't work on a café IMHO. But nothing as stupid as a big a$$ 4 cyl motor.
Cool.
Buddha.
For me a cafe is not just about looks. It's about making it faster, lighter, more aggressive than what it was meant to be. Yes, some bikes may look more "Cafe" than others, but that's what I, and many other like about custom bikes. There doesn't need to be a specified way to do it.
As for that Mammut, i'd take one of those in a heartbeat, that thing is awesome. Ha ha. :icon_mrgreen:
You 2 do know that a Mammut and an amazonas are both going to get their butt's handed to them with anything bigger than a GS right.
I mean an SV650 will do.
And look a lot better in the process.
Cool.
Buddha.
Cafe racers... kind of a former era technology and shape thing... back in the days of drum brakes, skinny tyres and shiny proper chrome! ...
Maybe for the concept of paring down the modern wide frame bikes to their essence.... requires a slightly different term? .. (and it'll help Buddha avoid sleepless nights over terminology being applied incongruously! Lol)
Diet bike...... slimlined bike..... burgershop banshee...... banshee racer ..... Bogey(man) racer ...... cappuccino racer (like cafe but with creamy flavor and tasty extras) ....
Other suggestions? ;)
Poor man's race rep, and record racer.
Ya know, it's funny..... the older British folks that actually lived and rode back in that era never called them anything special. They just wanted to ride fast.
Quote from: The Buddha on May 17, 2016, 12:39:14 PM
You 2 do know that a Mammut and an amazonas are both going to get their butt's handed to them with anything bigger than a GS right.
I mean an SV650 will do.
And look a lot better in the process.
Cool.
Buddha.
Haters gon hate
Quote from: Big Rich on May 17, 2016, 03:33:26 PM
Poor man's race rep, and record racer.
Ya know, it's funny..... the older British folks that actually lived and rode back in that era never called them anything special. They just wanted to ride fast.
True! ... maybe we should ask sledge!? .. he'll remember! ... probably.... ;)
Quote from: lucas on May 17, 2016, 04:45:45 PM
Haters gon hate
This attitude is used to paper over everything from Idiots who bought 20 houses in 10 states with no job and no income and no possible way of paying back the loans like Casey Serin to worthless untalented name recognition coat tail riding wanna be's like Ashlee Simpson to - I don't even know what or why she's famous other than her famous Butt has its own zip code cos she did anal with a basketball player - Kim Kardashiat.
Maybe haters gonna hate because its stupid and retarded and garbage.
BTW the Mammut and amazonas atleast has a novelty rarity thing going for it. They didn't build more than 10 of either of those I think.
That way, its far more rare than any of the others.
Cool.
Buddha.