With the current build "almost" finished, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to add to the stable when it came along. A 2006 with about 5,000 mi is now sitting in my garage (after riding it home in a 40° rain on Saturday). It's bone stock except for the flush mounted blinkers and a horrible attempt at removing the rear fender. Lol. I've wanted to do another scrambler project so come spring time, that will probably be what this gets turned into. In the meantime, I have enough bits from past builds that a new pipe, levers and a few other odds and ends are on the agenda. I'll post the pics as it progresses but it will remain more or less a stock GS until the scrambler makeover. I was lucky to find this one, it is in pristine condition, obviously never laid down and kept indoors. No rust, no scratches... just a whole lot of dust. Lol. Poor thing.
What's better than one gs? :woohoo:
You could just leave that beauty like it is! Or, give to me and find another one :D That one is a beauty!
Quote from: cbrfxr67 on February 04, 2020, 09:55:54 AM
What's better than one gs? :woohoo:
You could just leave that beauty like it is! Or, give to me and find another one :D That one is a beauty!
Thanks! Funny you say that... well, not because I was going to give it to you (sorry), but you're right, it's almost too nice for a "donor" bike. I'll have to wait and see once Spring rolls around.
Definitely! Looks great! I've always wanted one but never found a faired version around here,..affordable anyways.
What's better than two gs?(https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/headbang.gif)
Definately too nice for a scrambler conversion! I've always wanted to find a low mileage garage queen like that. It's like having a brand new bike.
So after a closer inspection I have found lots of "reasons" to do some work on the new bike (a.k.a. justifying a little expenditure so I can tinker and have some fun). Plans are as follows:
- Not sure what is going on with the battery box, but it looks like the previous owner took a saw to it?!?! A good portion of it just isn't there (and there is a zip tie involved)... lol. So that will need replacement. Not an exciting job but clearly necessary.
- The speedo and tach dampers are more or less disintegrated... easy replacement there. Curious that all the other rubber on the bike seems practically new.
- Crankcase covers (side emblems) have a few scratches and the bike is so close to new looking I'm going to replace those just to make it spiffy.
- Tail tidy / fender eliminator is a given. There was some sort of attempt by the previous owner that involved a hack saw and a drill to mount the plate directly to the cowl (ouch!) so that will have to be addressed. I may do a short "how to" thread on that since I can't seem to find one (anyone know of one?)
- I already have a Delkevic stainless pipe and carbon exhaust that are just dying to be put to good use.
- And then there are the turn signals... the previous owner replaced them with flush mounts but installed them on the spots on the cowls that aren't actually flat so the they don't really "fit." That I'm kind of excited about, as it will be a real project. At this point the plan is to fill the mounting holes and repaint the cowls, then install some different flush mounts some place where they actually will sit flush.
Seems like the scrambler project will officially have to wait for another donor... this bike is just too nice let it go to waste.
I guess that means this bike is destined to be the new "slightly-hopped-up-daily-driver." lol
I'm soooooo glad to know you're not going to go with your original plan for this one!! It really is a beauty.
Fenderectomies (haha what a word!) are quite common, there is a section dedicated to it in the wiki. I've even donated a few of my own pics for it.
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.Fenderectomy
That is crazy about the battery box! I wonder what the PO was thinking/doing :dunno_black:
(https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/hello2.gif)(https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/hello2.gif)(https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/hello2.gif)(https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/hello2.gif)
That's great! Really happy too that you decided to let it be what it is! That's a beautiful bike! :thumb:
So despite the little voice in the back of my head saying "noooo... don't do it" (as well as a few folks on the forum) I am moving forward with some mods to the latest edition. Somehow, it just doesn't feel right having two fully functional bikes in the garage...lol. And I have to be honest, trying to live vicariously through some of the other great build threads on the forum right now is just making me envious.
Not sure exactly what direction I am going to go. I originally had a scrambler in mind but feel like I'm leaning toward a "dirt tracker" type thing. My builds typically take on a life of their own anyway and I just go with the flow.
So to start, bodywork is off and a "standard" bucket headlight is on for now, since I had an extra (although I'm not sure if that will stay). Ideally, I'd like to try to keep it somewhat rideable during most of the build... but we'll see.
I wanted a smaller front fender so I made a new one using the same process as this one:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=73201.0
but cut the sides to give it a more scrambler/dirt tracker look... paint will come later. I also raised the fender mount as I am anticipating a Shinko 705 or similar tire.
The absolute best part of the project so far was getting to "upgrade" my 2 year old neighbor's trike. He runs outside almost every day when I start the bike to go to work and loves everything motorcycle related. So I couldn't resist...
To be continued...
2 year old's trike winning! That's good stuff :icon_lol:
Still feel bad for your bike. It was so perfect. :dunno_white:
I love having multi functional bikes in the garage to ride to work. Friday,..gsxr1000,...Monday gs,....Tuesday,...125,...hmm Wednesday,.... haha. I guess I still have the r1 as the 'project.'
Anyways, can't wait to see what you do with it!
Can't wait to see where you're going with this one! :cheers:
I'm very interested in the pristine fairings you are taking off. You don't find them in that condition very often! PM me details if/when you are still willing to do a "just pay shipping and handling" sort of deal.
As much as it pains me to see you dismantle such a perfect example of an F model, I can't wait to see what you create this time.
Quote from: Bluesmudge on May 19, 2020, 02:17:12 PM
I'm very interested in the pristine fairings you are taking off. You don't find them in that condition very often! PM me details if/when you are still willing to do a "just pay shipping and handling" sort of deal.
As much as it pains me to see you dismantle such a perfect example of an F model, I can't wait to see what you create this time.
I'll try not to disappoint on the upcoming build. :thumb: As far as the side panels go... ummm. Sorry man... you're a day late and a dollar short. :cry:
Funny story though... I actually had a guy on a pretty ragged out '09 GS follow me into a parking lot about a month ago right after I finished my cafe'd out '05, just to check out the bike (he didn't even realize it was a GS) and we got to talking. I told him I had an '06 GS that I was thinking about partially parting out and he asked if he could have the plastics if I did. When I decided about a week ago to mod the '06, I texted him and he came over and picked the side panels up the same day. The best part was that he strapped the side panels to his back and rode them home on his GS. I should have gotten a picture... lol. My neighbor has the front fairing (see above) and the rear cowl was actually a bit chewed up from a botched light job from the PO so that got tossed.
Quote from: cbrfxr67 on May 19, 2020, 07:04:04 AM
Anyways, can't wait to see what you do with it!
I've got a few ideas... trying to coalesce them into a concept before I go too far.
Quote from: SK Racing on May 19, 2020, 07:39:03 AM
Can't wait to see where you're going with this one! :cheers:
I don't know... your build thread is super bad-ass so far. :bowdown: Mine may pale in comparison... lol
Ok... seems like this is an "official" build thread at this point, so I'd better do some building. lol.
I already know that I am going to end up with a lower café/brat style seat (ordered yesterday) so to get a comfortable position I'm going to end up lowering the pegs. I'm also planning on getting all the frame mods out of the way up front (last build it seemed like I was grinding something off and repainting every week... lol). So the initial to do list is as follows:
- Removal of all the superfluous seat "stuff" and getting ready for the new seat
- Lowering the pegs (and exhaust) which also means relocating the rear brake reservoir
- Removing the existing exhaust mount (although I promised charming wife the rear pegs would stay on, as this is the only two-seater currently in the stable)
- Modifying the existing sub-fender so that it can be reused. Last build I got rid of it for some reason early on and then lamented having to source a substitute later in the process.
With the three-day weekend, hopefully I can get some work done and post some updates by Monday.
:thumb:
Moving right along...
All the yardwork got done yesterday so I had a full day to work on the bike today (a nice treat!). Almost everything on the initial list got done so hopefully I can move onto some fun stuff next week... making it look like "something." I've still not completely decided what that will be, but for sure it's going to involve outright knobbies, or al least dual sport tires.
I still need to paint the mount for the rear brake reservoir, but the new exhaust is on, the old mount has been ground off of the passenger peg mount, the pegs are where I want them (slightly down and back), the sub fender has been modified and the frame cleaned up to allow for the new seat which is on its way via slow boat from China.
Much of this was just copied from my last build (if it ain't broke don't fix it) so it went quickly as there wasn't really any "design" involved... mostly just some "build."
The best part so far is that I really haven't had to buy anything for this project... just using materials that are kicking around the garage. :woohoo:
Man I hate to waste things....
While I was working on cleaning up the rear of the frame I started thinking about the rear fender (and rear of the bike in general) which was one of the parts of my last build with which I wasn't entirely happy. Since I had three "half-front" fenders sitting around from building custom front fenders I figured I would have a go at putting them to use on the rear.
I bolted one onto the frame and it seemed like it had some potential as a rear fender but was missing "something." Cutting another one down and adding it to each side to give the fender a more symmetrical look (held in place temporarily by some tape) really had me intrigued so I went ahead and built up a custom rear, using the same basic technique as the front.
I'm not completely convinced I'll use it (the seam still needs a bit of work and the mounting bolts on the side stick out like sore thumbs) but it only took about two hours to make and I had a bit of fun. It definitely begs for a round number on it though.
We'll see...
Bruce, I'm following your build, but I'm wondering where you're going with this... :dunno_black:
I respect your eagerness and willingness to experiment, though. Keep it up bud. I'm working at a much slower pace. :angel:
Love me some 'use what i got' theme! :rstar:
Quote from: SK Racing on May 27, 2020, 11:32:13 PM
Bruce, I'm following your build, but I'm wondering where you're going with this... :dunno_black:
Excellent question! The completely transparent answer is "I have no idea." :laugh: (ok... maybe a vague idea)
Not to get "all philosophical," but when it comes to builds, I am definitely a "the journey is the destination" kind of guy. I have a lot of admiration for someone that can plan out a project at the start and then stick to it, but to me that would feel like I was assigning myself homework. LOL
My favorite part of the build process is definitely the creative problem solving that comes along with the "what if I try this?" sort of progression. I've done a build or two per year for the past 5 years or so and with the exception of one that I can recall (helping a friend who wanted to duplicate a previous build that I had done), none of them started with much more than a very general concept.
Having said all that, the concept pic for your build was awesome! I have zero (as in.. ZE-RO!) photoshop skills, or photoshop software for that matter, but maybe I'll try to get a concept pic together for this build just for a change.
Hmmmm.... give me a day...
Quote from: cbrfxr67 on May 28, 2020, 06:42:15 AM
Love me some 'use what i got' theme! :rstar:
Definitely cheaper! :thumb:
Quote from: brucedavidculver on May 28, 2020, 06:48:22 AM
Quote from: SK Racing on May 27, 2020, 11:32:13 PM
Bruce, I'm following your build, but I'm wondering where you're going with this... :dunno_black:
...
..but maybe I'll try to get a concept pic together for this build just for a change.
Hmmmm.... give me a day...
What a great time to tune in! Why did you shy away from the Scrambler but go with the Cafe, is it because the terrain each is meant for is different and you're going easy on this bike with low k's(/miles)?
Quote from: brucedavidculver on May 27, 2020, 07:12:02 PM
Man I hate to waste things....
While I was working on cleaning up the rear of the frame I started thinking about the rear fender (and rear of the bike in general) which was one of the parts of my last build with which I wasn't entirely happy. Since I had three "half-front" fenders sitting around from building custom front fenders I figured I would have a go at putting them to use on the rear.
I bolted one onto the frame and it seemed like it had some potential as a rear fender but was missing "something." Cutting another one down and adding it to each side to give the fender a more symmetrical look (held in place temporarily by some tape) really had me intrigued so I went ahead and built up a custom rear, using the same basic technique as the front.
I'm not completely convinced I'll use it (the seam still needs a bit of work and the mounting bolts on the side stick out like sore thumbs) but it only took about two hours to make and I had a bit of fun. It definitely begs for a round number on it though.
We'll see...
You need one of these front ends to make it match.
(http://databikes.com/imgs/a/d/g/y/h/ktm__690_supermoto_2007_2_lgw.jpg)
Cool.
Buddha.
Hmmmmm..... so where would one get one of those?
Looks like a KTM 690 Enduro?
https://www.ktm.com/us/travel/690-enduro-r/
Or you could yank one off a platypus - but that's animeal cruelty.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: The Buddha on May 30, 2020, 03:07:11 AM
Or you could yank one off a platypus - but that's animeal cruelty.
Cool.
Buddha.
I really thought I had the front end of the bike figured out at this point but honestly you are making me second-guess myself. LOL.
Finally got a chance to start making some "stuff."
Whatever I end up doing with the headlight I am taking the top most triple tree off (the part with the integrated handlebar clamps) and plan on using some aftermarket clamps to attach the bars directly to the top clamps. That will let me lower the forks in the triple tree about an inch so they are flush with the top clamp which will give me a little bit higher front end to match the longer shock that is going to end up on the back (and I just like the look). In any case, the remaining top triple tree needed to be modified as it has a cut out for the ignition (which is also getting moved) and the recesses for the rubber bumpers between the two pieces (which I wanted to fill in for aesthetic reasons). So, a little bit of work with the hacksaw... some JB Weld, shaped and sanded accordingly... and a quick shot of primer to see how it looks (It still needs a nip here and a tuck there) and it will soon be done. I will probably paint it to match the tank and side panels, so for now that's as far as this part of the project will go.
Here's what I'm planning for the bar clamps, bars, grips and matching seat.
And just for Christo... I'm really trying to get a concept pic together, turns out that's harder than actually building the thing... lol.
Quote from: brucedavidculver on May 30, 2020, 10:15:11 AM
Quote from: The Buddha on May 30, 2020, 03:07:11 AM
Or you could yank one off a platypus - but that's animeal cruelty.
Cool.
Buddha.
I really thought I had the front end of like figured out at this point but honestly you are making me second-guess myself. LOL.
Naaaaa Just name it platygs500. Maybe paint a feather pattern on it.
Hey - the first feathered GS - to be sure put some tar on it too. Tarred and feathered GS500.
It will teach those furry 500's a good lesson. Fur, huh, that's so 1998. Here ladies and gentlemen we have a tarred and feathered GS500 complete with platypus bill front and back.
It almost looks like it will fly, platypii fly don't they ???
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: brucedavidculver on May 30, 2020, 05:56:34 PM
Here's what I'm planning for the bar clamps, bars, grips and matching seat.
And just for Christo... I'm really trying to get a concept pic together, turns out that's harder than actually building the thing... lol.
Woww - OK I got a slightly better idea - not to mention far cooler looking -
Unless you already have these parts you pictured.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-31-54mm-Fork-Clip-ons-Handlebars-Heads-Mounts-Bar-Riser-Regular-Black-CNC/193473199697?hash=item2d0be6be51:m:myOOaqgGGYH7hZQHx5ZmVAA
Very very high quality - just watch out for that nasty A$$ virus to jump up from it and bite your A$$.
Or - if you're tied to the handlebars over clip-ons.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/28MM-1-1-8-Handlebar-Bar-Clamp-Risers-Mounts-for-CR125R-CR25R-CRF250R-CRF450R/164137990638?hash=item263762f9ee:m:mgCCHb3Gq94VoCWLP1rGZSQ
And get Chinese 1 1/8th dirt bike bars - again not too $$$ courtesy our virus spreading friends.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: The Buddha on May 30, 2020, 06:05:59 PM
Quote from: brucedavidculver on May 30, 2020, 05:56:34 PM
Here's what I'm planning for the bar clamps, bars, grips and matching seat.
And just for Christo... I'm really trying to get a concept pic together, turns out that's harder than actually building the thing... lol.
Woww - OK I got a slightly better idea - not to mention far cooler looking -
Unless you already have these parts you pictured.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-31-54mm-Fork-Clip-ons-Handlebars-Heads-Mounts-Bar-Riser-Regular-Black-CNC/193473199697?hash=item2d0be6be51:m:myOOaqgGGYH7hZQHx5ZmVAA
Very very high quality - just watch out for that nasty A$$ virus to jump up from it and bite your A$$.
Or - if you're tied to the handlebars over clip-ons.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/28MM-1-1-8-Handlebar-Bar-Clamp-Risers-Mounts-for-CR125R-CR25R-CRF250R-CRF450R/164137990638?hash=item263762f9ee:m:mgCCHb3Gq94VoCWLP1rGZSQ
And get Chinese 1 1/8th dirt bike bars - again not too $$$ courtesy our virus spreading friends.
Cool.
Buddha.
Those are the exact clip-ons I used in the café build that I just did... love 'em
The yellow bars I actually already have... a donation from a friend. They are 7/8", and unfortunately I haven't been able to find a decent set of CNC bar clamps that are 7/8". Agreed though... still looking for something cooler. The ones pictured do have a round base though that would fit right in with the dampers that are already on the GS triple... thereby providing a more "consistent design aesthetic." lol
Quote from: thatshitcray on May 28, 2020, 11:30:16 AM
Quote from: brucedavidculver on May 28, 2020, 06:48:22 AM
Quote from: SK Racing on May 27, 2020, 11:32:13 PM
Bruce, I'm following your build, but I'm wondering where you're going with this... :dunno_black:
...
..but maybe I'll try to get a concept pic together for this build just for a change.
Hmmmm.... give me a day...
What a great time to tune in! Why did you shy away from the Scrambler but go with the Cafe, is it because the terrain each is meant for is different and you're going easy on this bike with low k's(/miles)?
Not shying away from the Scrambler at all... just having some fun making stuff. I think I'm actually going to end up putting the rear fender that I just made on the Café racer that I "finished" a few months ago:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=73196.0
I just found a red café seat that I want to switch out on it and I've been wanting to add a keyed seat release as well. So if I'm going to tear it apart, I might as well improve the rear end at the same time. I wasn't completely happy with the fender set up on that bike anyway.
Thought I would briefly hijack my own thread for a quick update on my café racer.
Since I recently made a rear fender (which was obviously not going to go on the scrambler) I decided to use it to spruce up the bike that I finished a few months ago. I was never really fully satisfied with the fender I used and wanted to add a keyed seat release anyway, so that was this past weekend's project. I had found a great looking red seat that I wanted to use on it as well, but after waiting a week for it to arrive, I was told it was out of stock. :technical:
In any case... a few pics.
And a few more... It turns out that if you hack off the OE seat bridge (and drill a few holes) it mounts right back between the frame where it came off... who would have thunk it??? I mounted the OE seat striker to a cheap after market seat ($29) with a few expansion nuts. All the blue tape is where I used epoxy to fill in a few holes from the mounting points that I wasn't using... just to clean up the bottom of the seat pan a bit. Good thing I kept all the seat parts from the original project.
Oh yeah... and one more pic just for Christo. We'll see if I can pull it off.
That would be badass! Would love to see that color combo come to life!
Quote from: brucedavidculver on June 11, 2020, 06:46:29 PM
Oh yeah... and one more pic just for Christo. We'll see if I can pull it off.
(http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=73243.0;attach=3903;image)
Wow, Bruce! That's an excellent first attempt at graphically rendering a GS.
Incidentally, I've used the same base picture for first rendering of my project, while playing with different ideas ‼ :cheers:
(https://i.imgur.com/4x0x1No.jpg)
As mentioned before in my own build thread, I now use a different base picture for my renderings - one that I've borrowed from Joao Kleber Design:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JgRuelKPJGhYDzWva22-w (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JgRuelKPJGhYDzWva22-w)There are a few styles and colors to choose from.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/53418303/SUZUKI-GS-500-SCRAMBLER-20152016 (https://www.behance.net/gallery/53418303/SUZUKI-GS-500-SCRAMBLER-20152016)A scrambler version was added recently:
(https://i.imgur.com/Kq6t85b.jpg)
Lots more ideas here:
https://www.behance.net/search/projects/?search=Scrambler&sort=appreciations&time=week&ordinal=96 (https://www.behance.net/search/projects/?search=Scrambler&sort=appreciations&time=week&ordinal=96)
Having bid adios to the PAIR system over the weekend, I had room to move a few other things around...
Since I am going for a minimalist look and removal of the top triple tree / bar clamps left me with no place for the ignition, (but I wanted to keep it keyed for security) that now resides behind the front fender (mounted where the oil cooler was). I still need to tidy it up a bit with some nicer bolts and a grommet, but the fit and function are confirmed.
The stock speedo / tach / indicators / etc... have been replaced by a simpler speedo / odo combo. Not sure if that will be the final mounting configuration but it will do for now.
Oh yeah... and I got the new yellow bars and brown grips on as well. Sorry Buddha... using the crappy bar mounts for now for that "old school, dirt bike-licious" vibe! Although I think the CNC'ed black ones may be on there before the project's end.
B.
Quote from: Endopotential on June 11, 2020, 09:59:49 PM
That would be badass! Would love to see that color combo come to life!
Thanks. I'm not usually not drawn to bikes with a lot of color but I just liked the combo. Barring any major setbacks it should be alive by mid-July (fingers crossed).
Quote from: SK Racing on June 11, 2020, 11:39:33 PM
Quote from: brucedavidculver on June 11, 2020, 06:46:29 PM
Oh yeah... and one more pic just for Christo. We'll see if I can pull it off.
Wow, Bruce! That's an excellent first attempt at graphically rendering a GS.
Thanks... I quickly discovered that I'd much rather build and ride them then draw them though... lol
Love the yellow bars. :thumb:
I like what you're doing with the bike.
QuoteThanks... I quickly discovered that I'd much rather build and ride them then draw them though... lol
Nothing wrong with that. You seem to be the type of person who can visualize a project without drawing it.
It's called arty, I think. You're in good company. Think Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, etc. :cheers:
Quote from: SK Racing on June 15, 2020, 02:20:54 PM
Love the yellow bars. :thumb:
I like what you're doing with the bike.
QuoteThanks... I quickly discovered that I'd much rather build and ride them then draw them though... lol
Nothing wrong with that. You seem to be the type of person who can visualize a project without drawing it.
It's called arty, I think. You're in good company. Think Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, etc. :cheers:
Thanks. Really hoping to have this done by Aug 1st. Trying to plan a multi-day camping trip on some back roads and parks just north of me in Pennsylvania.
Not sure that the aforementioned company above would care to include me in their ranks but I'll take the compliment!
B.