So I've got a red 1992 GS500E languishing in someone else's garage. I want to make a weekend blaster and track-day fun-bike.

Initially bought it as a beginner bike for my girlfriend, I rode it home from the seller's house and discovered, in the process, that it needs a bit more work than I had initially realized (brakes, tune-up, tires, misc finicky crap). So she bought something newer, and I'm plotting to make a real project of this GS500. The engine is in very nice shape, starts and runs smoothly with about 15,000 miles. It's totally stock, (probably including the tires, to be honest.) The subframe is tweaked, owing to a lay-down on the right hand side.

So... things I plan to do:

Cut sub-frame, weld into "shorty" tail (just enough to support the seat).
Rear hugger.
Strip it down, repaint frame black.
Stiffer fork springs, oil.
Drag bars, clubman or clip-ons depending on what fits.
Airbox delete, pods instead.
Shorai lightweight battery.
Rejet carbs.
Bulldog stock pipe or adapt used slip-on.
Rebuild brakes, stainless lines, sintered pads.
Try to fit a 2000 GSXR shock I have kicking around.
Fit Corbin SV650 seat I already have.
Trail-Tech digital dash, if possible. I don't think I technically need a speedo, tach or turn signals in my state. This bike could be VERY stripped-down.
Smaller "bullet"-style single headlamp.

Attached is my concept rendering. The engine is already black, so I thought a black frame and maybe a white tank and fender would be cool, but I'm not worrying about that until I know this is all do-able.

Ideas? Advice?

i like it...do it! then let me know how u did the tail chop! lol

I like the idea, especially the bit about no turn signals. You'll be running with the cool kids in no time. 

If you check out www.roccitycafe.com he sells fiberglass headlight buckets that look like that. I have one with a factory speedo installed in it.

I'll never understand the fascination with putting smaller headlights on these bikes.  It looks horrendous.   

Quote from: comradeiggy on May 13, 2012, 05:41:00 PM
I like the idea, especially the bit about no turn signals. You'll be running with the cool kids in no time. 

If I do, it'll be the first time ever.

I actually thought I might pick up an LED taillight with integrated signals, just so I don't have to worry about where I'll mount them. Up front it'll be easier, probably on the headlight bracket or fork.

Quote from: adam89 on May 13, 2012, 03:53:57 PM
i like it...do it! then let me know how u did the tail chop! lol

I intend to do it with an angle grinder and a welder.

Quote from: Big Rich on May 13, 2012, 06:59:09 PM
If you check out www.roccitycafe.com he sells fiberglass headlight buckets that look like that. I have one with a factory speedo installed in it.

Thanks! I'll check them out. I'm not set on that style of headlamp, but it looks cool in my head. Lighting is more of a detail at this point, behind getting the engine, brakes and suspension tuned up, and getting the frame chopped properly and set up with a single seat. I may do a minimalist tail with backstop to make the seat feel more secure

Looks cool. I'd hate ro hit a puddle on it, ever been sprayed in the back by a waterhose? Probably be about the same. Maybe a hugger for it.

Think carefully about where you'll be riding and how much.
It can be cool to go to the local bar and impress the squids.
I wouldn't want to ride it. Looks like no room to scooch around your butt without falling off the back. You need some area for movement to be comfortable. You'll be vary against the tank and no where to go. The low bars will really cramp you when that tight against the tank. One slip of the butt and you're onto the rear tire. OUCH!
Think carefully of what you're doing. Think of your riding style and how much riding you will be doing.
In Seattle, we like any bike and nice bikes whatever they are. We're not into cutting up bikes just to impress someone. I know some cities have attitude and you have to fuggle up a bike to impress people - if you feel you have to impress others.

You might want 2 bikes. One more stock for regular riding and doing the twisties (where you need seat room to maneuver, ride properly and be street legal) and the bobber to impress someone.

If you do it, do it well and please avoid the all too often used fugley flat black rattle can. It may not be any good to ride but you can still make it a show piece (not something that shows up as a POS bobber on Craigs List for sale for way too much money). We do have monthly Backfire Moto nights in Seattle where everyone shows off their projects and vintage bikes (google it - you'll see). Cool to see projects - even though I personally would not want to ride them.

Quote from: Huff1371 on May 14, 2012, 11:27:27 AM
Looks cool. I'd hate ro hit a puddle on it, ever been sprayed in the back by a waterhose? Probably be about the same. Maybe a hugger for it.

Rear hugger is already on the shopping list. I had the same thought, but forgot to put it in the sketch.

Quote from: adidasguy on May 14, 2012, 12:11:34 PM
Think carefully about where you'll be riding and how much.
...
You might want 2 bikes. One more stock for regular riding and doing the twisties (where you need seat room to maneuver, ride properly and be street legal) and the bobber to impress someone.

Thanks for this thoughtful reply. This may seem strange, but I primarily want to do this build for myself, and not for attention. I've always owned (and enjoyed) stock bikes, and for the first time I find myself with an inexpensive, apparently strong-running but rough-looking second bike. I started out on a GS500E of which I have very fond memories, so I kind of want to recapture some of that but with better brakes, suspension, and generally customized just how I want it.

I already have a bone-stock Kawasaki ZRX1200R that I use to commute, go grocery shopping, and spend long days in the saddle. It's powerful and comfortable and a bit of a truck. That's my primary bike, and I won't be messing with it too much (okay, maybe new fork springs).

The GS500 is something that I hope to use as an alternative bike-- one I ride when I want to use The Whole Throttle. Something that's specifically *not* perfect that I can take to the track and thrash on. A simple, air-cooled, twin-cylinder bike that I'm comfortable wrenching on, and making newbie mistakes. So on the design of the GS, I'm thinking I might do a very short (possibly homemade) tail with a backstop. The seat I show in the photo is actually a Corbin SV1000 seat I have from a bike I've already sold. I thought it might be a no-hassle upgrade to the stock ball-breaking banana seat that comes on the first-gen GS. Oh, and I'll be installing a rear hugger.

Yes, I fully intend to really ride this thing, which is why I'm reading up on valve adjustments and jet kits, and researching tires, brakes and suspension upgrades first and foremost.

My plan is to make it a great-running ugly bike before I start messing with the cosmetic and ergonomic stuff.

Here is a dumb question...where does the battery go? 

Also, I would never be comfortable riding a bike with no signals.  Do whatever you like, but like adidasguy said, do it right.  Don't paint it flat black and leave parts of the cut off frame sticking out etc. etc..

Quote from: bombsquad83 on May 15, 2012, 08:19:26 AM
Here is a dumb question...where does the battery go? 

Also, I would never be comfortable riding a bike with no signals.  Do whatever you like, but like adidasguy said, do it right.  Don't paint it flat black and leave parts of the cut off frame sticking out etc. etc..

I was looking into those super compact, lightweight Shorai motorcycle batteries. I intend to mount it (as well as any other displaced parts like the regulator) in a box suspended in that open area below the seat. Definitely won't have any jagged frame pieces sticking out. Simplicity and cleanliness are part of the deal.

Might be a good idea to do the research on moving all those electronics. It's definitly not impossible but a lot harder than you might think. I've seen bobbers where they took the tank and cut into to it to make a false panel that contained everything. Wouldn't be all that difficult if you are decent at welding. OR put a false bottom in it so it'll just cover everything. Fuel capacity shouldn't be an issue if you don't plan on taking any long rides.

Interesting idea, Huff.

Remember that the rectifier/regulator might get hot if it's contained with zero airflow as well.

Quote from: bombsquad83 on May 15, 2012, 02:04:31 PM
Remember that the rectifier/regulator might get hot if it's contained with zero airflow as well.

definitely something to keep in mind.

Quote from: Huff1371 on May 15, 2012, 05:58:33 PM

Quote from: bombsquad83 on May 15, 2012, 02:04:31 PM
Remember that the rectifier/regulator might get hot if it's contained with zero airflow as well.

definitely something to keep in mind.

Wise. I can mount it on the outside of the battery box.

Here's the seat I want to use, compared to stock. I may install it on a small race tail.