As requested I am finally getting pictures posted of my project bike. I got the bike a couple months ago and it was a disgrace to all GS500s. The previous owner had chopped the frame right behind the seat mount and was attempting to do a bobber. The bike didn't run even after they had done a rebuild on the motor. When I got it, it was red and white with white rims and had sliders cut into the frame under the tank. The tank had several major dents that couldn't be pulled because they were right above the seam.

So far I have repaired the frame, repainted the entire bike and installed a replacement seat, plastics, custom under seat exhaust, repaired the speedo and tach gauges, repaired several items on the engine(including setting the valves correctly) and modifying a few items here and there along the way. It came with a GSXR tail light assembly and a box of everything he couldn't figure out how to install incorrectly.

Next for the Beast is a E-->F conversion and a new seat cover.

[attachment deleted by admin]

The guy I got the bike sent me a picture of when he got it to give everyone an idea of how far the bike has come since December.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Glad you're un-doing all the damage.

The original photo reminds me of this:

I just couldn't live with the sorry cafe look that they were going for. Doing a beautiful bike that way should be punishable by firing squad. The kid I bought it off of is impressed by the current state of the bike. I just can't wait to get the fairings installed and have the few details left finished up. Biggest thing I have left to fabricate is the perf tube for the exhaust system and refoam and cover the seat.

always loved the red decal on black. looks sinister lol. not in the bobber/fighter look  but to each his own

I want to find some replacement decals in the red for when I repaint everything next winter too. I haven't figured out exactly what I want to do as far as decals on the front fairings when they are ready to install. One question I did have is, do the F models have a separate plug on the harness for the running light under the headlight?

Quote from: 1971_AMC_GUY on February 21, 2014, 08:30:03 AMdo the F models have a separate plug on the harness for the running light under the headlight?

There is indeed a separate 2-pin connector (brown and black/white wires) for the front marker light.  There is a little pigtail the has the rubberized T10 socket at one end, rubber cap in the middle, and 2-pin at the other end.

So most likely I will have to modify my harness to put in a plug for that light is my guess.

Has anyone ever tried straightening a rim for these bikes?

You've done a lot of good work on this bike. Good job I hope the rest goes well for you.

Quote from: ron freeman on February 21, 2014, 05:30:19 PM
You've done a lot of good work on this bike. Good job I hope the rest goes well for you.

Thanks, I can't wait to get it finished and get some ride time on it. Just upgraded to the PowerMadd E3.36 spark plugs and ordering in an air filter and some oil filters soon. The plastics should be here soon so I can sand them and paint and install them. I flipped my clip ons tonight and that made a world of difference in the feel to me.

I need to talk to someone on the phone for some troubleshooting. The bike has erratic idle and doesn't like to get down to 1200rpm. Once it does get below 1500rpm it is very sluggish when I crack the throttle. I'm thinking possible jet issue but with as much as I have had to do I'm going insane.

Sounds more like a vacuum leak to me. Check all your vacuum lines for holes/dry rot/cracking and insure a good connection with the boots from the air box to the carbs/carbs to the motor. Usually when a bike has a floating idle type issue, it can be racked up as vacuum issues. After checking those components, then I would suggest going into the carbs. And if that turns out to be the case, I would check the petcock and main fuel passageways for things clogging the fuel delivery. Good luck!

P.S. You should post some pictures of your undertail exhaust. Looks neat

Okay so update time. Figured out my carb issues with running rich. The PO had installed bleed type pilots that were dumping way too much fuel. Being a clever individual I soldered the holes closed and now the bike is running great. Still have some adjustments to do on the needles to dial in take-off, but I can finally ride the darn thing for distance and see if there are any other issues I need to correct. The front rim is still bent and annoyingly vibrates at about 55, but I will see if I can't straighten it some and make it a little smoother. I did find that the air filter was plugged up really badly so while waiting for a new one to arrive I tore the old one apart and replaced the filter media with a foam filter media that I had at work. Amazing how well it works lol. I will be taking some pictures this week and posting them and will pay particular attention to the undertail exhaust system I built for it.

My thanks to Patrick for all his advice, I just wish he could have seen the final outcome. Buddha for all the carb advise. And Frankenbike for the great set of F plastic, they look great now and even better when I get the new paint on them with decals.

The new paint scheme will be black  with red lettering throughout and I am toying with red strips.

Sorry for being long winded. If anyone has any ideas please let me know and I am also looking for ideas for the Adidas tribute to go on here.

Here are a few of the pics. The exhaust that is on it right now is a temp while I finish modifying the V&H for it.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Here are the pics from under the seat

[attachment deleted by admin]

[attachment deleted by admin]

One big issue I am having is the front springs are way too weak, ie I bottom out everytime I hit the brakes. Aside for replacing the springs, is there anything I can do until I can afford to replace them? I know the weight of the plastics on the front are adding to the issue but I do love the look and feel. Also looking for a front rim that is straight, mine is bent badly and the vibration tore up the tach gauge, screws came out and needle snapped again, lol.

Bike looks awesome


Sent from my heart using my fingers

sub'd,....good stuff here,...

Quote from: 1971_AMC_GUY on May 27, 2014, 12:51:03 PM
One big issue I am having is the front springs are way too weak, ie I bottom out everytime I hit the brakes. Aside for replacing the springs, is there anything I can do until I can afford to replace them? I know the weight of the plastics on the front are adding to the issue but I do love the look and feel. Also looking for a front rim that is straight, mine is bent badly and the vibration tore up the tach gauge, screws came out and needle snapped again, lol.

Not much, my 02 naked GS's curb weight is 423# and a 09 GSF is 439# curb weight, only 16# difference.  A longer spacer and/or heavier fork oil can stiffen the front end a bit until you get springs.

Okay so I finally decided the bike was in good shape and started riding everywhere with zero issues, until I was on my way to work. The Beast showed her true colors and died when I was almost to work. Luckily for me she started by push starting down the hill to work. We tore down the carbs and verified the valves and everything is clean and to spec. Try starting and she will idle but if you open the throttle at all black smoke, bogs down then dies. Any ideas? I really want to start riding again everyday but not until this ole beast wont act decent.