Im back!! Need help... Gs450

[Dragonfly]

Ok so heres the deal, I sold the 500 a few years ago, and have missed her ever since!! Awesome bike!!! Will always be among my fav.

Ok, so here is why I am here today. I just picked up a Gs450 (free!!!) that im gonna take roadracing for 07.
I know there are a few serious GS fans here, so maybe someone will have some info for me.
I am looking for the kind of mods can do to the bike... AKA; front end, either Gs500, or an older 600. Rear suspension. And will the 500 cylanders fit on the motor to make it a 500 or 555???
ANY help would be awesome!!
Ill check back frequantly!!

Thanks guys and gals
Micah

[Onlypastrana199]

Hi Micah


Do you happen to know which 450 model you have? There's a bunch of them S,T,L, N (i think)...the list goes on...the S models are a bit different than the others. The heads are actually quite thick, so you could bore them out with the kits with no problems. The exhaust headers are also bigger, giving it some extra zip...Not sure on the front end, my brother picked up an '81 GS450T...thing scoots. 

[Dragonfly]

I believe its a 450e.... cant remember... its not the sport version, more the straight standard...
I do have the Shop manual for it, and as far as I can tell, the motors are all the same model to model... (at least for 83)

[werase643]

FYI....
The 555 kit was originally designed for the 400/425/450

anything will work if you fabricate it to fit

[Dragonfly]

I didnt know that about the big bore kit!!! Very cool. Ill look more into it..
I have searched for HOURS looking for all the info I can find on racing and moding this thing, but I have only come across a few east coast racers and there info.
Anyone know where I can find info online?? The werra board has been my best resource, but I would like some more info..
Thanks again guys!!!
Micah

[Jughead]

Hey Ken,
Krash Larrivie that Races for Sundial was Asking us a While back what he could do to get more power out of his Little 400 I believe it was. Is the 555 kit from Wiseco?

[dgyver]

Ken left out a very minor detail about the 555 kit... those 79mm pistons have not been made since '92. The next best option is the 78mm GPZ pistons which would give you a 541.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=14401.0

The GS450 and GS500 motors are pretty much the same, I have most of a 450 motor in pieces. The 500 cylinders will bolt on. Not sure about the 450 head if it has angled exhaust ports, I think it does...hmmm maybe a try a GR650 head. The transmission does shift opposite of the 500, the shift lever mounts opposite to shift normal.

Not to familiar with the 450 suspension but if the steering stem is the same, then the options would the same as the GS....the 89-97 Katana would be the easiest and then a GSXR if you have the resources for some fabrication.

Dual rear shock? Not really much help there.

IIRC...the 450 has non-17" wheels....you will want to change the wheels to 17" so you can use good rubber.

But first.....better find out what modification are allowed with your racing organization.

Free can be costly.

[Dragonfly]

Ahhhh yes... The infamous rulle book!!!!
suppose I should look into that before I start throwing money down.
Who knows I might just winde up with a bad ass street 450!! Gotta go racing though.. I suppose the street machine will have to come later
I have found a few options for the rear shocks. Someone said something about a "works vintage racing shock." Havent found anything though....

[Onlypastrana199]

My brother mentioned that SV fronts might swap over...he found a forum about the 450's in particular but he wasn't sure of the url. I'll let you know as soon as he finds it. He also said the front is very soft for anyone with some weight to them...seems to be a trend among GS'es

[Dragonfly]

Yea, the front is gonna have to go... I have about 15lbs to loose to put me at my goal race weight.. aprox 185.... SO I have a bit of heft to my bones....
A forum would be PERFECT!! Thats actually almost exactually what im looking foor....

[Dragonfly]

Well I did find the forum help I was looking for.. www.thegsresources.com
Hopefully I will find everything I need there...
I would still love ANY help I can get from you guys!!
Micah

[dgyver]

...
I would still love ANY help I can get from you guys!!
Micah

If were closer I would have you bring it over. I love a moddifing challenge.