1977 GS550 Cafe project.

[Coopster54]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here. I have a 1977 GS550. Traded strait up for an old rifle I had collecting dust. It was pretty rough, and needed some work. I love cafe bikes and just sold my 72 CB550 cafe, so I needed a new one!!!
Before:

and so far:

I have replaced fork seals, tires, homemade cafe seat, new paint, removed tach, having carbs rebuilt and polished. I have some "m" bars on the way along with some pipes, signals, and hopefully can find a left side cover!

 

[FreshStart]

Looks good... lose the shovel

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Welcome to TheGSR there Coopster, glad you made it!

 

[spyug]

Welcome aboard. Its looking good but I agree you need to tidy up the backend and that fender needs to go.

I'll be watching to see how she turns out.

Cheers,
spyug

 

[ChicagoBob]

Nice job with the paint. I like the color combo with the silver triple clamp, and your single clock. I, too, recommend removing the stock rear fender (maybe the front, too), and integrating the taillight into or under the bum stop.

 

[Coopster54]

I don't like the fender either. I was thinking maybe using a different all round fender like the 1980 gs550 because that british look is what I'm goin for. I have a cb500 fender I might mock up tonight. If it doesn't work, then I will probably adapt the new sparto light by just using the lens and bulb somehow. I just hate to cut the frame up :/

 

[ChicagoBob]

I used a 550L rear fender - bolts right on and can be painted. I left mine chromed - see picture, and my albums for the project.

 

[Coopster54]

I used a 550L rear fender - bolts right on and can be painted. I left mine chromed - see picture, and my albums for the project.

Great minds think alike then! Haha. Here is the mock up with my new light

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Great minds think alike then! Haha. Here is the mock up with my new light

I like much more better!

 

[ChicagoBob]

Yes. Much better. Don't be afraid to cut the frame. The only function of the parts behind the shock mounts is to hold up your passenger. Also, you might consider painting that fender, and adding a little pinstripe, like below:

 

[ChicagoBob]

Chrome looks good, too, like this:

 

[spyug]

That looks better but I think you do need to chop that back part of the frame too. It just takes away from the clean curves of the fender and the bum stop of the seat.

I think I'd leave it chrome too but perhaps chop the front fender a tad as well.

Looking really good. Well done sir!

Cheers,
Spyug

 

[Coopster54]

I worked on the bike today and cut a bit off of the rear frame, but mostly worked on painting all the controls and putting on new grips to the Norman Hyde "M" bars I finally received.

Sorry for second blurry pic I just tried takin it from same area as older pic to compare.

 

[Coopster54]

Got the carbs back on the bike:dancing: Got it running and the idle is so smooth now. Gas is leaking from #4 carb. Gonna try a plastic hammer or screw driver handle this evening. I literally got em on, started it and had to leave for work so I'm anxious to dial em in. I don't have a vacuum tool though. Might get one or borrow for the fine syncing.

here they are. New o rings and stainless screws. Polished the top and bottom (probably could have kept going for more of mirror shine, but I was happy with them like so.

 

[Coopster54]

Got the leaky carb fixed -

Also wired the tail light and tuned the carbs a bit more. Ended up almost even 2 turns out on the air screw and 1/8 turn in on fuel screws(got rid of those carbon covered plugs too). I got the exhaust mounted. Now I just need turn signals and a left side cover to be fully in business!!!

 

[spyug]

Looking very nice but we do need a couple of closer shots.I do like the profile and it does look much better with the back end of the frame removed.

If I had one more criticsm ( and I always do...but its not a big one) I think it would look better if the mufflers were about 6 inches shorter, terminating by the rear axle. Likely not much you can about it and it does look fine but just a tad off to my eye.

I like those "M"bars too. where did you come by those? I'm scheming on a CX500 "Guzzi" replica cafe for my next effort and those bars would work well I think.

Well done......now ride and enjoy.

Cheers,
Spyug

 

[Coopster54]

Looking very nice but we do need a couple of closer shots.I do like the profile and it does look much better with the back end of the frame removed.

If I had one more criticsm ( and I always do...but its not a big one) I think it would look better if the mufflers were about 6 inches shorter, terminating by the rear axle. Likely not much you can about it and it does look fine but just a tad off to my eye.

I like those "M"bars too. where did you come by those? I'm scheming on a CX500 "Guzzi" replica cafe for my next effort and those bars would work well I think.

Well done......now ride and enjoy.

Cheers,
Spyug

The exhaust cant go any shorter because of the original center piece. I would if I had the money just by getting new headers, but it'll work for now. they do sell shorter ones, but I didn't like the sound from some youtube videos.

The "M" bars are from Norman Hyde. The cheapest place that carries them from US is Steadfast cycles - http://www.steadfastcycles.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89_208&products_id=1263

The same guys are selling them on ebay for a few more, but I bought em through their website! They feel AWESOME when ridding btw!!!

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I like them as well, great lines. When I saw the name "Norman Hyde" I assumed they would be pricey... and wasn't too far off. For some reason anything taylored to the old British twins gets top dollar. At least they aren't as bad as Flanders bars. Too bad someone can't bend up some $20 knock-offs

 

[Coopster54]

Well the bike has been sold! I have a baby on the way and needed some cash maybe someday I can find another one like this when the money is flowin again!

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

kids... they do have a way of doing that to ya, but it's all worth it! CONGRATS!!!