1978 750 Cafe Project

[GS Jim]

So, I guess I got bit real bad guyz, 'cause my Colley ain't even ready yet and I'm starting on the next project.

I picked up this mostly complete '78 750..... well complete minus small details like the engine.

"What madness!!", you say Whaddy'a mean no engine!!??
"Think of the possibilities", I say

This had been somebody's vintage race bike project that was left unattended for a number of years. The thing's kind'a dusty, but it's all there in pretty good shape.

What attracted me to it, was a few "go-fast" bits that would lend themselves to a caf? project.

The frame as it arrived, note aluminum GS1100 swing arm.

18" DID alloy wheels 3.5" rear and 2.15" front will allow me to install modern rubber, yeah baby.

Tarrozzi rear sets and Girling calipers

There's also an extra GS1000 front end.

 

[GS Jim]

So..... my question is what Suzuki lump will fit in this frame without a lot of modification?

 

[GS Jim]

Frame post tear down

 

[Guest]

750 bottom end with an 850 head? Seems to be the best engine mod for that frame. There's actauly been several threads dedicated to that specific engine combination this last bit. I'm definately subscribed to this thread Jim, can't wait to see what you start coming up with. If you need a 750 or an 850 and you think it can be shipped to you reasonably get in touch with me.

 

[GS Jim]

Hey AZR, I will slow play this one, what with the riding and teaching season around the corner (hopefully). The plan is to build a custom, something that expresses a personal vision.

On the Cooley I thot I should hew very close to the original since it was a limited edition bike in its day, but with this one the only rule will be that the end result look period correct.

So, I definitely need an engine, but have no idea what shipping from BC to ON would be. If I understand correctly the suggested combo is the 750 lower cases with 850 barrels and head?

The frame is going to be powder coated gloss black, but before I send it out I want to make sure the engine will fit.

 

[Guest]

I forwarded you a PM Chuck78 sent me about all this. Check out his signature, his bike thread is listed there, lots to read about. I read a bit about 1000 and 1100 engines fitting as well but couldn't find anything stating that definitely.

 

[GS Jim]

ok, just read it, interesting stuff, many thx!

 

[boontonmike]

Looks like a great baseliine for a build.