85 GS550L Bobber

[CPT America]

Well, I just picked this little trinket up yesterday. In my estimation it's about 90% complete. Just a couple little things here and there that I'd like to do to make it my own. It's had the subframe surgically removed and replaced with a rigid conversion and extended 3", Springer seat, Sportster tank, Sportster 21" front wheel, Sportster headlight, Paughco rear fender, Protaper bars, stripped front brake/speedo/signals. New carbs, rectifier, battery box, etc...

My plans are to have a black poder coated springer front end conversion w/dual disc front brakes done, replace the current bars with either a shorter rise set of PT's or drag bars, paint the headlight housing, install signals and speedo from a Sportster (nightster) or a set of bullet LED signals, paint the spokes in the front wheel, black mirrors, change the pegs/controls, new springer seat, Sportster laced rear wheel w/black spokes, rear disc brake conversion, and a new Sportster tank since the one that's on there is a little rough.

 

[Redneck]

Nice ride. Looks like you found one where someone did all the fab now all you have to do is make it yours. Gratz. Keep us posted.

 

[CPT America]

Thanks! Yeah I'm doing all my research now to make it my own. Hopefully by the middle of summer she'll be where I want her.

 

[CPT America]

Alright so I ditched the white exhaust wrap and redid the pipes in black wrap. I'll post pictures once I get them back on the bike.

 

[mostholycerebus]

Great thread, please keep us updated. I have a 1985 as well that I would love to make look more like the Nightster. I know people are gonna say 'just buy a nightster' but thats nogo. Rented one in Vegas this month and while I love the look, I did NOT like the ride characteristics, love the GS550L's smoother engine and more comfortable seat, and the price is right too.

 

[CPT America]

Just some updated pics with the black exhaust wrap on the pipes, shorter bars, new mirror and grips..

 

[russellhartzell]

I really like the rear whitewall tire!!!

 

[scottychop]

nice

nice

Great looking bob. How well does it stop with just the rear drum?

 

[CPT America]

It actually stops quite well with just the rear drum. I always down shift and use as much engine braking as possible so that helps too.
*Edit* So I just received the matching 19" front mag today. I test fit the rotor that came with the stock 16" front mag and it fit fine so tomorrow I'll be dropping off the new wheel to get the existing tire removed, then cleaning it and shooting it all satin black. If all the stars align and the weather cooperates I'll have a new tire installed and have the wheel along with the factory front brake system and speedo drive installed by Saturday afternoon. The rear drum does fine but I've been riding sportbikes so long and using predominantly front brake only that I just can't get used to having a rear brake only. I also picked up a set of Avon Grips black anodized knurled pegs today so those will be getting installed this weekend too. I'm also hoping my Drag Specialties mini speedo, 4" black hairpin seat springs and West Eagle seat get here soon! Pics to follow.

 

[wdavie]

Nice looking bike. Can I ask you where you got the exhaust from. I'd like to put something similar on my 850 but can't source any here in the UK.

 

[Agemax]

Nice looking bike. Can I ask you where you got the exhaust from. I'd like to put something similar on my 850 but can't source any here in the UK.

get one made or make one yourself, you can buy mufflers or slash cut silencers from most UK bike spares distributers. try M&P or ebay

 

[CPT America]

Nice looking bike. Can I ask you where you got the exhaust from. I'd like to put something similar on my 850 but can't source any here in the UK.

It's the stock header with a couple pieces of Autozone or (insert your local auto parts store name here) low bend muffler pipe welded to it. Pretty easy and can be had for probably the cost of a good pint of Guiness and a couple hours sweat. :dancing:

Thanks for the compliments.

 

[CPT America]

I really like the rear whitewall tire!!!

Thanks! I've been getting a ton of compliments on it. It seems to be a real crowd pleaser.:lol:

 

[Ranger]

I wanna hear what it sounds like, that's what determines the finishing touches on a bike.

Did you chop the cone mufflers off and leave the baffle for the outside headers?

 

[CPT America]

I wanna hear what it sounds like, that's what determines the finishing touches on a bike.

Did you chop the cone mufflers off and leave the baffle for the outside headers?

The cones were hacked off and the headers were gutted. It's about as "straight pipe" as you can get. I'll try and grab a video clip of it and post a link over the weekend so you can hear what it sounds like. I like it, but it may not be everyone's cup of tea. I will say though, the sound fits the bike.

 

[CPT America]

So here's the 19" front I picked up off ebay for $17. I used that self priming, high temp VHT satin black paint on it and a couple coates of clear. Then had a Metz 110/90-19 put on it. Once it warms back up a little I'll be spraying the rear wheel to match.

The stock brake caliper won't work with the 19" mag, it hits the spoke so I grabbed a caliper for an 81 550L off ebay made for the 19" front and will be fitting it once it gets here. I plan on using the stock master cylinder and lever and having a SS braided line fabbed for it. Sorry the wheel is still dirty from the shop but I wanted to snap some photos as soon as I got it home. Once the new seat gets here and I get a couple other things done I'll clean it up nice and get some more pics.

 

[AF_Bill]

Cpt, lookin good! Even though that peanut tank isn't my thing, it looks good!

 

[67camaro]

What are you doing with that sportster wheel? Want to sell it?

 

[CPT America]

Cpt, lookin good! Even though that peanut tank isn't my thing, it looks good!

Thanks! I know the peanut tank is either hit or miss with a lot of folks.

 

[CPT America]

What are you doing with that sportster wheel? Want to sell it?

I actually donated it to my local shop. They're building a bobber and asked me if I wanted to donate it for some labor in trade and I jumped on it. Sorry.