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GS450 Mega Build

  • Thread starter Thread starter scottychop
  • Start date Start date
Hidden Electrics Tray

Hidden Electrics Tray

Got done with hiding all the components under the seat. Looks pretty damn good. Easy project too.

DSC_5928.jpg


Scott
 
Nice! So what you got planned with all that extra space? Are you gonna use the sidecovers?
 
You'll see....

You'll see....

Got parts coming for the rear end next week! Not going to be using the side covers, but alas they don't fit your model.

Scott
 
I wasn't planning on using yours. Just wondering. Can't wait to see the rear end :D
 
Hey Scott, I'm digging that empty space. Can you post some pic's of how you got the electrics mounted?

I'm aiming for the same empty space on mine, but then i want to fill it with a weather proof secure storage compartment. My plan is a flat seat, no duck tail, and reuse the lock from the seat/duck tail on the storage compartment, and I need to move the electrics to do this.

Are you changing your seat pan at all? I initially thought a L or T pan would suit nicely, but I don't believe I can get one here in Aus, and closer looks at pic's around the place show the L and T frames appear to be a little shorter in the rear than the E frame. So, I'm not sure what to do about that just yet, but don't want to cut the frame.
 
Sure thing.

Sure thing.

I'll get some pics up to later today. I just made a small tray that fits between the frame rails. Its a bit crowded in there right now. I am going to shorten up the harness when I get some time.

I do plan on cutting up the seat pan and going with either a small cafe seat, or a flat seat like you mentioned. I'd really like to have a nice small sealed compartment also. Be neat to see what you come up with.
 
Pics

Pics

Side and top view of the mess. It works though!

DSC_5929.jpg


DSC_5930.jpg


And sometime in the off season.....

DSC_5931.jpg
 
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Good stuff Scott, thanks for the pic's.

My only thinking with that is will the heatsink get enough airflow mounted like that? I was thinking of mounting upside down below the pan rather than on top like that... just a thought anyways.
 
Pete,

Pete,

I had the same thoughts. I may move it down. The ends are open to airflow however. I'll have to see if get's too warm.

Scott
 
Those dual projector lamps look excellent. Did you photoshop the blue tint? Otherwise get some tint wrap from Lamin-x. Have you thought of a vintage motocross handlebar? They have cross bars that have a mean, aggressive look about them:
800674_sm.jpg


BTW, thank you for building a serious GS450! It's resreshing to see someone stepping out of the traditional viewpoint with such an underappreciated model!
 
cool

cool

Yeah, just got some real risers in case I go with new bars. The headlights are actually a blue color. They are H1 bulbs, not true low/high's like the H4. I use one for day, both for night. That's the theory anyway, I haven't got my spacers for the rotors yet.....
 
Swingarm Business

Swingarm Business

Got my Katana swingarm. Guess I bought the wrong one though, because the swap is going to be a PIA. Stock swingarm is about 201.5mm. The new Katana is 240mm with 35mm bearing faces. Now, that sounds like an easy bearing swap and a bit of a shave right? Nope. I cannot find a 22x29x20ish needle bearing anywhere. I checked McMaster-Carr, Applied Bearing, and a couple of bike stores seeing if I could fit something. Now I have to go and find a machinist to do the Mill work. Mo-money......

Here is the setup zip-tied in place and a photochop of what my end product might look like.

DSC_5932.jpg


left.jpg
 
I like how you colored the rear suspension :p

So you're going the mono shock route, eh? Interesting...

By the way, those two GS500's are all yours. They both look good to me and from what I have seen, the GS500 swingarm and wheels is a very simple swap for the GS450.
 
I must say I like that photochop... I like it a lot!

That stock front mudguard actually works really well with that image too which is amazing.
 
Yeah?

Yeah?

wish you were closer man. These wheels are going to be a pain to mount up. The front one would require a ton of work to space the calipers AGAIN, and the rear would be iffy on chain clearance. I just couldn't pass them up for Cheap $$. These are going on the shelf for a rainy day. Besides I LOVE the look of the 19 up front.

Should be getting the brakes sorted out by next weekend.....

Scott
 
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Slaving away...

Slaving away...

Lots of grinding and filing! Haven't started fitting things up quite yet as I am waiting on on overdue bearing from Bike Bandit. I have all the tubing to get started with the shock mounts and new rear subframe. Who knew that the 450 frame was asymmetric! The motor mounts are offset by about and inch and a half. Instead of bending a crossbar for the upper shock mount, I am simply adding another side tube from the donor frame. Can you spot it in the pic?

I made a few decisions about the look of the bike, but could use your help. The picture shows the tank raised up in the back by a few inches. I really hate that the profile of the stock tank location is almost bent downwards, like a broken log. Raising it up slightly gives it that sporty look. Gonna weld that mount up this weekend.

I also bent the rear tail section upwards by five degrees in order to get a better look at that beautiful rear end. Swingarm angle is going to be about 12 degrees or so.

So, what to do about that rear cowl? Solo seat for sure, but moved in 8 inches like in the photo, or stretched back out?

Oh, and thanks to Jpual for the GS500 head. Looks good eh?

DSC_5936.jpg
 
hard to say about that rear end... It doesn't particularly flow with the rest of the bodywork (I'm visualizing a sloping line from the top of the tank to the rear cowl and it almost lines up), but then again that might be what you're shooting for. That lip should get cut off, seems to disrupt it even further. What kind of tail light are you going to use? With that kind of tail, I'm imagining a blacked out metal mesh flush with the bottom line hiding a slew of LED's. Now that's got my blood flowing!! :D
 
Scotty,

I agree with you on raising that tank up in the rear, I never thought of doing that. I had always wanted to move the rear cowl to just behind the shock mount, or 7" foward. I think I would rock the rear of the cowl down a bit. I always thought the rear cowl was a bit oversized, in relation to the tank size. I do think the cowl's angular shape works well with the tank. Your moving along faster than I would. Gret going!

cg
 
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Ok well I'm gonna say I like the tank as it was... just to be different :rolleyes: Dunno why but my personal taste I guess...

As far as the rear goes, I'm with Charlie that the stock duck tail is a little too large, somewhat out of proportion to the tank, and the 450 tank's are an excellent shape for cafe style etc.

To be honest I'm not sold on how the rear looks in the mock up there, not sure whether it's the duck tail though or the extra long swing arm...

However, this is *yours* and I ain't gonna rain on your parade :D

How would it be with a stock length T seat or an alternative flat seat I wonder?
 
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