Making L versions into non-L, what's to be done?

[roeme]

I've recently come across an 750L that could potentially serve as a great base for a future project.

(The 750L appears to be Europe-only?)

But what does make an L? So far from pictures methinks:

- Stepped seat
- Headlight including bracket
- Handlebars
- Rear tire
- Rear Fenders
- Rear suspension, or longer forks? (Unclear)
- Frame? (Very unclear on this)

Reason I'm asking is because if I were to get it, I would make it into something decidedly non-L, more in the vicinity of a caf? racer. Definitively something that handles more like my 550E, but I'm not sure if it's at all possible. For example, if the rake angle is higher than on the other models (to achieve that "choppery" handling).

Edit: Or the frame geometry is completely different

 

[kerrfunk]

I'd love a 750L in its natural state.
I think the L front wheel sticks out a little more, too.
I'm not the guy to ask about de-L-ing, but someone will come along.

 

[dorkburger]

I believe that the frames are lower at the seat area. This is why on L cafe conversions one can sometimes see the top frame rails angling down toward the front if the builder went with a flat / level seat. I think recall Steve saying the the front uses different triple trees to make up for the leading axle fork.

 

[sam000lee]

On the GS450's, the tank mounts are slightly different.

 

[Cipher]

Forcing an L to be anything but an L is a vile form of repression and mutilation.
Ls of the world unite!

 

[Guest]

Forcing an L to be anything but an L is a vile form of repression and mutilation.
Ls of the world unite!

Consider me united!

 

[roeme]

Uh-oh, sounds like I have started a minor revolt...

I believe that the frames are lower at the seat area. This is why on L cafe conversions one can sometimes see the top frame rails angling down toward the front if the builder went with a flat / level seat.(...)

hrm damn :-k I was hoping that it's done the same way as my brother's Yamaha SR250, where the stepped seat simply "hangs" over the otherwise normal frame.

Anybody has pictures of an L-frame from the side?

 

[Brendan W]

Uh-oh, sounds like I have started a minor revolt...



hrm damn :-k I was hoping that it's done the same way as my brother's Yamaha SR250, where the stepped seat simply "hangs" over the otherwise normal frame.

Anybody has pictures of an L-frame from the side?

Sure I put one up a while back............
Here it is
https://ixquick-proxy.com/do/spg/sh...igger.jpg&sp=a8db9fe0aab038918c8331858be009d0

 

[Wingsconsin]

Forcing an L to be anything but an L is a vile form of repression and mutilation.
Ls of the world unite!

Another "L" in the fold.
But I DID have a custom seat made for me -- just because the old one was torturous -
So - some de-"L"-ing has occurred on my bike.
But I use mine primarily as a commuter so shorter rides (typically 50 miles)

 

[Guest]

Uh-oh, sounds like I have started a minor revolt...



hrm damn :-k I was hoping that it's done the same way as my brother's Yamaha SR250, where the stepped seat simply "hangs" over the otherwise normal frame.

Anybody has pictures of an L-frame from the side?

This is as close to the frame as I've got.

As you can see the "L" looks badass even without the body work and seat.

 

[sam000lee]

On my GS450L the `T' seat is a direct bolt on which flattens it out a little.

 

[Guest]

This one started out life as an L.
http://www.tinshackrestoration.com/2012/11/18/1979-suzuki-gs-750l-before-after/

 

[Steve]

I will insert my comments in blue.

I've recently come across an 750L that could potentially serve as a great base for a future project.

(The 750L appears to be Europe-only?)

But what does make an L? So far from pictures methinks:

- Stepped seat - yes
- Headlight including bracket - yes, smaller and chrome
- Handlebars - yes, higher, generally more uncomfortable angle
- Rear tire - most of them had 16" rear, but there were a few exceptions
- Rear Fenders - yes, chrome steel fenders, but so did the "T" models
- Rear suspension, or longer forks? (Unclear) - rear suspension is the same. Forks were a touch longer, but only because they were moved behind the axle. Steering angle, rake and trail were virtually unchanged.
- Frame? (Very unclear on this) - yes, the frame is different

Reason I'm asking is because if I were to get it, I would make it into something decidedly non-L, more in the vicinity of a caf? racer. Definitively something that handles more like my 550E, but I'm not sure if it's at all possible. For example, if the rake angle is higher than on the other models (to achieve that "choppery" handling).

The fuel tanks were smaller and teardrop-shaped. Some had different gauge sets. The rear fender was chrome to give it a finished look, as there was no tail section over it, like on the E and G models. The front fenders were also chrome.

Performance-wise, the bikes were virtually unchanged. Same engine, same transmission, although there were a couple of ratio changes to compensate for the smaller rear wheel. The forks were pulled back with different triple trees, then the axle was placed ahead of the forks. This let the forks extend below the axle, giving it that "long fork" look that was popular with choppers, but the wheel was in the same place.

.

 

[bwringer]

To add on to Steve's detailed overview, the seating position on the L models is a little different (mainly, the seat is lower -- the pegs are in pretty much the same place) but the handling is pretty much identical as long as the bike is wearing reasonable handlebars and the suspension has been sorted out. I've ridden G and L models back-to-back several times, and there's little to no mental adjustment needed. Well, you do need to remember to stop for gas a little more often.

The factory handlebars on "regular" GS models are awful, but the factory bars on "L" models are ridiculous. I'm sort of making the assumption that the bars have been changed to something reasonable, at least on any GS that someone plans to actually, y'know, ride somewhere.

 

[kerrfunk]

1) Where's all the L-hate? I'm used to seeing L-hate on posts like this and instead there's not only calm L-critique but actual L-love! I'm amazed!
2) I like the riding position and the original handlebars. I tried other bars and found them uncomfortable. Go figure.
3) Wow, Steve. You know your stuff!
4) I do lament the small tank, and I did like the little tail box on the 700E I used to ride, but I still say Color me L.

 

[Wingsconsin]

My "L" -- Love
Custom seat (Diamond Seats) - windscreen -small saddlebags (Matuzu)- removable trunk (Shad) -GPS- LED Driving lights on case guards

 

[rkroby]

The usual changes to my "L". Seat and bars.

 

[Guest]

The usual changes to my "L". Seat and bars.

That bike actually looks very nice. Puts me in mind of a "T" which I also admire.

 

[Guest]

I've recently come across an 750L that could potentially serve as a great base for a future project.

(The 750L appears to be Europe-only?)

But what does make an L? So far from pictures methinks:

- Stepped seat
- Headlight including bracket
- Handlebars
- Rear tire
- Rear Fenders
- Rear suspension, or longer forks? (Unclear)
- Frame? (Very unclear on this)

Reason I'm asking is because if I were to get it, I would make it into something decidedly non-L, more in the vicinity of a caf? racer. Definitively something that handles more like my 550E, but I'm not sure if it's at all possible. For example, if the rake angle is higher than on the other models (to achieve that "choppery" handling).

Edit: Or the frame geometry is completely different

This may be functional in case you would change your mind about a bobber.

 

[gs11ezrydr]

A friend of mine took a 1100L model, with a 7inch slick, a short wheelie bar mild head,porting done by himself. A Maxi-X pipe then finally a V&H megaphone. And he seemed to think that it left harder then his 1100 E model did and there fore had better short times and finally after a few minor chassis changes ran a 9.98 with a stock motor and some 33 smoothbore carbs. Back in 1981 if memory serves me right. He loved that L model and drove it daily. He said it just handled better for him at 135 lbs. and 5'3"