my new project

[bigbill808]

hi, this is my second GS project. first was a 1981 GS1000G, never owning another shaftie again!! new project is a 1979 GS1000L with 12,000 original miles. putting together parts to install for winter project. parts already purchased include: 4" extended 1983 1100 swingarm, gsxr rear wheel, 1990 gsxr 1100 front end. already installed dyna coils and ignition system, 36mm gsxr mikuni carbs.

 

[KitKat]

going to be very intersting on an "L"

 

[bigbill808]

here is a more recent photo.

 

[KitKat]

how did you make that "L" look like a G?

 

[bigbill808]

i added a tank off a 1983 GS1100E, as well as a custom seat, along with the extra tail piece i had left over from my 1981 GS1000G.

 

[Johno]

What's the problem with the shaft?

What's the problem with the shaft?

hi, this is my second GS project. first was a 1981 GS1000G, never owning another shaftie again!!

What's the problem with the shaft? Had my 1981 GS1000G since new- no issues. No chain, no sprockets and no adjustment

 

[bigbill808]

Was not trying to offend any shaft owners. I just didn't like the limitations the shaft had, skinny tires and extra weight. It ran great, had Vance and Hines cams and mild port work. Kept the head to put on my new project. Again my opologies if I offended anyone!!

 

[Johno]

shaft

shaft

No offence taken Big Bill. Just curious about the shaft.

 

[62 bugzilla]

tank

tank

Nice conversion so far! Could you post more pics on the tank and seat since I have a L model chain drive and want to do the same thing your doing and have done somne stuff but want to change the seat and tank aswell. Thanks and again looks great.

 

[blowerbike]

FYI
thats an 80/81 750E/1100E tank.
looks nice.

 

[bigbill808]

thanks for the info blowerbike. and 62 bugzilla, i will post more pics and info soon. i had to cut off original gas tank mounts and move them to secondary holes in frame closer to the neck. and had to use a 4 1/2" bolt to tighten down rear of tank. the rear seat cowl was an extra i had after i sold my 1981 gs1000g model. i had to do some light modification to make it work, i used rear half of the fender (plastic part) of the g model and i think that made it much more simple of job. hope this helps.

 

[bigbill808]

just wanted to update project. damn starter clutch went out, at least it waited till the winter to do it!! so i figured it was a good time to start replacing the swing arm and rear wheel upgrades. will have pics up soon. hope everyone has a great holiday!!

 

[Steve]

..., never owning another shaftie again!! ...

What's the problem with the shaft? ...

... I just didn't like the limitations the shaft had, skinny tires and extra weight.

I guess the shafties are only "limiting" if you plan on modifying. :-k

The stock wheels will properly support tires that will let you explore ALL the available cornering clearance, what more do you need?

Most of the time, a wider tire is only for looks, and that would depend a lot on the looker's opinion.

As for weight? The 1000G had a dry weight of 543. The GS1000S was 524. Nineteen pounds bothers you that much?

OK, the 1000S had the fairing on the front, the 1000E was only 507 pounds. That's still only a 36-pound difference.
I suppose if you were building a race bike or some other special project, the few extra pounds might make a difference, but for those of us who tend to ride two or three states at a time instead of two or three hours, it really isn't that much of a problem.

Anyway, ... nice work so far on the "L". :clap:
You have any pictures of the finished "G"?

.

 

[Curly]

Holy cow, 19 lbs is considered a huge amount even for my race car, worth roughly 7th some would say. I was happy to loose a pound by Swiss cheesing my battery box.

 

[Steve]

Holy cow, 19 lbs is considered a huge amount even for my race car, worth roughly 7th some would say. I was happy to loose a pound by Swiss cheesing my battery box.

Like I said right above your post:

I suppose if you were building a race bike or some other special project, ...

For the type of riding that my family and I do, it does not really matter whether the bike weighs 600 or 800 pounds.

For the convenience of no chain care and not having to align the axle, as well as the silence, I will gladly put up with the extra 19 pounds.

.

 

[ddaniels]

Like I said right above your post:


For the type of riding that my family and I do, it does not really matter whether the bike weighs 600 or 800 pounds.

For the convenience of no chain care and not having to align the axle, as well as the silence, I will gladly put up with the extra 19 pounds.

.

Ditto on all of that!

 

[bigbill808]

hey all, i have updated bike some. starter clutch went out so i figured while it was winter i would try to finish project before spring. wish me luck!!

 

[bigbill808]

some more pics of 79 GS1000L project.

 

[bigbill808]

and some more...

 

[sschering]

Lookin good.. You can't even tell it's an L anymore