What would you do with this bike?

[80gs750LT]

So, how's it running?

It's actually running pretty well. It was my reliable bike until last September when I was riding with my son, and it died and would not restart. It sat all winter, and I finally got around to working on it about a month ago. After installing the ignitor I bought from you, it starts easily, and idles well. I took it for a short ride a couple of days ago (I haven't licensed or insured it this year), and it ran well. I only wish my POS Katana ran as well!

 

[Guest]

Ride it as is.Personally,I'd only spend enough to keep it running and when it dies,parts.It looks like you'd have to throw a berserk amount of money at it for it to look perdy.Cheers,Simon.

 

[8trackmind]

What would you guys do to this to improve the appearance?

With motorcycles, there are subtle things that make a huge difference. If you just look at it in chunks you can easily decide where to go with your project. After you figure that, out you can work on what flows, and what doesn't.
The front third of your bike is fine as is. I'd bet that 16" wheel up front quickens up the handling too.
The rear, as you know, is a train wreck. So what do you think it needs? Cafe seat? dirt tracker seat? Cut down L seat?

Btw, I think you already have your answer. Groundshock's machine should be the "posterbike" for the L models. It's a good example of how you can get (mostly) stock parts to "flow" with careful execution.

 

[groundshock]

Holy crap, thanks for the compliment!

 

[tobiism]

Holy crap, thanks for the compliment!

He's right, your ride is pretty nice! What taillight is that on there?

 

[groundshock]

Got it off ebay. Some universal deal from Taiwan. I dig it.

 

[80gs750LT]

...Btw, I think you already have your answer. Groundshock's machine should be the "posterbike" for the L models. It's a good example of how you can get (mostly) stock parts to "flow" with careful execution.

Agreed. I haven't decided if I'm keeping it yet, but I have been giving it some thought. This was the first bike that I bought after not riding for about 20 years, so I do have kind of a "soft spot" for it.

The big things are the seat and the header hanger. I was looking at where the PO cut the frame loops off, and it looks like I can fab a short rod with mounting tab for the header, and weld it into the open tube there. Painted to match the frame, it would almost disappear.

I would probably try to modify the existing seat by making the step shorter, and bringing the sides down a little. I don't care for the curve that matches the fender that much.

The small rear turn signals would be replaced with slightly larger round units that would also serve as the rear fender mount bolts, eliminating the stock "drop" mounts. Also, I would shorten the fender a little (and paint it to match the tank, side covers, and front fender), and replace the huge stock taillight with a smaller one, along the same lines as Groundshock's.

The big front Yamaha turn signals would be replaced with smaller round units matching the rear. I would probably replace the stock headlight with a black one (the stock chrome mounts have already been replaced by older type "open" black ones). The fat hard foam stock grips would be replaced by normal size gel grips, and bar end mirrors would be added. The rest of the front end would remain as-is, other than losing the reflectors.

I would sand and paint the header black. The bottom tubes are slightly flattened. Anyone know how to pull those out?.

Last but not nearly least, everything would be repainted, probably the same color.

None of the above would cost very much, other than the paint. Sounds like a good winter project!