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Project TacoCart

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    Project TacoCart

    Hey Everyone-
    I've been looking for a cafe project for the past couple years. Two weeks ago I found it- 1981 GS1100E. The bike is 99% complete, missing the left side cover panel. Pretty much stock except for the Vance and Hines 4 into 1 exhaust. I picked it up for $500. It only has 20,000 original miles. The seller had no paperwork or plate, but it ran so I rolled the dice. Before paying for it I ran a VIN search and it came up clean. After bringing her home I went to the DMV and registered it for $100. The registration still isn't complete. I have to do a VIN verification but I live next to a cop so that's no problem.

    Since buying it I've spent about $200 on parts. So far I've purchased the following: shop manuel, clubman bars, grips, bar end mirrors, round headlight, blinkers, cafe seat, shock boots, rear foot pegs, pipe wrap, spray paint, throttle and clutch cables, oil filter, spark plugs, air filters, tail light, and license plate bracket. I still need tires, brake pads, and a battery. I just stripped all the paint off the tank. I replaced the spark plugs and did an oil change. I'm having Race Tech rebuild the front shocks. Next up is repainting the tank and front fender. This weekend I'm going to pick up some aluminum to make new side panels. Then I'll cut the rear end and add a hoop.

    I plan to rattle can the tank and fender grey. I'll paint the rims gold. Everything else will remain black. I'm going to wrap the pipes. I would also like to change the guages and dash. The wiring needs to be cleaned up. Finally, the carbs need to be cleaned and synchronized. Down the road I would like to change the front foot pegs and brake/clutch pedals. I also want to remove the black paint on the engine head.

    I have another bike, a 2009 Harley Softail Deluxe. It's super clean: black and chrome, ape hangers, fishtail exhaust, air bag suspention. It's so clean, it's a pain in the ass. I hate keeping it that way. It takes a lot of work to keel it shiny. This is the main reason I bought the GS. I wanted a bike that I didn't have to worry about so much. I was also interested in a different riding style. However, I lack throttle control so a crotch rocket was out of the question.

    I'll keep y'all posted on my progress. Project TacoCart is off and running!!!

    taco
    Attached Files

    #2
    Update 1

    Putting in the work
    Attached Files

    Comment


      #3
      Why are you ruining an 1100e

      Why are you wrapping a v&h pipe it will ruin it

      Clubmans are the most uncomfortable bars known to man.

      Comment


        #4
        122-1210-01-o+1981-suzuki-gs1100e+_0.jpg................

        Actual racer.

        You do know that cafe racer essentially means "all show no go"....right? Course, with the Harley and all.... Ok i better move on.

        Welcome and good luck. Consider changing directions to a functional machine.
        Last edited by Guest; 11-19-2016, 07:40 AM.

        Comment


          #5
          Welcome to the site, Taco.
          An excellent carb cleaning for your bike can be found here.

          You will have to look into some fork stops so the clubmans don't bash the tank.
          Last edited by steve murdoch; 11-19-2016, 08:11 AM.
          2@ \'78 GS1000

          Comment


            #6
            If you put the clubmans on upside down they aren't bad!
            I prefer to put my iron in excellent operating condition, as close to stock as I can. The idea of taking a survivor and making it look like the left over from a wreck just doesn't work for me but to each his own. Plus, the closer to stock you stay the easier it is to diagnose running problems.
            Attached Files
            Last edited by smilinbrad; 11-19-2016, 08:50 AM.

            Comment


              #7
              Looks like you have a nice space to work in. And have fun with your build. One bit of advice is to get it all sorted out before making too many mods so you have a baseline. Keep the pictures coming...

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by Tacocart View Post
                However, I lack throttle control so a crotch rocket was out of the question.
                You lack throttle control, so you are building an 1100cc pseudo-racer?

                This is going to be interesting.

                Comment


                  #9
                  ....
                  LUCKY Guy!!!
                  ...
                  Hey we have stuff in common, my last bike was a '95 Softail Heritage, understand that thought...
                  Cool. My current bike was meant to fill a fast "beater" role, but I keep getting attached to it and realize I'm to old or experienced (whichever) to use it for beater bike...
                  BUT,
                  ...Then I'll cut the rear end and add a hoop. ...
                  ...URGH !@#$% Gag , [/vomit]...
                  It's Your bike though. Just looks like great shape, one of most sought after.

                  Probably could find another side panel around here (?)
                  Hope to see more of the awesome project.



                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by DohcBikes View Post
                    Why are you ruining an 1100e

                    Why are you wrapping a v&h pipe it will ruin it

                    Clubmans are the most uncomfortable bars known to man.
                    Because he can...Ruining it? Sure beats sitting behind a garage rusting away under a tarp. I'd call that a rescue. I'll probably "ruin" 2 more GS's by the time I'm done
                    Current Rides: 82 GS1100E, 00 Triumph 955 Speed Triple:twistedevil:, 03 Kawasaki ZRX1200, 01 Honda GL1800, '15 Kawasaki 1000 Versys
                    Past Rides: 72 Honda SL-125, Kawasaki KE-175, 77 GS750 with total yosh stage 1 kit, 79 GS1000s, 80 GS1000S, 82 GS750e,82 GS1000S, 84 VF500f, 86 FZR600, 95 Triumph Sprint 900,96 Triumph Sprint, 97 Triumph Sprint, 01 Kawasaki ZRX1200, 07 Triumph Tiger 1050, 01 Yam YFZ250F
                    Work in progress: 78 GS1000, unknown year GS1100ES

                    Comment


                      #11
                      DO IT !

                      82 1100 EZ (red)

                      "You co-opting words of KV only thickens the scent of your BS. A thief and a putter-on of airs most foul. " JEEPRUSTY

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Hmmm. I wonder if your headlight would fit an 82 Honda 900F. Plan on selling it?
                        https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4442/...678005be58.jpg

                        1982 GS1100 G converted by Motorcyclist magazine in 1986 to be a tribute to the Wes Cooley replica. 1982 Honda 900F. 1997 Yamaha VMax.
                        Also owned: 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900, 1972 Honda 750 K, 1976 Yamaha XS 650, 1980 Kawasaki KZ 1000 MKII, 1978 Kawasaki SR 650. Current cage is a 2001 Mustang Bullitt in Dark Highland Green. Bought new in Sept. 2001.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by bonanzadave View Post
                          DO IT !

                          Do what? Complete an art project? As a motorcycle, its ruined.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Pretty capable CB550. Read about it in Dec CW. Would u trade it for your bike ?
                            82 1100 EZ (red)

                            "You co-opting words of KV only thickens the scent of your BS. A thief and a putter-on of airs most foul. " JEEPRUSTY

                            Comment


                              #15
                              First of all which one and second of all hell no.

                              Comment

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