Progress on my modded 550 (pics)

[LeeGS550E]

All,
Just thought I'd throw up some shots of my 83 550. I have repainted the frame with an epoxy based paint, repainted the wheels, POR-15'd the tank, installed a katana front end, put on risers and drag bars, cut the subframe, rebuilt the carbs (new jets show up this week), put on new tires, and bead blasted alot of the parts to a bare aluminum finish. There's also a GSXR shock on there. I'm putting the wiring back in this week, putting the carbs back together, finishing the seat, etc etc. Still lots left to do. Let me know what you think!

[LeeGS550E]

Oops, I guess I did say "shots" and not "shot". Here's another angle.

[80GS1000]

Very 8-). What's the plan with the new seat, and what size tires did you put on?

[LeeGS550E]

Plan for the seat is black and white vinyl, shaped sorta like Solo Suzuki's http://www.saskma.com/content/view/606/33/ only shorter. I really liked the shape of the tail plastics, so I cut the last 4" or so and put that back on, as you can see. Its also nice to keep the old taillight, since its nice and big. The tires are 140/70-17 on the rear and 110/80-17 on the front, Battleax BT45's.

[zooke-158]

VERY INTERESTINK

[johnnay]

Me likes!!! Now finish off that exhaust with an undertail, and you've really got something cool!!

[LeeGS550E]

that's a good idea...

I didn't even think of doing an undertail exhaust. I've got some extra cash that I was considering dropping on a welder...any idea how I would make the bends? Pipe benders are quite expensive, but can you buy the bends pre-made? Its that or I could just take it to a shop. But I'd rather spend that money on a tool and do it myself. Excellent idea though.

[johnnay]

for a one-off you'd be best to take lots of measurements, mock up the bends with wire, and then have a muffler shop bend it up for you - they can mandrel bend it so it looks purty. Then you can do the DIY bit to weld on the spring attachments, build a muffler or whatever. Tools to bend large diameter tubing is too pricey for most DIY'ers.

[LeeGS550E]

I decided that the exhaust is something I want to do myself...so I just bought a Hobart Mig welder from Northern tool. I also found a place that'll sell you mandrel bends of various sizes and degrees for between $10 and $20. I'm gonna mock it up with wire and then buy the bends. I'm stoked to do this project...I havn't used a mig welder since hischool.

[beergood]

I can't exactly put into words why I like it, but I definitely like it.

Very cool.

[courier11sec]

Atta boy!
Good thing you decidied to build the exhaust your self. I've been doing custom exhaust for about 5 years and I can tell you most shops won't have a mandrel bender since they cost about 4 times what a press bender does and the press bender does better than factory most of the time.
Best bet with a bike as far as I know is find an aftermaket system built for your bike, a factory system, or have welding and fabrication skills of your own along with at least a good working knowledge of fluid dynamics.
The more you learn, the cooler you are!

[oldschoolorange]

Nice job man, it is really clean looking

[LeeGS550E]

Atta boy!
Good thing you decidied to build the exhaust your self. I've been doing custom exhaust for about 5 years and I can tell you most shops won't have a mandrel bender since they cost about 4 times what a press bender does and the press bender does better than factory most of the time.
Best bet with a bike as far as I know is find an aftermaket system built for your bike, a factory system, or have welding and fabrication skills of your own along with at least a good working knowledge of fluid dynamics.
The more you learn, the cooler you are!

I did take a hydraulics class when I was at OSU three years ago...I think I still remember the basic ideas. I'm guessing stuff like cavitation and stagnation would be my biggest problems to watch out for. I'm excited to get this welder in hand. I think I will use mild steel, match the outlet size on my 4/1 kirker header, and just try to keep all of my bends pretty smooth. I'm going to order a pile of mandrel bends from this place http://www.mazzurisuper.com/ and use my dad's abrasive cut wheel to piece it together. My credit card's getting a workout on this one....

[cruisinflatout]

I love it man...good work! Looking forward to seeing the final result :-D

[Nerobro]

For about thirty secconds I thought it was bad. It grew on me fast. You're doinga great job. and the white frame is beautiful.