Progress on my modded 550 (pics)

[beergood]

Sorry to be busting balls here but in my opinion the stock gauge cluster is killing the lines of the bike. I would probably go with something like this

http://www.choppersurplus.com/np/ins...ni_speedo.html

I gotta agree. The rest of the bike has a pretty unique look, the black box stands out.

[LeeGS550E]

I think you guys are right about the gauges. The originals are too friggin huge. Guess I better get out the credit card.

[MelodicMetalGod]

Very unique look. Definitely stands out in a crowd. Looks like you've put a lot of work into it. Well done!

PS: I have to agree on the recent assesments on the gauge clusters effect on the flow of the bike. I'll be interested to see what you come up with.

[ironash]

That chopper sites gauges were too expensive. I got mine from Mike's xs.

http://www.mikesxs.net/mikesxs-accessories.php?category_id=8.1

Look half way down the page. Same gauges but for $59.00. They work great on my 80 450L. The only thing I have to modify is the turn signal lamp. You have to put in a 12v zener diode into each line otherwise the blinker light won't work right. I should be doing that this weekend.

[t3rmin]

Watch the gear ratio on the tach on those MikesXS gauges. Suzy is 1.5, MikesXS is 1.4 (or was it the other way around). But maybe they can get the 1.5 models if you ask...

[drhermanstein]

What a head turner!! love the proportions, especially taillight-fender cowl area. please get lower handle bars though.

[LeeGS550E]

Paint's done

I have been waiting around on parts from bikebandit, so I painted it. The red is a match of Ducati's red on the GT1000. At least it looks fast now. I know, the seat color doesn't match.

[80GS1000]

Yeah buddy, that paintjob looks KILLER. What's the plan for the seat?

[LeeGS550E]

Oh, I guess the plan for the seat is to live with it for now...I really don't want to recover it again. If I did, I'd probably go with black pleather, or maybe white, though that would probably be a pain to maintain. It's a fine seat as it is, but that darn color is just a bit off. Hopefully I'll get used to it.

[Wheelie]

Try vinyl dye. Comes in a spray can, application is similar to spray paint. You might find a color that's a little closer than what you have now.

[Zooks]

I think it looks fine. That bike is beautiful. Trim never matches panel colour exactly anyway (in any kind of vehicle).

[LeeGS550E]

Amen to that!

(Plus, I'm getting lazy on this thing, so I just need some justification to leave it.)

Thanks for all the comments though, friends. Appreciate the feedback. The color contrast looks better in person anyway.

[ron bayless]

Oh, I guess the plan for the seat is to live with it for now...I really don't want to recover it again. If I did, I'd probably go with black pleather, or maybe white, though that would probably be a pain to maintain. It's a fine seat as it is, but that darn color is just a bit off. Hopefully I'll get used to it.

You are truly now a master builder.Congratulations on a terrific job.

[LeeGS550E]

You are truly now a master builder.Congratulations on a terrific job.

Thanks Ron! I don't agree with you about being a masterbuilder, but thanks anyway. I'm just trying to keep up with the 80GS1000's and Beergood's around here! I know that when I get this one finished, I'm just gonna go find another...

[beergood]

Thanks Ron! I don't agree with you about being a masterbuilder, but thanks anyway. I'm just trying to keep up with the 80GS1000's and Beergood's around here! I know that when I get this one finished, I'm just gonna go find another...

Thanks for the props, and that's the spirit, always keep your eyes open and the gears turning for the next project.

I think that bike looks like a blast, how's she ride?