Progress on my modded 550 (pics)

[80GS1000]

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?

Ditto with all the above comments.

[78550Detroit]

Wow the bike looks great very nice job. I think the seat looks fine the color it is I wouldn't mess with it.

[80GS750]

man that thing looks badass...... i like the paint job... how hard was that seat to do? i have one that needs recovered and i want to do something like that...

[LeeGS550E]

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

I wish I knew how she rode! I've been eliminating all of the variables that lead to it running like crap. I think my last problems are the ignition system. My CDI was not working properly, and the coils are bad. This is after cleaning and recleaning the carbs a million times, and new intake boots, new exhaust gaskets, adjusting the valves twice, retorquing the head...yadda yadda. Put a timing light on it, and it was all over the place. Can't wait to start 'er up when my Dyna S, mechanical advance, and katana coils show up.

man that thing looks badass...... i like the paint job... how hard was that seat to do? i have one that needs recovered and i want to do something like that...

IMHO, the seat was easy to do. I've done some upholstery before, but as long as you can sew a relatively straight stitch and set the machine up right, its just patience and ingenuity. Using a softer vinyl will help, too. Just go for it.

Anyway, thanks for the support. Can't wait to get her on the road!

[550ERAT]

Nice Bike, What Year And Type Bike Are The Rims From? What Year Katana Front End And Did You Have To Do Anything To The Swingarm To Fit That Tire?

[LeeGS550E]

Rims and forks are ~'92 katana. No mods needed on swingarm...had to do some grinding on the rear brake carrier and bend the torque arm for the brake...no biggy! Still thinking about ways to get some ride height back.

[LeeGS550E]

Thought I'd post a few more pictures...

I rode her down to the Wheatland ferry across the Willamette tonight.


She's running pretty well, but the 39 tooth rear sprocket is way too low a gear.



I've got a 48 tooth on the way with another new 520 chain (doh!).



Thanks to everybody for looking and commenting. The inspiration on this forum has been great.

[LeeGS550E]

I got kind of artsy with this one:

[beergood]

Congrats again. I know firsthand that almost nothing compares to the feeling of riding a project you completed yourself.

Every time I see someone on a showroom floor bike and the rider gives me one of those dismissive glances I laugh a little inside. Anyone can buy a bike, few can build one.

[catfishk]

looking good LeeGS550E!

[spyug]

Beergood's comments are right on the money. Anyone with the cash flow can cut a cheque for the latest GSX-R but not too many of us can build a bike.

I've been wrenching off and on for 40+ years. Taught by my father on old flat track racer who never let me own a bike. I started with cars and was heavily into sportscars in my teens and twenties. Stopped wrenching much in my 30's and 40's due to family obligations. Turned 50 and had the mid life crisis. Woke up one day and decided to get a bike. Took the course and got a Yammie 400.

About that time the TV bike shows were coming on strong and the OCC boys really got me thinking. If those clowns can build something I can too.

I started the next year when a free XV500 Virago came my way. Rejuvenated it after it had a 3 or 4 year stay uncovered and unloved in a backyard. Did a mild customization and repaint. Rode it a bit but looked for a new project. Fell in love with the XS 650 cafes, trackers and bobers and had do do one.

Complete engine out of frame rebuild and upgrade ( way too many new and improved parts to list) and I now have a very sweet and sporty little rocket that is all me.

Everytime I ride ( which is saddly not very much as I can't sit on the plank hard seat due to an injured Sciatic nerve) I get compliments and let me tell you that feels so good, knowing that you've touched, rebuilt or modified everything on that scoot.

Its not perfect but as Frank always said, "I did it my way". Top that you chequebook trolls!:-D

http://www.650motorcycles.com/AndyInHamilton.html

You do good work and that is one tasty little bike. Well done dude!

Cheers all,
Spyug.

[MelodicMetalGod]

Nice! No "chequebook trolls" here!

[LeeGS550E]

Every time I see someone on a showroom floor bike and the rider gives me one of those dismissive glances I laugh a little inside. Anyone can buy a bike, few can build one.

Yeah, I feel the same. Though I wouldn't turn it down if someone handed me the keys to a new Monster, I'm so amazed at how people will make payments on a bike that cost as much as a car. My buddy's got an exhaust on his Ducati that cost as much as my whole bike! I get as much enjoyment out of working on it and coming up with ideas as I do riding it. Well, almost as much. :-D

I also find it kind of lame that most riders these days can't even reckognize that a bike is unique. It seems like more an more we aren't paying attention to the whole world of motorcycles/cars/art/life and we just make the payments, ride it, and don't consider alternatives.

Whew, I think the afterwork beer is getting to me...I'm starting to pontificate.

Cheers everyone!

[LeeGS550E]

You do good work and that is one tasty little bike. Well done dude!

Cheers all,
Spyug.

Thanks, spyug. Hope the helicoil works out alright for you!

[80GS1000]

Nice lookin' bike - great work? Did the bike come monoshocked or did you monoshock it?

Like it a lot! :-D