The Project Begins

[bowzer]

[IMG][/IMG]
This is my gs750 I picked up over winter. I was really looking for a Honda cb750 but could not find a site with enough compiled info, that's when I stumbled onto the GS Resources. After lurking for a while I changed up and started looking for a gs. I soon found this and joined up.
It was great weather this weekend in Chicago so I started to tear her down.
[IMG][/IMG]
I got her all the apart and took the frame and "new" swingarm to the car wash for a quick cleaning.
[IMG][/IMG]
I'm not sure what she will become, so feel free to chime in!
I hope the pics work, not to big or small. I'm still learning8-[

[andrewclaycomb]

Your car washes are a lot stronger than here. All the paint was taken off the swingarm. :shock:

I always like to see a nice cafe project.


EDIT: didn't see the "New" swingarm bit.

[ggreenfield]

Hi bowser!
I too am doing a project bike (not my first but the first in some years). This forum as you've noticed is loaded with good info. A couple of things I found important:

GS's are notorious for electrical problems. Let the little issues slide and they snowball into bigger issues. You can get a nice Honda Regulator/Rectifier from bakalorz, you can even rewind your own stator (read the stator papers) and get the electrical system whipped into shape for not too much money. There is even a coil mod somewhere that I've not yet done. Clean or even better yet replace all of the bullet connectors and coat them with dielectric grease. That simple thing caused my charging system to start working again. The stator papers are invaluable.

If you want to get rid of the stock airbox and convert to pods you gotta go the whole distance. New jets, new 4-1 exhaust and some time and effort to get it all dialed in.

Don't miss BikeCliffs Webspace especially the part about how to post pictures on the forum.

We all like to see what the other folks are doing. Keep the pics coming!

[bowzer]

Raining here and found out the house sewer has broken pipe! It's 4 feet deep in the back yard so I'll tackle it when the rain stops. So the bike project will stall for a week or so.

[bowzer]

This is how I started my Saturday. Digging a 4-5' deep hole in the back yard to repair the house sewer. A very simple yet back-breaking job, as the ground was a mixture of dirt and CLAY!! But it's better than coughing up 3k for such a simple procedure. I would say the problem is 90% fixed, just need a root treatment and a rod/cut job and I'm golden. But my back is screaming right now!! [IMG][/IMG]
Almost done![IMG][/IMG]
Repair complete! Now just backfill and tinker with the motorcycle!:-D[IMG][/IMG]

[bowzer]

After the sewer repair I was able to put in a few hours on the GS. The first thing was to fit the "new" swingarm. I was up in the air about drilling the frame or making new bushings, but with the success of the morning's project I decided to give it a go and drill. I must have done something right because it fit right up![IMG][/IMG]
I used a 5/8" bit with a reamer to "clean it up".
Next I "chopped" the rear and removed all the "old" tabs & brackets. I realize there are two ways to view this: NEVER cut anything!!! And, Dude it's your bike, do what you want. For the record, I purchased this to be a "project" not a restoration. I don't have the patience or the talent to restore anything. The last three bikes I did were all #matching stockers. There were many modifications but I made them so they could be put back by the new owners if they wanted.(no chopping) The GS was not a good candidate for a resto, that's why I got it.[IMG][/IMG]
Now on to a little mock-up.[IMG][/IMG]
A long way to go for sure, but it's on the way. I'm just getting started and for the first time on a project I don't have a clear vision of what she will become. I realize I can only go so far like this, so any input would be great.
I'm doing the 850 "top end" and running dual discs up front. All systems will be rebuilt or replaced (brakes, forks, shocks, etc.) I have a set of GXSR rear-sets that I want to use so for now I think I need opinions on style rather than mechanical issues.(that will come soon enough) Questions like, which wheels, mags or spokes? [IMG][/IMG]
Cafe? Racer? ??????

[bonanzadave]

How did you know where the break was in the underground pipe ?

And good luck with the Bike project.

[Zooks]

Spokes look better but mags are much easier to clean. It depends on whether it is supposed to be pretty or practical. There''s been lots of Cafes done recently, why not go for a bit of a Bobber look?

Just remember that all the stock bits are worth something to another GSer.

Enjoy

[bowzer]

Nah, not into bobbers anymore. I did sort of an old school bobber/beach cruiser out of a 70's HD[IMG][/IMG]

[Zooks]

Okely Dokely. Cafe that sucker then!!!! LOL

I'm keen to see what you come up with. Good luck.

[bowzer]

How did you know where the break was in the underground pipe ?

And good luck with the Bike project.

There was a sink hole in the yard. Maybe 10" deep. At first thought the dog was digging but quickly realized the was no dirt anywhere, so it had to be going somewhere. Flushed some dye and water into the hole and what do you know; it showed up in the sewer!

[andrewclaycomb]

Good thing it wasn't a contaminated sewer line. A buddy of mine just had to deal with that last summer.

[Craiger]

I'm really looking forward to watching the progress of this project. I love the cafe racers. If it weren't for my bad back, I'd have one.

[bowzer]

Good thing it wasn't a contaminated sewer line. A buddy of mine just had to deal with that last summer.

IMO just being a sewer line it's ALREADY contaminated!!8-[

[bowzer]

No work on the GS this weekend. Trying to dial in the BSA cafe. If anyone likes Brit Iron here she is.[IMG][/IMG]
Fresh top end with an overbore and head shave. Just about breaks my leg every time I kick her over![IMG][/IMG]