Mono shock ES fighter/bobber pic request

[Unlimitedor]

Iv been searching the site for awhile in looking for bobber/fighter bikes with very little in return. For some reason they are all restored.

Looking for ideas just picked up a 1985 550ES which I wanted a modern suspension and braking platform. I plan on removing the mono shock and putting a solid strut in place and adding a solo seat, as for the front end I am looking for ideas for bars and headlight options.

[BigD_83]

Not to rain on your parade, but of all the bikes in the GS world, any of the monoshock sport models would be a REALLY bad choice for a bobber.

The 550ES IS a great handling, fast, classic middleweight...hence the reason for restoration rather than bobbing.

[Agemax]

what is the point of picking a bike with a modern suspension and braking platform if you want to hard tail it?????? seems a bit pointless to me.....

[tkent02]

Looking for ideas just picked up a 1985 550ES which I wanted a modern suspension and braking platform. I plan on removing the mono shock and putting a solid strut in place

You want a modern suspension so you can remove it?
Whatever you're smoking should be illegal.

[Unlimitedor]

In terms of modern I am talking about a hidden monoshock clean look. I have rode Ducati and Buell sportbikes that ARE lightweight and fast unlike a gs550 but thats not the point. I want a short distance plain jane sport bike. Because these bikes are a dime a dozen seems like a perfect frame to chop

[slayer61]

Not to rain on your parade, but of all the bikes in the GS world, any of the monoshock sport models would be a REALLY bad choice for a bobber.The 550ES IS a great handling, fast, classic middleweight...hence the reason for restoration rather than bobbing.

what is the point of picking a bike with a modern suspension and braking platform if you want to hard tail it?????? seems a bit pointless to me.....

You want a modern suspension so you can remove it?
Whatever you're smoking should be illegal.

So these guys all have valid points, but at the end of the day... it's your bike! have a look over on OSS at http://old-skool-suzuki.proboards.com/ those guys aren't afraid to cut up a bike and would probably encourage you... rather than discouraging you. Paul

[Agemax]

a hard tail cannot be classed as a "sport" bike

[BigD_83]

I'm afraid you might be on your own, due to your choice of starting platform...I have never seen one bobbed out, but I have seen a few fighter versions. However, I can't say I have seen a single one that I would roll out to you as an exemplar of the style.

Curious to see where you end up with the project, though.

[Mightypns]

Well going against what everybody here has been saying, i did just the same with an '85 550, It was going to cost way to much to restore so i hacked it up into this.

[Dj66]

Monoshock bobber.

Maybe it's my perspective living in northern Minnesota with roads that turn to rubble in a couple years, but i cant imagine eliminating a perfectly good suspension system for a foolish style.

[BigD_83]

What else have you done to this apart from the gas tank (is that from a 250?), flattening of the seat, and removal of the bodywork/fenders/mirrors?

What did you do to the rear shock? I'm assuming it has been hard-mount in some way for the frame to be riding that close to the rear wheel.

Stock wheels to go with those fat tires, or have you adapted something? Or is it the picture and black rims making them look fatter than they really are?

[Unlimitedor]

Hardtails are sweet plain and simple! I took no ones advice from here and went ahead in chopping the whole tail off the bike. Removed the rear shock to block is soild. I will be rebuilding the seat frame assembly to give it a floating seat/tail. Really tempted to use the stock tank cut and box to have a hidden battery. All electronics will be hidden under a front fighter headlight fairing. If anyone is interested il start a build page but from the looks of it the prudes might get upset about it

[BigD_83]

Do it safe and well, people will pay attention...even the more conservative among us.

[Mightypns]

BigD if you were asking about my bike, well i stripped all from the body that wasn't required, bought a 7" round headlight, new LED speedo.
Chopped off the rear about 6-8" from the end, used an old road sign to make a new seat.
The tyres are stock size except the rear is 120 instead of 110. And matt blacked the whole bike except engine.
Rear shock is from a 95` CBR600f4i with the mounting tabs modified so its stiff but doesn't break your back, but have hit the seat a few times on big bumps, but lowered the bike about 1.5" and lowered the front a bit aswell.