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'85 GS550L Makeover...

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    '85 GS550L Makeover...

    So it is time to replace the turn signals, I've been mulling over new bars for a while, I don't have any mirrors, and am generally not a huge fan of the styling of my bike...

    I asked about the bars before and got some good leads, so I won't hit that again. However, it looks like I'll be ordering the bars through http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/, so when I talk about other parts, I'm kinda looking there to consolodate shipping costs... Not a huge deal though.

    As for rear turn signals, I hate the look of the originals, (the last remnants of the last one are now out in the street) and am thinking of going with some flush mount ones. (http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/head_and_tail.htm) Will any fit in the square hole back there, or do they adhesive mount? I see talk of single and double element, which do I need? The bulb I took out has a single filament and is numbered 1073.

    Any suggestions for the signals up front? They're beat up, but hanging on. I'm concerned with visibility up there if I don't go with the stalk-style, even though I don't like the look. I'm also considering ditching the front ones entirely.

    For mirrors, I'm thinking the ones at the top of (http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/mirrors.htm) the page. I'd prefer the style of the next one down, but kinda like the black. Might get the one I like, blast it, and paint it...

    I'm thinking of flat-black painting the tank & side covers. (they're factory red now) The tank has a couple small dents & no rust, but is faded. The emblims are there, somewhat beat up, but pretty good condition. The side covers are in similar condition, all there, but a bit beat up. I might choose to leave the side covers off...

    I'm thinking about replacing the seat. What does it take to find a different looking seat that'll fit this bike? Is it worth the trouble? The seat is in pretty good shape, has some stains from rain that armorall will clean up, and a few scuffs around the bottom lip, but no major tears. Some of the mounting hardware is missing, but nothing that couldn't be fixed up easily. Certainly need some recomendations on seat replacement...

    I mention all this, because I'm pondering a rather dramatic & non-reversable departure from an essentially stock bike. I would never dream of doing anything non-stock to my '71 IH Scout, but I don't have that hangup about this bike. But, I realize others may feel this kind of modification (mutilation) to be sacrilege, so I'm giving a chance for people to speak up, beg for parts, offer a trade, etc.

    This may be insane, but if someone in the area (Atlanta) had a somewhat reliable mid 70's or earlier VJM, and wanted to save a GS, I'd probably trade... Something about the vintage & look of those bikes, I think I'd end up becoming a stock-only snob... I ended up with this bike because I came across a deal (read money pit), not because it was the bike of my dreams.

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions,

    Rob

    #2
    If you like the look of vintage bikes but not the GS550 do like what I'm doing to my 750, I did some cutting on the rear subframe and installed a late 60's Harley sportster rear fender and a more modern sportster leather seat. On the subframe the only thing I cut was the cross member under the passenger seat and bolted the steel sportster fender in place, looks a lot more vintage! The seat was a little more difficult as I had to peel the seat cover back and cut some of the cushion out to make the sportster seat match up to the tank. I'm looking for some lowering shocks now but if you dont look at the engine you would swear its an "old school" Harley.

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      #3
      Originally posted by ToddB3
      If you like the look of vintage bikes but not the GS550 do like what I'm doing to my 750, I did some cutting on the rear subframe and installed a late 60's Harley sportster rear fender and a more modern sportster leather seat. On the subframe the only thing I cut was the cross member under the passenger seat and bolted the steel sportster fender in place, looks a lot more vintage! The seat was a little more difficult as I had to peel the seat cover back and cut some of the cushion out to make the sportster seat match up to the tank. I'm looking for some lowering shocks now but if you dont look at the engine you would swear its an "old school" Harley.
      Todd do you have pictures?

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        #4
        I'll take some pics this evening, I've been waiting to take some after I paint it but I'll go ahead and post a few.

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          #5
          I went with modern turn signals on my bike. My seat is going to get reshaped. and I am painting it gloss black. Everything... The tank, tail, sidepannels, headlight bucket, headlight ears, and front fender.

          I also went with modern rear view mirrors.

          As for appearance, that's about all I'm doing. I am considdering going with a bikini fairing.

          You wouldn't be the first.
          You'd have to be crazy to be sane in this world -Nero
          If you love it, let it go. If it comes back....... You probably highsided.
          1980 GS550E (I swear it's a 550...)
          1982 GS650E (really, it's a 650)
          1983 GS550ES (42mpg again)
          1996 Yamaha WR250 (No, it's not a 4 stroke.)
          1971 Yamaha LT2 (9 horsepower of FURY.)

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            #6
            85 GS550L MAKEOVER

            HAVE AN 85 GS550L
            ORIGINAL RED NOW BLACK
            GOING TO PAINT IT AND ADD SOME
            HARD BAGS AND A TRUNK WITH BUILT IN BACKREST
            SINCE I DON'T RIDE ANYONE IT WILL SIT OVER THE PASSENGERS SEAT
            I'M GOING TO PUT NEW LED STOP AND TURN SIGNALS ON IT
            THEY HAVE CLEAR LENS UNTIL THERE LIT THEN YOU CAN SEE THE COLOR
            AREADY ADDED FRONT GUARDS WITH DUAL FOOTPEGS
            FOR LONG TRIPS


            GARY

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