Converting a GS1000E into a GS1000L ... any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I just bought a 1978 GS1000E with 25000 miles. The engine is fine tuned and the tank, sides and tail have fresh black paint. It has lot's of potential!

See it here:

http://www.geocities.com/bluestar60010/classic_blue.html

Here's my dillema. I'm only 5'6' and 175 puunds. The bike rides a little high for me. My feet don't both sit FLAT on the ground, only my toes do.

I was thinking of getting a lower riding seat, changing the handle bars to the "deer antler" style on the cruisers to fit my shorter stature.

If I go this route, it makes sense to add a sissy bar and remove the tailpiece behind the seat and add a rear chrome fender to match the front.

Can this be done?
Will it resemble an "L" series bike, or just look like a mistake?

What would you do if you were me?

Thanks!
John[/img]

[isaac]

Dropping the rear shocks to the lowest preload and raising the front forks up into the trees 1" will drop the bike noticeably. Try that and see what you think. If not, please consider doing this: http://ratbike.org/docs/585.php

I say this because of my firm belief that chrome fenders are hideous on a GS or any vintage jap bike for that matter.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I have a '79 GS1000E. Personally, I think the mod's you want to do will make the bike look odd. Too bad you did'nt think of the seat height issue before buying an "E".
The frame and seat are different on the "L", along with several other parts. An "L" seat won't bolt on to an "E". The "L" frame is lower too, so an "L" seat wouldn't help with your reach problem. The rear fender will cause swap problems too. Besides bars, you'll need longer throttle cables, clutch cable, brake line, and probably a longer wiring harness for the bar controls.
You can cut down the "E" seat a little to help with reach, but you'll lose comfort. Cutting out the seating area stock foam and replacing with 1/2 the thickness with something like Sargeants denser foam may work.
Some may suggest letting the fork tubes slip up the clamps an inch and possibly shorter shocks, but that may effect handling negatively.
Maybe a pair of those "Herman Munster" shoes? Just kidding.

[Anonymous]

i love herman munster!!!

Thanks for the input guys.

ok... i won't make those changes as i don't want to bastardize the bike!

My feet definitely touch the ground... just not completly flat (i guess that's not a big deal).

In regards to the fact that i should have made these considerations before i bought the "E" model.... this was a cool bike for only $600.... i just couldn't pass it up. If I find that it is absolutely too large for me, then I can sell it in the future... but I felt that I just had to try! I appreciate your comment though..

Someone suggested that i "Get an aluminum swing arm from an 81,82 or 83 GS 1100E, its easy to put on, it will bolt right up. It will sit a bit lower and handle so much better".
ant thoughts on that idea?

Thanks again guys!
John

[first timer]

the only this the 1100 swing does is lets you loss a little weight and stiffen the back just a tad more, it doen't effect the ride height at all. it is a pretty easy mod to do but if you are not a agressive rider then i wouldn't bother wasting your time.

-ryan

[crayonjota]

Lifting the forks through the clamps lowers the bike and has no real effect on the handling. I am tall so I have the rear ride height up an inch or so over stock, with the forks clamped lower the bike feels better for the way I ride. Loosing some padding in the seat is by and far the easiest way to get your legs onto the ground though. If you can balance the bike comfortably at standstill on your toes I wouldn't even worry about it. I ride KTM's all the time and I have to tippy toe those at stoplights... CJ

[Anonymous]

simple fix,cheap too

buy a set of 2 inch shorter shocks for the rear, then install a set of 2 inch lowering blocks inside the front forks and prestO changeO. you can do all this and keep the oem look. 8) al

[Sandy]

Do the suspension mods as mentioned, short shocks and drop the front triple clamps. You can also cut the foam on the seat and reinstall the stock seat cover to give another 1 or 2 inches like on my GS1000.

[speedorchid]

Do the suspension mods as mentioned, short shocks and drop the front triple clamps. You can also cut the foam on the seat and reinstall the stock seat cover to give another 1 or 2 inches like on my GS1000.

your bike is awesome!!! love the clean spoked wheels!! WOW!

[mrbill5491]

Or put your bike up for sale or trade for an L model someone here on GSR has, though would rather have the E model?

[chuck hahn]

That bike is a 1 year body style..its wotrh a good penny as original, so why not make a deal on another bike or just get used to the toe touching. I am 5'8 and my fet dont go FLAT either. Its just the way it is sometimes. The bike is easy to balance even with my toes. I can be stopped and take my hands off the bars and no struggles holding the bike upright. I suggest you ride it for a month or 2 and get used to the bike before you go ripping into it and your wallet...just sayin.

[Steve]

Guys, this thread is SIX YEARS OLD!!!

It was started by someone with the creative handle of "Anonymous".

He is no longer here, therefore his name is in small font and is given the status of "Guest"

HE IS NOT GOING TO SEE YOUR PRAISES.

Speedorchid, I know you mean well, but what was the real point of bringing up such an old thread?

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