Reviving an 1980 GS450S

[katoranger]

http://www.dansmc.com/tirespecs1.htm

That is perfect.

Thanks, Allen

[Billy Ricks]

The rims themselves should say tubeless applicable or something on them if they are tubeless.

[katoranger]

I will inspect them tomorrow to see if I need tubes also.

I think the tires on there are the originals.

Allen

[Billy Ricks]

I will inspect them tomorrow to see if I need tubes also.

I think the tires on there are the originals.

Allen

You should be able to tell by the valve stem as well.

[Nessism]

Wheels are tube type. I installed some Dunlop 404's on mine which are a higher quality tire than most others in the same price range.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Dunlop-D404-Motorcycle-Tire-Rear-110-90-18-BLK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35601QQitemZ4628816534QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Dunlop-D404-Motorcycle-Tire-Front-100-90-18-BLK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35601QQitemZ4628819012

Carbs shouldn't need any parts if all goes well. You may want to rebuild the brake system as well; front caliper piston and seal kit is $25 or so and the master kit is about $17. Money well spent. Also, get a new air filter and plan to check the valves. Many of these old bikes have never had the valves adjusted since the shims are a pain in the ass to adjust.

Good luck and let us know your progress.

[katoranger]

Wheels are tube type. I installed some Dunlop 404's on mine which are a higher quality tire than most others in the same price range.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Dunlop-D404-Motorcycle-Tire-Rear-110-90-18-BLK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35601QQitemZ4628816534QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Dunlop-D404-Motorcycle-Tire-Front-100-90-18-BLK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35601QQitemZ4628819012

Carbs shouldn't need any parts if all goes well. You may want to rebuild the brake system as well; front caliper piston and seal kit is $25 or so and the master kit is about $17. Money well spent. Also, get a new air filter and plan to check the valves. Many of these old bikes have never had the valves adjusted since the shims are a pain in the ass to adjust.

Good luck and let us know your progress.

Thanks for the info. I went out today and yes they are tube type so I will be ordering some new tubes too. Those Dunlaps like nice. I watched it in my items, they may be the ticket. I purchase a working used front brake system since the one on the bike is not functioning due to a hole in the master and the caliper is stuck. Will save that for parts.

I need an air filter since the mice ate it. The valves will come after I get it running.

Thanks, Allen

[Nessism]

I need an air filter since the mice ate it. The valves will come after I get it running.

Thanks, Allen

You can buy a flat piece of air filter foam from a local motorcycle accessory store to save a couple of bucks off the factory filter. Another thought is to just find a piece of general purpose foam and make your own. After spending $10 on the factory filter I wished I'd just made my own.

Good luck.

Ed

[katoranger]

So it is just a piece of foam like a lawnmower uses? There is nothing left in the airbox.

How thick is it? I can just order one too. $10 is reasonable.

Thanks, Allen

[katoranger]

This is just a thought. What would be the probability of swapping to newer wheels of the 17" variety. Seems to be alot more tire choices available. Nobody said it has to be stock.

I don't need to go any wider.

May give the old bike a new look.

Thanks, Allen

[Billy Ricks]

You could probably fit Katana 600 wheels but the front is a pain unless you replace the entire front end.

[katoranger]

I have been find so more tires for this thing. Just need to be high bidder. The current tires will work for testing. I won't leave the neighborhood on them.

The wheel/frontend swap may be a future project.

Thanks, Allen

[spots25]

you're in for some fun on the rear end of that swap. I'm in the middle of it myself, and the swingarm is just plain too narrow to fit any cool wheels. I'm currently swapping on the rear wheel off a '84 900 Ninja, into a 1100 Katana swingarm. But to get the swingarm to fit, i'm going to have to narrow the swingarm and lop off the passenger footpegs.

[Nessism]

I have been find so more tires for this thing. Just need to be high bidder. The current tires will work for testing. I won't leave the neighborhood on them.

The wheel/frontend swap may be a future project.

Thanks, Allen

I'm not sure what auction you are bidding on but those 404 Dunlops are available for a good price from several different places including http://www.ronayers.com/catalogs/tir...ecid=2&type=13

Changing out the wheels on a 450 is going to be WAY more work and expense than the bike deserves.

[katoranger]

I donn't think it will be worth it. I like that link. The prices are reasonable. I also have to check the local shop to see what he has available. May get a deal locally.

Thanks, Allen

I'm not sure what auction you are bidding on but those 404 Dunlops are available for a good price from several different places including http://www.ronayers.com/catalogs/tir...ecid=2&type=13

Changing out the wheels on a 450 is going to be WAY more work and expense than the bike deserves.

[katoranger]

I got a Pirelli for the front and I am bidding on a Kenda rear tire. I am going to attempt to mount them my myself. I bought some tire levers on ebay. 15" long. Most of the one on there were on about 9" so I paid a bit more and bought the ones with leverage.

In another thread someone posted a home balancing tip.

Still waiting on parts so my progress has been slow.

Allen