not sure if this is the right area, sawsall???

[GQROD]

To chop or not to chop is a great topic.

I have seen too many gs's and other makes in my area that are chopped to make bobbers and especially cafe bikes. Not all with great success.

The weakness is really the alloy rim design, it's too modern and doesn't go with the old school look. Spokes will always look better.

Too many times it is poorly thought out and poor execution and the bikes just wind up looking like Rat bikes and don't sell.

Cutting up a perfectly good bike won't earn you the respect of experienced riders who appreciate the design and function of the original.

If all you want is something unique then of course it is your bike to do with as you please just don't expect a parade for your choice.

I saw a GS 350 that was in pieces, slightly rusted a real project. Spoke wheels, this bike would make a perfect cafe bike for $300.00, saving a project and doing a good job of it gets expensive. And this is where short cuts are taken and the bikes look worse than if they were left original.

Here is one example http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/960850306.html

And another http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/934977754.html

This doesn't look too bad-http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/960041976.html
Just something to consider.

[tone]

As someone who modifies all his bikes reguardless of value age or rarity i'll say ignore anyone elses opinion & just do what you feel comfortable with

To those who think this attitude is wrong i'll say its NOT about resale value & NEVER has been its about the pure joy of creating something thats your own with your own hands & your own skill If you dont understand that then please refrain from attacking someone who does

In answer to the original question ..... YES you can cut the frame behind the shock mounts but not too close i leave a min of one & a half inches behind the mount, you will need to add a brace across between the frame rails in that area to prevent flex, in most cases this will need to be curved for tyre clearance

cheers tone

[elevatorman71]

all i know is i love what i have done with my chop job and i am the one riding it so to me thats all that matters and also have had a few compliments to go along with it to!

[drhach]

SPYUG makes some very valid points. Cruise ebay, there are tons of guys trying to sell bikes for many thousands of dollars. That's what they spent on them, so that's what they're worth, right?

Another way to look at it might be to understand that you will never, ever sell the bike for what you have in to it. So, that being said, how much do you want to spend on your hobby? Even the guys here with the ultra rare bikes couldn't getr what the rarity of the bikes suggests that it "should" be worth. I seem to remember a number like 600 GS1000S bikes imported in 1979. 30 years later, how many are left? Yet, they aren't fetching 10's of thousands of dollars.

It does suck not being able to change something back. I have a really hard time making irreversible changes. In the end though, do what you want and post lots of pictures.

[midnightcafe]

good thread, I was considering cutting the subframe behind the shock mounts on my 79 750L, but I didn't even know what style bike i wanted to emulate. Cafe but no, I want something comfortable(drag bars? superbike bars?) with an upright riding position (rearset conversion).

Anyone have a custom single seat on their bikes without hacking the rear end off?

[highpointbuc]

glad i didn't ask a personal question, geeesh

man,

are ya'll touchy!!
time to check your manties and unwad them.

do you honestly think any one is worried about the value of any bikes on here? they are a tool, to be used, abused and rebuilt, etc.

[BigLou]

aye but you cant rebuild it if you cut it up.

but again, its jmo. Its your bike, do as you like, and enjoy it.

[tomo]

What a boring world it would be if everyone kept their bikes standard !. One of my GS750`s is chopped, with the frame cut off just behind the rear shock mounts. I put in a brace between the ends of the frame at this point which also provides a fixing point for the rear mudguard. Been riding the bike for over ten years now, no problems with the frame at all. As for ruining a good bike, each to their own, I don`t see it that way. Devaluation, don`t give a toss, don`t intend ever selling it. As for there being a lot of badly chopped bikes about, agreed if the welding is`nt good, but appearance wise thats the owners choice. Just my opinion for what its worth !.

[midnightcafe]

IMO If you want to make a cosmetic change, cut off whatever you'd like. If it affects the function of the bike-as in why Suzuki built the frame the way they did, then put some thought into your plans- cut where you want, but be sure there's a solution for the flex like a crossbar, if you plan on riding it hard.

I'm gonna cut the passenger peg brackets asap but leave my frame as is since it's easier not to mess with what already works.

[spyug]

[QUOTEman,

are ya'll touchy!!
time to check your manties and unwad them.

do you honestly think any one is worried about the value of any bikes on here? they are a tool, to be used, abused and rebuilt, etc.][/quote]

No one said don't do it, we just offer our opinions and experiences. You don't have to take our suggestions but if you don't want to hear what others think or know then don't ask the questions and don't berate people for trying to help.

Bye the bye, some of us do care about the value of our bikes and while we do use them, seldom abuse them. If you want to thrash your bike....go ahead.

If anybodies touchy, I'd say its you, but that's just my opinion

Cheers,
Spyug

[elevatorman71]

lol alot of opinions running wild here!

[Dave8338]

lol alot of opinions running wild here!

And that sounds like one more, to me.

Seriously...cut the thing! They made more than just one.

This coming from a guy that disected and tortured a bike of another flavor and had a blast doing it. ONE OF A KIND, and as far as the ride-ability of the final project, in a word; SWEET.

[jwhelan65]

cmon guys

Time for a group HUG!!

[highpointbuc]

me touchy?? doubt it

just asked a very simple quiestion, yes or no?
don't really give a rat's a$$ about any one's personal opinions on what they are worth, how horrible it is, blah freakin blah.
me thinks their are several on here that doth protest way toooooo much.
get over yourselves, it's a piece of metal and a website.

[tkent02]

just asked a very simple quiestion, yes or no?
don't really give a rat's a$$ about any one's personal opinions on what they are worth, how horrible it is, blah freakin blah.
me thinks their are several on here that doth protest way toooooo much.
get over yourselves, it's a piece of metal and a website.

A website with one too many rude piece of schit on it.
Don't ask a question if you don't want an answer.