GS650L question

[trackfiend]

I am looking at an '81 650L to use for a cafe project. I had a couple questions I wanted to ask you guys though before I buy the bike. First one is if anyone knows if the rake is different on the front forks compared to the E models? The other question concerns any other wheels that can be swapped onto the bike that might be a direct fit? Would really like to do wires instead of the cast wheels if possible and still have the front disc. This is a budget project for me over the next year. I've convinced my wife that I can build one of these reasonably so there is no need to sell my track car to do the bike. LOL. Any help is greatly appreciated guys.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. trackfiend,

I'm an old fuddy-duddy stock kind of a guy. So I can't do much more than welcome you to the site and give you a big "HOoooooowwwDY"! Yes, your 650L will make a good cafe project, dual disc wire wheels are doable with the proper resources, and the rake/trail differences are nothing to worry about. Here's your "mega-welcome"...

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Redman]

I can not quote you rake & trail specification for the L verses the E (or any) , but can tell you that the L will have a leading axle configuration (axle in front of shock and part the way up the shock) and the E (and a G) will have the axle at the very botton of the schock.

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[trackfiend]

Thank you guys for the warm welcome as well as the info. After you guys clearing up those two questions for me I plan to dive deeper into doing this project. When I get started I plan on shooting as many pics as possible as I go along. This build will probably take the next year to complete due to budget limitations as well as this being my first bike build ever. I look forward to sharing any help I can give as well as learning from all here.

[Dave8338]

I have to agree with Cliff UNLESS...you find a previously hacked up bike that would need more than it's total worth, in new parts to put it back to stock. That being said, it's your bike...do with it as you will.

[twr1776]

Trackfield, I am 99% sure there were no shaft drives available with spoke wheels.