78 GS550 cafe project

[80GS1000]

Nice lookin' bike there!

[Cassius086]

MAGNIFICENT work!!!! \\/

[78gscafe]

The new gauges showed up. This solved the tall look of the front end. New brackets were needed, but now they clear the banjo bolt and clutch cable. Some barend mirrors are also on the way.

[Cassius086]

So, uh, where do you live?? I want to buy some rear sets and front peg mounts for my EZ, and have you weld them up!!! :-D I am on the never ending quest to drop weight from the Ole Girl.

[petelardo]

Not that you need any advice from me, but if you want to try painting the gas tank again, try using (just about any brand) engine paint. It is tough and durable, and designed to withstand the effects of gasoline and oil. If you find a quality brand, you should also be able to find a matching clear coat, which will protect the color coats, and add depth... I haven't had much luck mixing brands over the years; too many problems, too many ruined paint jobs...

[78gscafe]

Yeah, the paint is waiting as of now. I just wanted to spray it down in order to ride this summer. I will probably get someone else to do the finishing job. This will more than likely happen over the winter along with some engine modifications. The idea is to strip the bike down and while the engine is out powder coat the frame and misc parts as well as get the tail and tank painted. For the engine mods the thought is to do the 740cc conversion that brveagle did along with upping the compression to 11:1. All the parts are shipped, so just waiting for them to show up. Oh and I reside in Wisconsin.

[Billy Ricks]

Nice job you've done. One of the better cafe bikes done here.

[badbrown]

You did alot of nice work. I think you should try to tack on the stock rear cowl, instead of leaving it blank. The 550E rear cowl is one of the better looking of the GS line IMO. Otherwise I love the MADMAX'ness of the bike, Very evil looking good job.

[78gscafe]

The bike is running again and this time it runs like a champ. I noticed that the Vipex shocks were slightly bent in. So I had to make some spacers.

That is what you need to make to adapt the CBF Vipex Shocks to a gs550. So don't worry about waiting for the gs versions just order yourself the cbf shocks. They are firm but perfect for my needs. The tail is almost done. I haven't put the top coat or the stripes on yet but that will happen over the weekend.




And sorry but I prefer the lexan panels.
Here are the rest of the galleries.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/559624595DgfVhW

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/559624008ZIcmSu

[jlgace]

I like your style. Very nice job. You're motivating me to get at my own cafe project I've been putting off for a while. Thanks.

[badbrown]

Did'nt catch the earlier posts. The tail you made is incredible. Good ideas. By far one of the best projects I've seen.

[78gscafe]

Here is almost everything that was modified to the bike. I might be missing a few things, but this should cover most of it.

[Zooks]

I think I'm in love!!!!!!

[78gscafe]

Not bad for my first motorcycle project.

[Zooks]

What a great pic parked next to the 'Stang.

Shame about the the goose in the front of the pic though!

j/k (Aussie sense of humour)