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78 GS550 cafe project

  • Thread starter Thread starter 78gscafe
  • Start date Start date
how much longer is that swingarm over stock? Looks close to the same, but it also looks like the shocks are taller than stock.
 
I know it's been a bit but there have been a few updates to the bike. The Vipex springs were way over sprung even for the cb900f. I had them rated and they are 375 lbs/inch progressive to 400; it was basically running a hardtail. So I made up some spacers and threw on a set of snowmobile springs and it rides perfect. Besides the suspension work the exhaust has a new hanger and the front brakes have stainless lines. Its runs all day long without any issues. I went out and did the Slimey Crud Run and rode over 400 miles that day without any problems. The modern tires and brakes let me catch up with sportbikes in the corrners, now if it only had a bit more power...

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Nice job on your bike. It's amazing what updated suspension and tires can do for these bikes.
 
I was just thinking about this bike the other day. It remains one of my favorite GS builds to date. Glad to see it is still going strong.
 
WOW what an amazing job on that project!
How can I get handle bars like that?! :-D
 
78gscafe,
Just found this...thanks for the link. FANTASTIC work! I wondered how the Vipex shocks were going to be...everyone says that they are brutally stiff. What do you think of their build quality? Also, what is a "torque reactor"?...is that the brake stay arm? Just makin' sure that I'm not missing out on some super-secret new high-tech suspension trick that I need!:-D
Bitchin' bike! Any plans to install a front fender, or are you going for the sano look?

Color me impressed,:shock:=D>
-KR
 
Well the shocks are interesting. I wouldn't say the Canadians know exactly what they are doing. I just replaced the springs with some that are a lot lighter. The ones they give you are 375 lbs/inch progressive to 400. The ones I put on there are 80 lbs/inch. Granted they were intended for a 600+lbs bike and mine is only 440lbs, but still the spring choice is questionable. The shock bodies seem to be nice so far, but I only have about 2000 miles on them. If you have the ability to make some spacers and swap out the springs I think it's still a good deal.

The torque reactor is just the link between the rear brake and the swingarm, which I believe is your brake stay arm.

As of right now there is no front fender in the plans. The plate is there to put one on, but less weight the better.
 
Where did you get those rear shocks and what are they?

Where did you get those rear shocks and what are they?

i just started looking for new shocks and those look nice
 
Great job man, I totally dig what you've done so far. You've got some great drive and determination. Your fabrication is top notch!
I'm doing the same thing with my KZ750 twin, lightness and performance is what I'm after. So far she's weighing in at 365lbs.
Seeing yours gets me motivated to finish mine!
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tobiism said:
Great job man, I totally dig what you've done so far. You've got some great drive and determination. Your fabrication is top notch!
I'm doing the same thing with my KZ750 twin, lightness and performance is what I'm after. So far she's weighing in at 365lbs.
Seeing yours gets me motivated to finish mine!
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Man Tob, thats coming along pretty good! I havent been over on the DTT board much lately, so i havent seen it. Looks like its gonna be a handling lil SOB when you get done :)
 
TheCafeKid said:
Man Tob, thats coming along pretty good! I havent been over on the DTT board much lately, so i havent seen it. Looks like its gonna be a handling lil SOB when you get done :)
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Thanks man! I'm pretty stoked on it. Hows that shaftie doing? As much fun as you'd hoped?
 
tobiism said:
Thanks man! I'm pretty stoked on it. Hows that shaftie doing? As much fun as you'd hoped?
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What a sleeper man! Looks nice, sounds all smooth and quiet and stuff. But its a monster! When i first bought it, It was a bit on the heavy side, compared to the 750s ive ridden forever, but once i got the feel for it, its pretty nimble. Moreso than youd think. I took it out on a ride with some friends to WV a few weeks back, Memorial weekend actually, and MAN that thing LOVED those twisty mountain roads. Hows your Kat coming along? Messed with it at all? Theres a guy on here selling off Kat parts, almost a whole bike it looked like.
 
TheCafeKid said:
What a sleeper man! Looks nice, sounds all smooth and quiet and stuff. But its a monster! When i first bought it, It was a bit on the heavy side, compared to the 750s ive ridden forever, but once i got the feel for it, its pretty nimble. Moreso than youd think. I took it out on a ride with some friends to WV a few weeks back, Memorial weekend actually, and MAN that thing LOVED those twisty mountain roads. Hows your Kat coming along? Messed with it at all? Theres a guy on here selling off Kat parts, almost a whole bike it looked like.
Click to expand...

Thats good to hear man, glad you like it.
I decided to hold of on the Kat until I can devote the money and time it requires. I really want that bike to be something special. An 1150 engine and fully upgraded suspension will probably get slotted into that beast.
 
NOICE! The 750B cafe is JUST about done. I had to buy a new set of carbies for it, cos the slide in my number one got hoplessly siezed by rain water of all things. Teach me to not cover my pods up! I tried EVERYTHING to get it loose. Wasnt happening. So i have a new set of carbs. Just got them the other day, have to clean em, change the jets over from my others, and put them in my rack cos the choke set up is different on them. But no biggie. Just been doing more riding and working than wrenching lately. I also picked up 1/4 turn throttle set up for it, and im waiting for that to get here too. (got one for the 1100G too, tho i dunno if I will like it on that..we'll see) I also have to swap out the rear wheel, as its run out of true. Got some new spokies to throw on it, but need some rubber on em first. Always something with these damn things...lol. She SHOULD handle like a SOB tho. Cant wait to see that Kaw done man! Get some vids up when you do, i wanna hear it runnin!
 
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