gs450 re-build

[mlc216]

Pete, I will probably start gathering stuff to build the HEI ignition system that you have already pretty soon. And I will probably seek out some higher output coils as well because I feel like there is still more power to be had from these engines...

But until then I'm going to ride the crap out of it. haha

[pete]

Pete, I will probably start gathering stuff to build the HEI ignition system that you have already pretty soon. And I will probably seek out some higher output coils as well because I feel like there is still more power to be had from these engines...

But until then I'm going to ride the crap out of it. haha

Mate if you're keen go for it! I should be almost exactly a month away from sending it off to Tranzac for the exhaust, which means I can get back to testing soon after it comes back.

One thing I never did was see how the spark was originally, but I do know just cranking it with HEI modules produces a nice big fat blue spark...

Riding the crap out of it sounds like a damn fine idea to me

[mlc216]

Pete, what was the actual need for the resistors and diodes in the circuit? I'm guessing to adjust the input signal to something the HEI can handle better?

I'm planning to donate the other motor and the current frame to a friend for his first bike project once I build my new frame up, and we may both incorporate the HEI setup in our bikes since I haven't even seen any gs450 ignitors on eBay recently...

[pete]

The HEI module fires the spark on a negative going input signal, and it needs to go from somewhere around 1.65v to 1.35v (can't remember the exact numbers right now) to make this happen.

The diode sets the minimum voltage for the signal generator to about 0.6v or thereabouts, and the transistors and resistors are there to invert the signal and amplify it.

The stock ignitor fires the spark on the positive going signal which is why it needs to be inverted, and the signal generator only puts out about 80mV which is why it needs to be amplified.

[mlc216]

Well that makes sense. I rode 130 miles yesterday with my dad on his ironhead. Had a little hiccup when we started with some loose connections or something but it ran fine all day afterwards.

[pete]

Good stuff, glad to hear you're enjoying it

I'm currently teeing up a tow to get mine off to the exhaust guys at the end of June, and just priced the suspension I want also... ouch

[mlc216]

Suspension? What's that?! haha

Getting ready to start building the new frame:

[pete]

Suspension? What's that?! haha

Getting ready to start building the new frame:

You do have fork springs you know

What's the plan for the new frame? Anything wildly different to the old one or just more to your liking?

[mlc216]

You do have fork springs you know

What's the plan for the new frame? Anything wildly different to the old one or just more to your liking?

Well yes, but one day I will build a shovelhead long bike with rigid forks... yes completely rigid forks. But they will be long enough that they flex for suspension.

I have one word for the new frame: CLEAN

I just want it to have better lines and I'm getting rid of the messy looking swingarm/foot peg/rear motor mount area. It will have a single backbone that runs from the neck all the way down to the lower frame rails. Everything else is a surprise!

[pete]

Well yes, but one day I will build a shovelhead long bike with rigid forks... yes completely rigid forks. But they will be long enough that they flex for suspension.

I have one word for the new frame: CLEAN

I just want it to have better lines and I'm getting rid of the messy looking swingarm/foot peg/rear motor mount area. It will have a single backbone that runs from the neck all the way down to the lower frame rails. Everything else is a surprise!

See? You'll still have some suspension Couldn't help myself... haha

Sounds like a neat idea, will be interesting to see how it looks in the end as I have no doubt you can pull it off...

[mlc216]

Been gathering the tubing and things needed to build the frame... Should get it mostly done this weekend, so look for pictures soon.

To those of you restoration and cafe style guys... sorry for "destroying" yet another gs450 frame

[mike-s]

Have you considered trailing link suspension for the front?
i.e.

High res pic here.

Or something clever like this? (if this stuff appeals, there's plenty of discussion about this kind of thing here

[mlc216]

Have you considered trailing link suspension for the front?

Or something clever like this? (if this stuff appeals, there's plenty of discussion about this kind of thing here

Don't really have the money or desire to look for a girder for a suzuki. If I was building an old pre-unit triumph then I definitely would consider it...

I'm not too much a fan of the stuff like that torsional dampner. Just kinda looks goofy to me. I have an 8" over chrome springer from the 70's that I've thought about using and I have some 4.5" over xs650 forks that I may use if I get some triple trees for them...

Being a young mechanical engineer I do have an inquiring mind and I do like innovation and well engineered machines. But I also have a lot of art influences in my life and there is a certain flow and distinct proportions that I'm after. Modifying the frame I had was the quickest way to get the bike on the road, but now that I've been riding it I can't help but think about the things that I want to clean up or redesign and it's bugging me. I'll be offline for most of the weekend, and hopefully monday I'll have lots of good pictures for you guys to see...

[pete]

Good stuff, looking forward to it