hardtail vs suspension bobber

[Guest]

Hi Guys, I just came across my 1st gs bike. My dad already owns one and he doesnt let me borrow it, so I decided to buy my own. Its a 1978 GS750 and its in pretty bad shape. Given the fact that my fathers bike is stock I decided to turn this one into a bobber. Ive been reading alot of posts and forums from you guys on this, but I cant decide wether to make it a hardtail bobber or just lower the rear suspension. What do you think?

[elevatorman71]

Hi Guys, I just came across my 1st gs bike. My dad already owns one and he doesnt let me borrow it, so I decided to buy my own. Its a 1978 GS750 and its in pretty bad shape. Given the fact that my fathers bike is stock I decided to turn this one into a bobber. Ive been reading alot of posts and forums from you guys on this, but I cant decide wether to make it a hardtail bobber or just lower the rear suspension. What do you think?

im partial to my hardtail. but its your call!

[drivera84]

I really like how yours came out. Im a newbie at this and my fabricating skills are not really good. How did you lower the rear suspension? the front? Do you have a fabrication thread or pictures of the process so I can get an idea?

My main concern is the roads here in Honduras, they are very bumpy and you come accross some potholes every now and then. How does the hardtail frame withstand to these conditions? Are the seat springs enough?

[elevatorman71]

all i did was remove the coil over shocks and replaced them with struts.(hydraulic pipe from home depot).remove part of the frame on either side behind the shock mounts. make sure you dont lower it more than the shaft drive being horizontal. i ride mine alot and have no problems with structural integrity. the ride in front is stock. if you hit a pot hole you will know it though. the seat springs have a tendency to launch you if your not aware of the road conditions.

[drivera84]

I am getting ready to order some parts, Im not sure if I need the CDI (I cant find it on my bike) cand one of you guys tell me where its located?

[mike_of_bbg]

The pre-80 bikes should only have points or an aftermarket EI, no factory igniter (technically none of the GSes had CDIs, though they're sometimes incorrectly referred to as such).

[Hammered]

If you dont have the fab skills, Id stay away from hardtailing. You can look into the Brat Style. They require less cutting.

[drivera84]

what then controls the bike? Im worried since its been out in the open for a long time. What parts should I check to see If I should replace the harness. I am planning to go simple, headlights, turnsignals, stoplight. So I am wondering what are the parts I should keep and what should I loose. Im sorry to seem so ignorant. :S

[drivera84]

If you dont have the fab skills, Id stay away from hardtailing. You can look into the Brat Style. They require less cutting.

HI, thanks for the advise, I decided to leave the suspension, im going to have it lowerd by pros. Im just going to do the simple stuff. I have a couple of friends who are good at this and they are going to help me.

[drivera84]

here is the before pic so you guys can tell me what you think

[Seana23]

Hi babes... yes, i love what your gona do... ive done a similar thing myself with a GS850... ive done everything including building the engine and wiring loom, except the frame cutting and lowering bit as ive never welded before, and i just love it.Sort ov distinctive lookin, its not quite on the road yet but ive not got long to do.

have a look and tell me what you think.
its on my GSR Home Page

Seana
XXX

[drivera84]

hi guys, im thinking about replacing the engine with an exact same one given its going to take alot of time and money to overhaul how does this sound:

Cylinder compression is #1-140, #2-140, #3-135 & #4-138 (these are the numbers of the "new" used engine.

I appreciate the help.

[mike_of_bbg]

Those are good compression #'s, particularly if that's cold.

hi guys, im thinking about replacing the engine with an exact same one given its going to take alot of time and money to overhaul how does this sound:

Cylinder compression is #1-140, #2-140, #3-135 & #4-138 (these are the numbers of the "new" used engine.

I appreciate the help.

[drivera84]

Hi guys, im planning on fitting a gs750 1980 engine, will i have any problems?

[MK3Brent]

Ride around with the suspension on it, then change it later if you want.

Much rougher ride.
I kept my rear suspension.