hardtail vs suspension bobber

[oldgrumpy]

nice choppers ,,,, bobbers

i,ve been looking at moding my xs650 into a chopper using a different frame ,,,, purely because i do like the look of them ,,, but i,ve never seen a decent gs1000e ,,, nicely chopped maybe with a raked style tank on it ,,, i can dream regards oldgrumpy

[HatchA74]

I don't mean to hi-jack the thread but just wanted to throw in a question regarding Bratting/chopping GS bikes...

I know the rear shocks can be lowered and the seat neatened up to produce a nice, low look... BUT... Are there longer forks/inner stanchions that can be fitted to "raise" the front end up?

I've tried the search function but not found anything valid


Following your project with interest, Drivera

[Pendulum]

So we've gone from bobber to cafe? Either way, I'm excited to see the results!

As for your original question about hardtailing it... I also used Home Depot supplies, but I used 3/16" steel plate, found in the hardware section. Mine's 3" wide. I've been riding like this for about 5 weeks. Probably put about 1500 miles on it, and I've hit some nasty bumps. No structural issues. For the bike, at least. I hit a bump so hard the 1st weekend that I felt it in my LUNGS.

Good luck w/ your project! This bike is like my 10th 'project'. Most have been cars, with a few trucks and 1 bike in there. Having a plan laid out is the ONLY way to build something that doesn't suck

I don't mean to hi-jack the thread but just wanted to throw in a question regarding Bratting/chopping GS bikes...

I know the rear shocks can be lowered and the seat neatened up to produce a nice, low look... BUT... Are there longer forks/inner stanchions that can be fitted to "raise" the front end up?

I've tried the search function but not found anything valid


Following your project with interest, Drivera

Why are you interested in raising the front? I'm assuming you want that raked out look? Lowering the rear will screw that handling up enough as is... Raising the front will only compound the problem.

Now that I've said that... You could try a fork swap. This list has a ton of info on what will fit what. Look for your bike in there, then find other bikes with the same diameter. I'd start researching the bigger CC bikes 1st. http://www.customfighters.com/forums...ad.php?t=17555

Other options would be a bigger front wheel, if you're not trying to raise the front more than an inch or 2. You could also go up 1 size on the tire aspect ratio, which will give you some more height. Some longer springs w/ the same spring rate would also get you some lift on the front, and chances are your shocks need a rebuild anyway.

You've got a ton of options, but I honestly wouldn't do any of the things I listed lol. If anything, just have a reputable frame builder chop n rake your frame a few degrees, then do a 1 size bigger wheel and slightly taller springs w/ the same spring rate.

[drivera84]

Ive been looking at alot of pictures from other bikes both bobber and cafe, and Im thinking Im going to settle with a mix in the middle. I like the look of the cafe but I also want to lower it a bit in the back, I think Ill keep the suspension..at least for now.

I am still waiting for the "new" engine and some brake parts to get here to begin working. I will post some pics as soon as I have more updates.

thanks alot for all the feedback!

[drivera84]

Im also going to post pics of my dads 78 gs750. Its stock except for the 4-1 kerkker exhaust and shoei fairing. We just ordered the new tires and battery going to fire it up hopefully by the end of the month. He hasnt used it for a while but its very well kept. It could use a new paint job...well see..

[drivera84]

I have a question for all you guys, Im interested in buying straight clip on handlebars, what are the specifications I need to be able to buy the right ones (ie, fork diameter? bar thickness for controls to fit?).

Also I keep seeing these really cool cafe racers with clipon bars but most of the pictures are without rider, I am a little worried on the comfort of having the bars down too low.

Can someone upload pics of them on their cafe racers? What are your opinions on this?

thanks!

[drivera84]

new update, I got the rebuild kits for the brakes coming in. A 1980 used engine, and clubman bars coming my way. All I need is the carburator rebuild kits and Im ready to begin this project.

I plan on making it run and stop good then work on the details like shocks and forks for rebuild, 4-1 exhaust...etc

I will get pics of the engine as soon as it gets here...im in honduras so its going to take a while...

[Pendulum]

Don't waste time or money on the carb kits. Get o-rings from Cycle O-Rings aka Robert Barr, and some gaskets. You'll save some cash that way, and have all the proper parts.