GS450 Cafe / Fighter Style

[Collo]

Thanks Hillsy for the info, I'll look into doing that as my forks sit pretty high now for a small 30mm lowering.

Pete, I would love to tell you what they do but I got no idea, it looks like air goes into maybe someone on here knows?

[pete]

I know some have air adjusters on them but mine don't so I don't have a clue on how to use them or anything... I think there's mention of them in the Clymer or Haynes though...

[Collo]

I'll have a look. Also, just trying to get the front wheel back on. I have no idea in which order the parts go together. I've seen the diagrams on google images but each year model has a different diagram it's confusing.

Maybe I lost some parts but when I do the axle bolt up the wheel hardly turns and if its not it spins wonderful but then the speedo drive spins with it. Any ideas?

[hillsy]

Did you take out the wheel bearings at some stage and forget to put the bearing spacer back in the hub? That would explain the wheel binding when you tighten the axle.

Or do you have the spacers in the wrong way and they are binding on the bearing seals??

[pete]

+1 to what Hillsy said... should be a spacer between the wheel bearings, a spacer on the right that has a flat side that goes against the wheel from memory, and speedo drive on the left.

Have a look at the parts fiche on Alpha Sports to be sure you have them the right way.

[Collo]

Thanks for the tips on the wheel, got it sorted. Both wheels on and ordering some new front brake pads.

Have a slight problem though... One of my coil wires came out as it broke away and now I need a new coil. I know absolutely nothing about electrics and have tried to understand the Dyna setup without much success. As a coil will cost me a a fair bit, would I be better buying two aftermarket coils that are new, a replacement original old coil or going down the Dyna setup?

Tomorrow's job is getting the swing arm bolt shortened. Engine is in, i'm on a deadline now so don't have time to soda blast, paint etc just gave it a clean.

[tkent02]

You can put the coil wire back in. Search this site, there is information replacing coil wires.

[pete]

Collo, I still have my two stock coils here I don't use any more.

Only catch is I took the connectors off that join to the harness to prepare for some generic connectors but never got around to it.

They have new spark plug caps on them too.

Not sure what they're worth so if you want them make me an offer via PM and I can post them down to you.

I had them sparking and working with my failed attempt at the HEI ignition so I assume they will still work... of course if they're no good I'll refund you the price of the coils and you can toss 'em in the bin... will only cost you some postage and a bit of time that way...

[Collo]

Cheers for the offer I'll se how I go. So what do you use now Pete if you don't have coils? I would like to get a newer electrical system too

[pete]

No worries mate, just let me know. They're not going anywhere anytime soon.

I've got the Dynatek setup in mine which includes the Dynatek coils...

[Collo]

oh sweet sounds good. I'll PM you about it as I think that's the way I would like to go. Thanks again

[pete]

No worries at all Collo. It's a pretty straight forward swap, just need a spacer and an extra wire for the oil pressure sensor.

[Collo]

Been looking through the threads, but does anyone know if the GS500 coils would work on the 450?

Might have to go the Dyna route otherwise.

[pete]

Good question on the 500 coils, although I suspect they probably would. Depends what the primary resistance is I would guess.

However, I believe it is possible to retrofit an earlier GS500 ignition setup into our 450's by using the rotor etc. and getting rid of the mechanical advance.

If you could pick one up cheap enough it would be a cheaper option than the Dynatek, but I've not seen it done myself so I'm not 100% sure on how it would go...

For me, I'm happy with my Dynatek...

[Collo]

Hey Pete, thanks for the tips. I'd like the Dynatek but isn't it about $300? Got two 500 coils from USA for $26 delivered so hopefully they work. If not then I'll look at getting it too.

Progress photo, the engine is in and most things hooked up. Was stewing over the petcock not fitting because of the fuel line angle, but worked out eventually that it can be changed and now its not hitting the frame.

Not happy with the seat now it's touching the electrics and now that the tank has been lifted at the back about an inch and a half, it's not fitting as well.