1980 GS450 "Sport" - Resto / Mod

[Big Rich]

I must've left that out - sorry.

The B4 wheel is identical to the GS5 wheel with 2 exceptions: it has a wider rim width (4" instead of 3.5") and the hub width is more narrow on the sprocket side. With the GS5 wheel, the rear sprocket needs to be moved 12mm in towards the center to align with the front sprocket. The Bandit wheel is 8mm narrower but all on the sprocket side. And since it takes a GS5 sprocket carrier / rotor / bearings / etc, it makes everything that much easier.

It should be very possible to use a GS500 wheel, but I found a B4 wheel for a great price.

[Big Rich]

I thought this was interesting so figured I'd share: the stock GS450 E/S rear wheel compared to the Bandit 400 wheel.

[pete]

Ah ok gotcha Rich! And yeah, that B4 wheel is just a touch wider! Must give a much better rubber selection though I would think...

[Big Rich]

It's been a while since I compared sizes and tire availability, but I think anything that was available for the wider rim was going to be pushing the limits elsewhere. Fitting the 130/70-17 already meant trimming the plastic chain guard (maybe a chrome chain guard from an L model would clear ok?) so going any sizes larger might lead to more troubles....... like the tire rubbing the swingarm, possibly rubbing on the chain, etc. The 520 chain I installed is a little bit longer than stock (I think 2 or 4 links) to pull the tire away from the swingarm.

I might look into a 140/70 in the future, but I'm happy with the 130/70 so far. Other good news: it's supposed to stay above freezing tonight so I get to take the bike into work!

[pete]

Good point on the width... looking at my 110/90-18 I can see where there might be an issue!

[Big Rich]

Update time again..... painted an 83 Kat fairing from Airtech to match the GS:

[Big Rich]

Fairing installed with an ADVMonster led light (model 44). That's pretty much all the pics I have for now.

[pete]

Looking good as always Rich, but will be nice to see a full bike shot with the fairing on...

[hardline_42]

Looking good as always Rich, but will be nice to see a full bike shot with the fairing on...

+1

I'm having trouble finding a stock 450S fairing for my "E" and wouldn't mind seeing an alternative.

[Big Rich]

Well than, that's some perfect timing. It was 70° and sunny today, so I put about 150 miles on the bike...... and washed it afterwards.

[pete]

Awesome Rich, she looks great!

I tell ya' those 17" wheels do suit the 450 very well indeed... definitely something to keep in the back of my mind for future options as well...

[Big Rich]

Cheers Pete! I was surprised at how easy the entire conversion was. Probably lends to the fact that the GS00 is based off the 450 though.

The wife took our son up to her mom's for the day, so there should be another update late tonight.

[pete]

And looking forward to it as always Rich

I notice you've taken the saddle bag supports off too, would love to see how they go supporting them actually.

I still have in the back of my mind the urge to make a set of hard bags for mine for the commute...

[Big Rich]

Pete, have you been sneaking in my garage to check progress or something?

Here's the update:



I'll post some more pictures and details later - it's time for bed......

[pete]

Hahaha not that I know of Rich... unless I've been sleep flying!

Those bags look the goods, keen to see some more detail especially the bracket side of things and how they attach...