81 GS450S Build

[hardline_42]

Looks good, so far. What do you plan on tackling next?

[jmaresca]

Looks good, so far. What do you plan on tackling next?

I'm going to soda blast and paint the engine a flat black. I may do that and/or paint the original rims, get new rubber, and have the brakes checked. I'd like to get the bike standing up on it's own again. What kind of tires are good on this bike?

[hardline_42]

I'm going to soda blast and paint the engine a flat black. I may do that and/or paint the original rims, get new rubber, and have the brakes checked. I'd like to get the bike standing up on it's own again. What kind of tires are good on this bike?

I've always wondered if painting an aircooled engine affected its ability to dissipate heat but I see a lot of people doing it.

As far as tires, Avon Roadriders get consistently good reviews as well as the Bridgestone Battlax depending on the sizes you need. Shinko 712s aren't too bad if you're on a budget.

[pete]

Looking good... I went Pirelli Sport Demons on mine and it has never been better to ride.

Between the Ikons and tyres it feels a world different to the stock suspension setup.

[Big Rich]

Hardline, I've read from a couple different places that a thin layer of paint helps to dissipate heat (more surface area than bare aluminum). But black paint would absorb more heat from the sun than a lighter paint.

Personally though, I think that an aircooled motor isn't affected by the miniscule bit of paint on the surface. If it will over heat, it will do it regardless.

[hardline_42]

Hardline, I've read from a couple different places that a thin layer of paint helps to dissipate heat (more surface area than bare aluminum). But black paint would absorb more heat from the sun than a lighter paint.

Personally though, I think that an aircooled motor isn't affected by the miniscule bit of paint on the surface. If it will over heat, it will do it regardless.

I imagine you're right since there were plenty of motorcycle engines that came painted black at least partially, from the factory. I think for the most surface area you would want a rough surface, like a bead blasted finish, but a painted finish probably won't make enough difference to matter.

[jmaresca]

I need to order parts to redo my braking system. On BoulevardSuzuki, this is what I found as far as parts numbers goes:

59302-45850-XNA - Front Brake Pad Set
64400-11860 - Rear Brake Shoe Set

Are these correct? I'd also like to rebuild the brake sets with repair kits for peace of mind. Anyone know where I can get them? Also, I'd like to get a stainless steel hose. What's a good source for that?

[hardline_42]

I'd also like to rebuild the brake sets with repair kits for peace of mind. Anyone know where I can get them? Also, I'd like to get a stainless steel hose. What's a good source for that?

You should get the piston and seal sets from Suzuki as well. Aftermarket rebuild kits are known for poor quality. For a stainless line, you can go the Earl's DIY route, the Goodridge semi-DIY route from Z1 or the pre-fab lines from Rennsport via eBay. I think PeteGS posted the specs for the Rennsport line as far as length and banjo types/angles.

[jmaresca]

You should get the piston and seal sets from Suzuki as well. Aftermarket rebuild kits are known for poor quality. For a stainless line, you can go the Earl's DIY route, the Goodridge semi-DIY route from Z1 or the pre-fab lines from Rennsport via eBay. I think PeteGS posted the specs for the Rennsport line as far as length and banjo types/angles.

Thanks. I called around for tire mounting/balancing cost and everyone wants 85 bucks. Looks like I've got another thing I'll be learning.

[jmaresca]

Got the engine and frame painted. Ordered some Shinko 712s. Have to get them mounted and balanced. Put some new gaskets in the motor. Swapped the stupid Phillips screws in the motor for stainless allen screws. Got some new brake pads and brake rebuild parts.

Black is the new chrome.

[jmaresca]

Started the final build. Got new rubbers mounted and balanced. Painted the wheels and gas tank. Fabbed a new seat. Got a bad master cylinder, so I need to order a new one.

[jmaresca]

The end is near. Got everything hooked up. Electrical system is working. All lights are good. Got an antigravity battery. Got a new master cylinder, a slew of jets, and bar end mirrors coming tomorrow.

I've got some kind of idling issue in the carbs. I was able to start it up by pulling on the throttle, but it wouldn't idle on it's own. After doing this for awhile, it wouldn't kick over at all. I probably flooded it. Need to adjust my air screws, idle screw, and maybe my pilot jet. I'm running a 142.5 main jet and 45 pilot jet. Any help is appreciated.

[jeffasaurus2]

Little info on the jetting - Pete has a thread that goes in depth on 450 carb tuning, super informative.

I personally have Pods and aftermarket mufflers and run 135 or 137.5 mains, (cant remember exactly), and 45 pilots, keep in mind I'm in Denver at roughly 5200 ft elevation.

[Notz]

Got the engine and frame painted. Ordered some Shinko 712s. Have to get them mounted and balanced. Put some new gaskets in the motor. Swapped the stupid Phillips screws in the motor for stainless allen screws. Got some new brake pads and brake rebuild parts.

Black is the new chrome.

Cool Pic!

Does anyone else see Hendrix looking down approvingly ?

[Notz]

Really? no one sees Jimi Hendrix to the left of the streetlight?

I looked at the picture again this morning (with a clearer head) and still saw it.

Oh well, cool build nonetheless!