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'81 GS450T Derelict Rehash

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    '81 GS450T Derelict Rehash

    Hi All,
    I dragged this derelict home a few years ago for the princely sum of $150 (with title), promptly disassembled it to the frame, and just as promptly pushed it aside in favor of other projects. Actually, most of my hesitation to move forward on it at the time was due to indecision on the direction of the project. Initial plan was to go the cafe route, but couldn't quite commit to that course of action.

    In retrospect, it would have been wise to leave the bike intact and return it to functional condition as it was, but there were so many things that needed attention I just didn't see the point. Plus it was easier to store it in pieces. Fast forward to last month and a renewed interest to restart the project in a different direction.

    I've decided that, regardless of future plans for the bike, I first need to bring it back to original operational configuration and ride it for a good while to see what aspects of the bike can benefit from performance upgrades. Here's a pic of the bike as received so you can see what I'm starting with.
    Attached Files
    1981 GS450T

    #2
    Here's another pic...
    Attached Files
    1981 GS450T

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      #3
      Currently in the process of replacing all of the frame and wheel bearings, beginning with the swing arm. The left hand needle bearing in the swing arm was completely gone and for that alone I'm glad I tore the bike down rather than get it running initially. Here's a pic of the swing arm after bead blast, paint and new bearings installed.
      Attached Files
      1981 GS450T

      Comment


        #4
        Here are the wheels (17" rear, 19" front) after clean up and new tires installed (Durotour rear, AM26 front). Attempted conversion of front to tubeless with little success so far, so I may have to install a tube if I can't resolve the leakage issue. No success yet getting the rear bead to seat either, so batting average on tire install sucks at this point...I'm tenacious though, so I'll resolve these issues eventually...
        Attached Files
        1981 GS450T

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          #5
          mmmmmmm Fresh rubber

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            #6
            With some cosmetic freshening up, I think the twin T looks pretty good in stock configuration!
            Charles
            --
            1979 Suzuki GS850G

            Read BassCliff's GSR Greeting and Mega-Welcome!

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              #7
              I like your bike. Agree with eil; reminds me of my bike.

              Ed
              GS750TZ V&H/4-1, Progressive Shocks, Rebuilt MC/braided line, Tarozzi Stabilizer[Seq#2312]
              GS750TZ Parts Bike [Seq#6036]
              GSX-R750Y (Sold)

              my opinion shouldn't be taken as gospel or in any way that would lead you to believe otherwise (30Sep2021)

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                #8
                Originally posted by LunArBasalt View Post
                mmmmmmm Fresh rubber
                New shoes are oddly appealing, aren't they...
                1981 GS450T

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                  #9
                  Charles/Red,

                  I agree wholeheartedly with both of you and my plan is to have it as close to original in looks and performance as possible when I'm done. The few changes I'm making are a set of superbike bars to improve riding position (for me), and I'll have to graft on new mufflers to replace the mangled originals.

                  This is what I'd like to have when I'm done.

                  Mike
                  Attached Files
                  1981 GS450T

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                    #10
                    It was a beautiful day today in N. FL, about 70 degrees and sunny with very little wind, so i got an early start and got myself set up to sand blast the frame.
                    Attached Files
                    1981 GS450T

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                      #11
                      Then I wiped it down with alcohol and applied self-etching primer...
                      Attached Files
                      1981 GS450T

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                        #12
                        And finished up with gloss black chassis paint...not a bad day's work...
                        Attached Files
                        1981 GS450T

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                          #13
                          Nice work!

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Progress update. Installed the swing arm (new bearings freshly greased) and a few other items yesterday.
                            Attached Files
                            1981 GS450T

                            Comment


                              #15
                              This is where I'm at so far...
                              Attached Files
                              1981 GS450T

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