cheap donor bike for upgrades?

[Guest]

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/4479495209.html

I know these bikes were not exactly sporting when new, but i know they spec raced the snot out of them.

I would look at pulling the entire front end, wheel, brakes, triple tree and all off and probably the entire rear swing arm, wheel and brake arm. I think a 130 or 140 section rear tire under a 550es would be perfect.


Forgot to ask, how much bolt on interchangeability is there between these bikes or even later Katanas? One of those rolled through recently as a husk with good suspension and brakes for $200.

[Big T]

Lots of interchangability there, but his price is too high

But, GS500 guys update to Katana, who update to GSXR

I'd go Katana grade, lots of those husks still out there

[Big Rich]

If it's any interest, the GS500 forks / wheel / fender fit perfectly into a GS850 triple tree (same diameter and spacing). The pre 2004 front caliper is only a single piston. The front rotor was used on a couple different bikes (Katana, Bandit, etc) but there is only one. The GS500 front wheel is drilled and tapped for another rotor though since the wheel itself is identical to Katana wheels of the same era.

[Hooptie]

So in theory, the front end of this bike is nearly a bolt on minus the one sided front brake?

Part of doing this is better rolling stock availability.

[Big Rich]

I don't know anything about a 550ES, so I couldn't say it was a straight bolt on front end..... but I'd be surprised if there was any problems that would make it impossible.

[Hooptie]

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mpo/4483209713.html

Hmmmmm. I wonder how hard the wife would junk punch me.