GS450 Cafe Racer
This blog will chronicle our progress from current condition of a 1980 Suzuki GS450L to minimalistic cafe racer suitable for track days or Sunday cruises through the twisties to the winery. I will be doing as much of the work as possible with the help of my two daughters including spending this summer learning to weld. Initially, I would like to plan extensively and have a comprehensive idea for where I want to head. Constructive ideas and suggestions welcome!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Front Wheel, Stuck Bolts, Swing Arm and Rear Shocks Gone!
So, a friend suggested a manual impact screwdriver for getting out the stuck & partially stripped bolts holding on the front sprocket cover and I'm happy to report that with a little heat, a little pumpkin beer and a rubber mallet, it worked! |
After getting the sprocket cover off, I realized this little Suzuki must have been used by a previous owner OFF-ROAD! |
Box of parts & pieces removed over the last 2 days |
Friday, October 28, 2011
Since Last Time....
Finally wiggled the OEM airbox out of the frame. There's no way that huge, ugly thing is ever going back into this bike. Bars, Tank, etc., removed. Decided to spend the majority of the nice weather months after that riding and not working this suzuki. Spent several days at that track on the Monster this summer and many more days prepping and upgrading bits and pieces on the Monster. However, 2 weekends ago, I brought the GS450 down from the shed and into the garage where I'll be able to work on it in a semi-heated space over the winter.
Last night, after a long work week, I decided to make a couple of hours for the GS and pulled the rear wheel and the motor out of the frame. There were many more bolts holding that motor in the frame than I expected! ...a few stuck pretty good, but nothing major until I got to the front sprocket cover, which of course, needed to be removed to get the chain off. 3 of the bolts on the sprocket cover are seriously stuck and the heads also stripped pretty good by whomever had her before me. Still deciding on the best option for getting them out. Ideas?
Last night, after a long work week, I decided to make a couple of hours for the GS and pulled the rear wheel and the motor out of the frame. There were many more bolts holding that motor in the frame than I expected! ...a few stuck pretty good, but nothing major until I got to the front sprocket cover, which of course, needed to be removed to get the chain off. 3 of the bolts on the sprocket cover are seriously stuck and the heads also stripped pretty good by whomever had her before me. Still deciding on the best option for getting them out. Ideas?
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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