Frame Finally Stripped & Cutting Begins

 Finally have the frame stripped of everything including wiring and...

starting to cut and grind!  The center stand is being removed in this photo.

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

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? 

Removed Carbs, Battery, Almost Airbox and Got a Clymer!

Pulled Some Stuff Off

We had a few minutes tonight as soccer practice was canceled due to rain, so we pulled off all lights, lic plate bracket, rear fender and Ella plucked the mirrors on her own.

Hounds, Bags, Under The Seat

Had a couple minutes last night after the girls went to bed and couldn't resist.  Brought the beagles out to the garage with me and they proceeded to give it a pretty thorough look-over, or smell-over rather.  Pulled off the saddlebags, the grab bar at the back and the front tool bag and had a look at what lurked under the seat.  I decided I'd leave on the reflectors and lights for now and let the girls pull those off later...an easy job for them. 

Day 1: It Begins. Photos, Video, Description

 

Here she is, just as I rode her home this evening in the rain, which I've come to accept as tradition.  I have ridden almost every bike I've owned home in either rain or cold (or both).  It actually rode home surprisingly well and was fairly enjoyable, even in the rain.  Rear suspension, and probably front also, seemed very soft.  It ran pretty good once warmed up, but tended to linger a bit when revved up and not in gear.  Something seems odd  about the handlebars, like the might be slightly bent to the right.  The saddlebags are brand new and the seat among other components are in outstanding condition.  They are of no use to me on the bike, but could be worth something to someone else and I'll probably sell all those pieces.  

Here's a short video of the bike as we start this process.  Video includes running motor: