GS550 project

Hello, let's see if I can upload pics?

I have been playing with cars and bikes recently having sold my manufacturing company and am too young to retire.

I have rebuilt a few including an old school look GSX750ET, a newer RF600 and my current ride, a GSX 750F (see pic?), don't ask me why they all seem to be Suzukis, it's just what comes along, mostly from ebay. Still, means I may be an expert soon!


Having brought the GSX from an elderly 1980's look to a 2008 look GSXR in a shameless copying fit (bear with me, there is reason for my rambling), I thought I quite fancied something different (and the cafe racer scene seems to be developing).


SO..................in an effort to become rich and famous as a creator of bikes rather than a restorer, I introduce to you..............the GS550 donor, a few hundred squids worth of 1970's beauty.


I will add bits as I get on, boring the pants off most I am sure, until I am banned from posting.

Is this how it works? post a reply?
anyhoo, having got it home and had a look over, it is in surprisingly good order, 2 new tyres and it runs! And with that custom made exhaust, it has to be a cafe racer.


First things first, anything ally has to come off and be shined, I like shiny things! And it must eventually look like a BSA or Norton if I'm to fight with the mods down Brighton.


Yey, shiny engine bits.


The shinyness of the forks begins.


I was going to repaint the headstock because of all the brake fluid spills stripping the paint, but then..............you guessed, out with the shiny mop (I may need therapy for my shiny addiction).


Even the wheels (which had only just been powder coated apparently).........


Adopt a shiny surface. (A theme is developing here?)


Little bit of welding and the frame is shortened to go under seat.

Hi Jetset, firstly welcome to the forum, it can be a little quiet on here and sadly once their pride and joy is up and running a lot of folks vanish never to be heard of again, but there's a few stalwarts who obviously have far too much time on their hands (or unheated garages!)

That GS looks the dogs and I agree, it will make a superb cafe racer. Keep up with the good work and the pics, you'll soon be rivalling Mig and IED with the shineyness!

Hi Jetset,
I would like to second that bike looks great.
Steveo

well, I guess I'm about there................now what am i going to do? Apart from sell this one and look for something else?
Note the shameless copy of the Norton badge.

I have taken it for it's maiden voyage into town, and it certainly gets you noticed, it's not subtle!

Very, very pretty!

Question, how long did that take you? I mean you only started posting in October and you've just finished and taken photos recently (judging by the fallen leaves in the picture) So did you really turn the old bus round in a little over 2 weeks?

If so MUCH respect, that's a really professional looking job, and if you're thinking of selling I'm sure there's a few people on here willing to shove their hands in the air at auction!

All in all it has seemed like months but I actually collected it 14 Oct, so around 3 weeks of playing.


I didn't like the plastic instruments, so wrapped the dials in aluminium and, you've guessed, polished.


It has two sides of course.


One from the back, it has a nice plate, but shame it wasn't a few years older and could be black/silver.


I have a vinyl cutting machine, very useful for 'odd' stickers (See the GSX 750F above also), if anyone needs anything for their project, just ask?

and finally................


I have no idea whether to keep it and play, or do another one, or offer to help anyone else?
I suppose it would be down to what's it worth (if anyone fancies making me an enormous offer?), can I make anything in a limited market?

Hey ho, wait for the sun to come out, and go and frighten the locals (it's spitting at moment, and I'm not getting it wet!).

-Nice ride, Eh....play then sell, that's what I would do.