Suzuki GS450 Cafe build

Hey fellas,

Thought you might be interested in some pics of my current project.

Started out like this.......



Then I stripped it down and massaged some FZR250 wheels in there (with a new front end):



I found another tank off a GS650 which looked like it might fit - and was more rounder / retro than the boxy 450 tank (on the left). I didn't get any keys with the tank, but I took it to a locksmith who sprung the lock....and the inside had NO rust


Also bought a Ducati SS style seat off eBay for a decent price from a local fibreglasser. It's pretty good quality.


And some mock up pics:




Then I made up a bracket to mount the FZR caliper to the GSX fork:


Next, I "de-lugged" the frame. Man there were HEAPS of lugs 8O



Then welded the rear frame rails together to suit the seat unit



The original headlight ears were too small for the new forks, and they stuck out too far anyway, so I made up a new pair out of some old bicycle frame tubing and a set of bolt on clamps I had laying around. I might lower the headlight a bit :?:



Starting to take shape now....




Cheers Y'all :wink:

 

Yes-er-ee, your off to a great start, however, those bars will be hitting the tank when you turn!!! It seem alot of the members who want to make these bikes into cafe racers have come across the problem with the after market bars being way too low and hitting the tank, unless you use some risers to get them up clearing the tank. Unless you can re-weld the steering stop on the lower tree, but then your turning radius will be alot less.

 

most importantly, does it run?

 

Actually it's the fork uppers that nudge the tank - the clip ons dont touch.

Don't worry - it'll be sorted :wink:

 

Yep - that was the first thing I checked before I started the build

 

good, lol waaay ahead of me, lol, the engine sure looks dirty

 

Yep - it's dirty alright 8O

I'm going to get the entire bike together and running before I attempt any cosmetic stuff. The only reason I've painted any bits (frame welds, brackets) is so they don't rust in the meantime.

I'm in no real rush to finish this one

 

I had one of them, new, back in 1985, when I lived in Portugal, a great bike. Good luck with your project, Hillsy. Wiz.

 

Thanks Wiz

 

looks like a cool toy! I can;t wait untill my max is running well enough to start a project bike, daily rider first... project second...but one day!
Shaun

 

That looks good, the FZR rolling stock really wakes up the design.