BULLman Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 So, as many of you know, I'm the new owner of an '81 Suzuki GS850G. I've been searching on the internet and U-tube for pictures and videos of a Rat Rod/Bobber GS and other standards - it got me to thinking... The biggest reason NOT TO, is that is will probably kill my friend you I traded the bike with, even though its MY bike now. Plus, I have no $$$ or skills to do such a project. Plus, once I start cutting on it - it won't go back. What say you? Before What it could look like.... GS RAT Rod bike Link to comment
Paul Mihalka Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I personally like a old bike best when it is in nice shape but close to original stock, may be with some time period accessories, like windshields, fairings, bags. Link to comment
BFish Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 ditto...looks good as designed. Link to comment
NoHeat Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Dunno, but it looks like a choice between a bike that won't stop: and a bike on which you can't sit: and one which has neither of these little inconveniences: Link to comment
JayW Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I agree. It looks great just as it is, and if you Bob it, then there will be one less original one available for the next generation. Also, those modified bikes don't look very comfortable to me. OTOH, it is your bike, and there is no moral compunction not to do with it as you wish. Jay Link to comment
BULLman Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share Posted April 19, 2009 I agree. It looks great just as it is... Of, course this is what it looked like when brand spanking new. It's in good shape, but not great shape. Main thing, is that it isn't running yet. It wouldn't be for touring (don't have the $$$ for it) Its not for the track (don't have the $$$ for it) Its for Sunday rides. Yes, it will have a seat. Maybe this one The plastic tail feature is calling for me to chop it off. I guess I like the L version better - the one with the little fairing. I really like the bike from the video - MADkaw Everything, but the straight pipes. Link to comment
bayoubengal Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 not to Bob Close to stock as possible even if it is at a mini-project per year pace... Link to comment
Huzband Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 That bike would make Jesse James throw up! And I think I even did a little in my mouth. Link to comment
Bernie Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 That bike would make Jesse James throw up! And I think I even did a little in my mouth. I like his front brake, must be some new style. Link to comment
Calvin (no socks) Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Cut it... done it before with no regrets. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... and you "beholden" the title. Link to comment
Dave in Doodah Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 You already had a project in mind when you got the bike... so go for it!! But, if you ask a bunch of old farts who get misty-eyed thinking of our old rides, many of us will say, "keep her stock." That is kinda satisfying, too. Do what feels good. Link to comment
BerryG Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 If it still looks as good as the photo you posted and you hack it up.. well.... Link to comment
Bill_Walker Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Well, if it were MY bike (which it ain't, so it's no business of mine, but you asked), I'd either keep stock or I'd cafe it. Looks like you've already got the seat for that. Add some low bars, maybe a little bikini fairing like the one bike you pictured, some rearsets, etc. Pretty cool bike, and entirely reversible if you someday want to go back to stock (or want to sell it to someone who does). Though I doubt any shaft-drive bike ever did the ton on the north circular road from the Ace Cafe. Hmm, here's one in progress: Link to comment
Bill_Walker Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Here's a page with another 850G that's sort of a bobber/cafe cross (and it's on a site that looks like it could be of some use to you): GS850G bobber Link to comment
tallman Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Cart before the horse. 1. Get it running. 2. When it is running, determine what it needs to run well. 3. After it is running well for a while, ride it. 4. After riding it for a while, then consider changes. 5. Look at wallet, look at good running bike... 6. ? Link to comment
BULLman Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share Posted April 19, 2009 Here's a page with another 850G that's sort of a bobber/cafe cross (and it's on a site that looks like it could be of some use to you): GS850G bobber Thanks Link to comment
Boone60 Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 +1 with what Tim posted. Ride the bike a bit, and then think about what the ride will be like modded considering the GS's handling. If I'm remembering correctly, that bike is top heavy, and that may be something to consider. Link to comment
4wheeldog Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 +1 with what Tim posted. Ride the bike a bit, and then think about what the ride will be like modded considering the GS's handling. If I'm remembering correctly, that bike is top heavy, and that may be something to consider. +2. You won't know what you want (And what the bike wants to be) until you ride it for a while. Nice bike to start with. Link to comment
BULLman Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share Posted April 19, 2009 Cart before the horse. 1. Get it running. 2. When it is running, determine what it needs to run well. 3. After it is running well for a while, ride it. 4. After riding it for a while, then consider changes. 5. Look at wallet, look at good running bike... 6. ? What fun is that? My own photoshop pic Link to comment
lvnvbiker Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Cafe it! A nice 1/4 fairing off Ebay for around 50, and a bummstop seat, with a pair of Daytona or some other near flat bars, and a 4to1 pipe and some jets to finish the job. A few of my old crew in the OC had similar bikes, mainly 750 and 1000's that were chain driven but the style is the same. Link to comment
UberXY Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Here is a picture of the little bobber I built last year for running errands in town: IMHO, the best bike for bobbing are late 30's Indian Scouts: Link to comment
tallman Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Now you're changing the rules. Fun? There are many directions you can go depending on what you want to do with it. But, some of those limit future options, some don't. Keep us posted as you start w/the mods. Best wishes. Link to comment
s3steve Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Nothing against bobbers and I love cafe racers but this bike is wrong on so many levels. Notice the trophy.... do you see any other bikes in the picture. Link to comment
Rinkydink Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 It's the "Ugliest Bike With Invisible Front Brake" trophy. Notice he's not smiling, he must be ashamed. I would hate to be riding it when someone pulled out in front of you. No brakee, no stoppee... Link to comment
NoHeat Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 It's the "Ugliest Bike With Invisible Front Brake" trophy. Plus bonus points for Invisible Turn Signals and Invisible Muffler. Link to comment
Quinn Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 Here's just another opinion: Leave it stock and see how much you enjoy the responses of the people who will walk up to you and the bike. When I had my '73 Yamaha 650, people were always telling me how that was the bike that they had lusted over. I got to hear stories from the former teenage boys that would sit on them every time they went to the motorcycle dealer's and dream of having the money to buy one. There were stories about so-and-so who had one and it was a chick magnet and it went faster, handled better, and never left him stranded. To me, that's the kind of bike that you have there--someone's adolesent dream on two wheels. So, if you leave it stock, stangers will come up and thank you for their trip down memory lane. Link to comment
Knifemaker Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 Ok BULLman...I have been holding off on posting a reply to you because my answer would be too apparent..... Leave it STOCK....Restore it to it's former glory....As mentioned by Quinn and others there is a since of historical pride in owning a motorcycle that represents a bygone era. Yes... you can bob, it chop it, or do anything you want with it but if you do it looses it's historical identity and the WOW factor original engineers of the motorcycle wanted you to have when you first saw it. As you know I restore older motorcycles....WHY?....I get (I feel I do) the same feeling of pride when I am finished with the bike as the people who originally engineered the bike through you folks on this board who have expressed thier appreciation of what I have accomplished and the memories that have been revived by seeing the bike again as they remembered it. History can be relived all over again... Link to comment
Quinn Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 Every time I see a new Triumph Bonneville, the first thought in my mind is "now that's what a motorcycle is supposed to look like." It probably says more about my age than anything else. That's the look that got imprinted on me. I'm sure others feel that way about Harleys, Moto-Guzzis, or BMWs. For me, the UJM style was the real motorcycle and all the cafe racers, cruisers, bobs, etc. were brought about by selective breeding from this root stock. Kinda like all dogs started off as wolves and then got bred into dashounds, St. Bernards, peekabos, bulldogs, etc. I can appreciate crotch rockets, cruisers, and massive tourers, but it's the UJMs that get a viceral response. My left hand starts gripping an imaginary clutch while my right wants to twist the throttle. My eyes start tracing out the cables and exhaust headers. The only changes that would make it a complete picture for me would be a short sissy bar on the back and some ducttape on the seat. Link to comment
BULLman Posted April 30, 2009 Author Share Posted April 30, 2009 Well, lack of money and lack of skill rise above whether or not to bob. I need to get the bike on its feet - before I do anything. I did receive my switch gear, but still need some help installing it along with some ground issues. Link to comment
BULLman Posted May 24, 2009 Author Share Posted May 24, 2009 Well... after some thought, and no luck fixing it, I've sold the bike to Knifemaker, who just left to head back to J-ville. It'll go to a better home than I can provide. Hopefully, he'll add his magic touch to it so everyone can enjoy it at next year's Riding into History. In the words of the orginal owner who couldn't fix it either...."Good Luck!!!" Link to comment
Matts_12GS Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 Hey Bill, give me a ring, I have some 850 valve shims, a shim replacement tool and some other Suzi-Q parts/tools. Link to comment
tallman Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 Dan, Are you looking? I might know of a low (27K) mileage '96 RT w/good tires and recent service. Link to comment
BULLman Posted May 24, 2009 Author Share Posted May 24, 2009 Dan, Are you looking? In a word - no. Got no budget. Link to comment
Huzband Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Well... after some thought, and no luck fixing it, I've sold the bike to Knifemaker, who just left to head back to J-ville. It'll go to a better home than I can provide. Hopefully, he'll add his magic touch to it so everyone can enjoy it at next year's Riding into History. In the words of the orginal owner who couldn't fix it either...."Good Luck!!!" Thanks for the heads up. On the other hand, sorry it didn't work out for ya. Link to comment
BULLman Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 Well... after some thought, and no luck fixing it, I've sold the bike to Knifemaker, who just left to head back to J-ville. It'll go to a better home than I can provide. Hopefully, he'll add his magic touch to it so everyone can enjoy it at next year's Riding into History. In the words of the orginal owner who couldn't fix it either...."Good Luck!!!" Thanks for the heads up. On the other hand, sorry it didn't work out for ya. Bill sent me a pm that after 3hrs he's got the bike running. Head/tail lights still aren't working, fork seals need to be replaced and it needs some carb work. He should have it in tip top shape by tomorrow Good for him Link to comment
Huzband Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Clearly from what I saw of the BS job at RIH, he's a hack. Sorry it didn't go to a better home. Love ya, Bill. Owe ya lunch. Link to comment
Knifemaker Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Just noticed this thread.... Matt... I'll give you a call... Danny!!!! Where's the love?????? Bike update....All electricals are now wired and working fine...Forks did not need seal replacement there was no air in them added 12 pounds of air any they work fine. Small oil leak in the left case took the case apart..bad case gasket got some gasket material and re-cut gasket..no leak in left side case...Oil leak at the tach sending unit...bad o-ring replaced o-ring no oil leak...The intake boots to the carbs need to be replaced causing a slight sucking of air on initial acceleration.. boots and o-rings on order...Speedo not working new sending unit at front wheel.. on order... None of the slight above problems have kept the bike off the streets and the bike now has a new and legal tag on it.... Once the above problems have been fixed the bike is off to Gainesville to Cody my son so I can get his K75S back to my shop for some much needed repairs.... Link to comment
Huzband Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Danny!!!! Where's the love?????? Right here, baby. Link to comment
Ron_B Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I say go for it. The more exotic the better. Link to comment
smiller Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I say go for it. The more exotic the better. Isn't that that new-fangled Hossack suspension? Link to comment
Bullett Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 I like this one the best. FWIW. Link to comment
Calvin (no socks) Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 Ok... getting ready to cut on the K12s.... want a before picture? Link to comment
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