GS 450 E to GS 450 L conversion

[blackie_81]

Dear GS Owners,

I have a question about modifying a 1984 GS 450 E. I would like to make it look like the L type soft-chopper. Is it possible without main modifications, cutting, welding, etc.? Is the frame the same in both bikes? I already have a GS 450 L teardrop gas tank, handlebars, side covers and seat. Do I have to get another rear wheel and/or front forks? Any advices appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

[UncleMike]

Oh, please don't do it! The 450E's are so beautiful and the L's are such abominations. I'll take the L I gave to my friend back and trade you.

[FTGRET]

The frames are different. Nothing will transfer without major work.

[blackie_81]

UncleMike: Thank you for your kindness, but I'm afraid we live too far from each other to trade our bikes.

FTGRET: Thanks for your answer. I think my Suzi won't change. By the way, what are the major differences?

[FTGRET]

Steering head angle. Gas tank, seat, side cover mounts.

[Guest]

[quote="UncleMike"]Oh, please don't do it! The 450E's are so beautiful and the L's are such abominations.

I'm sorry, but I wouldn't trade my abomination for anything else thank you very much.
I agree with not molesting the E, whether you like the styling or not it is a classic...but please don't insult my L.
Blackie, if you want an L there are alot of good ones out there. They are mechanically identical to the E so if you find one needing a little help cheap, you'll already be familier with it.

[UncleMike]

[quote="snark"]

Oh, please don't do it! The 450E's are so beautiful and the L's are such abominations.

I'm sorry, but I wouldn't trade my abomination for anything else thank you very much.
I agree with not molesting the E, whether you like the styling or not it is a classic...but please don't insult my L.
Blackie, if you want an L there are alot of good ones out there. They are mechanically identical to the E so if you find one needing a little help cheap, you'll already be familier with it.

Apologies.

[Guest]

Accepted.

[Hoomgar]

Mike is entitled to his opinion of L models as is anyone of anything. I too find L models ridiculous and I cannot imagine for the life of me why anyone would ever want one. And I also think they look ridiculous. See, that is my opinion and I am allowed to voice it just as anyone is. Some feel that way about the bikes I like. I take no offense, they are entitled to it. Were all different, and different is OK

Just because I have a dislike for L models doesn't make them wrong for someone else. Many like them. Many don't. I like Harley Davidson's and don't like Honda's

Snark, I am sure you really enjoy riding your 450L. I can appreciate it for what it is and what it is to you while still maintaining that I would never want and L model or a 450 for that matter. Doesn't make you or me wrong man.

It's all good man.

[Guest]

Umm...I was more or less joking around. I wasn't planning on starting any kind of gang war beteen the L's and the E's. Besides, what would the T's and the S's think? The Biker Code says you never snub a biker no matter what he rides. A good friend of mine has a 2006 Roadglide and has no problem that I ride a 25 year old Suzuki that came from the paper for $400.
As for why anybody would want one...they sort of resemble a Sportster for those of us on a Schwin budget. Then again, when the truck is paid off...

[Hoomgar]

Umm...I was more or less joking around. I wasn't planning on starting any kind of gang war beteen the L's and the E's. Besides, what would the T's and the S's think? The Biker Code says you never snub a biker no matter what he rides. A good friend of mine has a 2006 Roadglide and has no problem that I ride a 25 year old Suzuki that came from the paper for $400.
As for why anybody would want one...they sort of resemble a Sportster for those of us on a Schwin budget. Then again, when the truck is paid off...

Rock on buddy, just checking, sorry mate

And trust me, I do understand why you would want an L. I was just stressing a view point. I thought you were serious.

You have the right thinking my friend.

[UncleMike]

Umm...I was more or less joking around. I wasn't planning on starting any kind of gang war beteen the L's and the E's. Besides, what would the T's and the S's think? The Biker Code says you never snub a biker no matter what he rides. A good friend of mine has a 2006 Roadglide and has no problem that I ride a 25 year old Suzuki that came from the paper for $400.
As for why anybody would want one...they sort of resemble a Sportster for those of us on a Schwin budget. Then again, when the truck is paid off...

Rock on buddy, just checking, sorry mate

And trust me, I do understand why you would want an L. I was just stressing a view point. I thought you were serious.

You have the right thinking my friend.

NOOOO!!! DEATH TO ALL INFIDE"L"'S!

[Guest]

NOOOO!!! DEATH TO ALL INFIDE"L"'S![/quote]

THAT'S IT!

I'LL SEE YOU AT STURGIS AND I'LL BRING MY FRIEND WITH THE HARLEY TOO. HE'S A REAL BIKER!

I don't know what we'll do there...maybe get a beer or something, I don't know.

[UncleMike]

NOOOO!!! DEATH TO ALL INFIDE"L"'S!

THAT'S IT!

I'LL SEE YOU AT STURGIS AND I'LL BRING MY FRIEND WITH THE HARLEY TOO. HE'S A REAL BIKER!

I don't know what we'll do there...maybe get a beer or something, I don't know.[/quote]

Race my 450 against your 450?

Nah,...how about my 750 vs. your 450.

[Guest]

I can borrow a 1200 Sportster with a Stage 1 Sceamin' Eagle kit on it...Will that work?
Or...I can borrow my other friends GSXR1100?