1983 Suzuki GS850 Cafe Racer Project

[Who Dat?]

The Ls have a 16" wheel, the Gs have a 17" wheel.

Except for the '80 850L, which has a 17" wheel.

[revilo]

Looks great. Is it just me or do the L's have a smaller rear wheel?

I got some more work done over the holidays.

I installed the cams, checked the valve clearance, and tightened everything from the rear wheel to the neck. I also filled the engine, secondary drive, and final drive with fresh oil. After that I installed the carbs and air filters, and then rechecked everything a second time.

Next I will be finishing off the brakes, hand controls, and all cables. When this is done then i will be into the home stretch with the wiring and fuel tank. The fuel tank has some sleight rust that I will have to deal with and the fuel level sender doesn't work at all, but I have an idea that may work as a modified replacement as that part has been discontinued for years.

Then its prep and paint for the tank and exhaust.

Then it'll be cross the old fingers and hope it starts after 5+ years and all my hard work.

Anyhow here are some pictures.

Thanks.

I was worried for awhile as this is my first build attempt.

[GS1150Pilot]

That L is looking great!

Hello again.

You won't see this in the pics, but I changed the drive-shaft. I also started to set up the hand controls, foot controls, rear brakes, and painted the rear wheel.

Enjoy!

I was thinking ahead to drag bars or clip ons, I really like the way yours turned out.

Thanks.

Got the engine in today. Still need to do the cams and timing.

Looking great DD, nice work.

Alright, got some work done today.

Changed the secondary drive gears, now the yolk will stay in place.

I also assembled the front end and lowered the front 1". I think I will lower it a little more to keep the lines of the tank and seat horizontal. In addition I installed the swing arm and shocks. Yes I still have to paint the rear rim.

I included a pic with the tank and seat on the bike so you can get an even better idea of the look I am going for.

Tomorrow I will install the short block and start assembling the engine, we'll see how far I get. I'll post more pics tomorrow.

Sorry about the quality, they were taken in the dark by incandescent light with a cell.

[mikerophone]

That stinks! Personally, I don't see the harm as long as you clean up after yourself.

I do the same. However I am not allowed to perform any personal work at work anymore, the new director is a dick

[mikerophone]

I work in my carport unless it's winter, then I work in my shed for a little additional warmth. It's 30 degrees F here right now. Time to fire up the propane heater!

One day I'll build a garage, or move to a house that has one. My work allows me to do certain things as well but I can't leave anything overnight.

Thanks, I'm trying to do the best possible job I can do. I could seriously do better if I wasn't working out of my shed. I used to be able to work on the weekends at my garage at work, but the policy has changed.

[GS1150Pilot]

Nice work. I don't often like cafe racer chop jobs, but this one looks like it will be well done.