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1980 GS1000 SuperVintage Roadracer build

  • Thread starter Thread starter lfisher
  • Start date Start date
Are there any available in Ar?

Are there any available in Ar?

Very nice bike bro, I am curious though are there any kinds of events in racing format for vintage Suzukis in my area>> Arkansas? How would I find out?>

A1
 
For maximum bang for the buck, I'd go with:

Bracing the frame - this gets rid of the "hinged in the middle" feel at steep lean angles and gives a much more planted feel in the corners. Have a look at the GSX/EFE/Katana section on oldskoolsuzuki.info at the "Making the GSX frame stiffer" article. I implemented braces D and E with great results.

Upgrading the suspension - Rebuild the forks with some Racetech springs and new fork oil at a minimum. A fork brace for the front is nice. Stiffer swingarm for sure, like from a GS1100. The stock rear shocks are junk - any room in the budget for some upgraded shocks?

Steering damper - a MUST in my opinion for any roadrace bike to prevent tankslappers. The stock GSXR dampers are pretty good and cheap on eBay and the aftermarket ones are even better. Will require a bit of welding to attach a mount to the frame and totally worth it.

Upgrading the brakes -
Use the newest twinpots with the grippiest pads you can find and stainless braided lines for the front. High temp brake fluid too to prevent fade. The Motul racing fluid is nice.

Motor - are you planning on rebuilding the motor? If so, get the crank and clutch basket welded. Do you have a displacement limit? Can you use aftermarket carbs and cams? Do you plan on running on pump or race gas?

Also have a look at the specs for the Yoshimura GS1000 racebike here: http://www.slcelectronics.com/GS1000_Build/Yoshi-Article/
 
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Very nice bike bro, I am curious though are there any kinds of events in racing format for vintage Suzukis in my area>> Arkansas? How would I find out?>

A1
The majority of what I could Google are AHRMA Vintage dirt races but find some riders and where the nearest race track. Most of the road racers use car tracks. Good luck!
 
For maximum bang for the buck, I'd go with:

Bracing the frame - this gets rid of the "hinged in the middle" feel at steep lean angles and gives a much more planted feel in the corners. Have a look at the GSX/EFE/Katana section on oldskoolsuzuki.info at the "Making the GSX frame stiffer" article. I implemented braces D and E with great results.

Upgrading the suspension - Rebuild the forks with some Racetech springs and new fork oil at a minimum. A fork brace for the front is nice. Stiffer swingarm for sure, like from a GS1100. The stock rear shocks are junk - any room in the budget for some upgraded shocks?

Steering damper - a MUST in my opinion for any roadrace bike to prevent tankslappers. The stock GSXR dampers are pretty good and cheap on eBay and the aftermarket ones are even better. Will require a bit of welding to attach a mount to the frame and totally worth it.

Upgrading the brakes -
Use the newest twinpots with the grippiest pads you can find and stainless braided lines for the front. High temp brake fluid too to prevent fade. The Motul racing fluid is nice.

Motor - are you planning on rebuilding the motor? If so, get the crank and clutch basket welded. Do you have a displacement limit? Can you use aftermarket carbs and cams? Do you plan on running on pump or race gas?

Also have a look at the specs for the Yoshimura GS1000 racebike here: http://www.slcelectronics.com/GS1000_Build/Yoshi-Article/

I've got a few of those things done - I'm using Motul, got the twin pots on the front end, progressive front springs, new rear shocks etc. I'm not planning on getting into the motor unless I have to. Bracing the frame and getting a steering damper I will probably do. It's a matter of time & money of which I have little of each :cry:
 
The Build is just about complete

The Build is just about complete

IMG_8495.JPG


Here she is - I should race this on Father's Day and that's as good a day as any! Thanks to all for your advice, tips and suggestions. I picked up new brake rotors, an aluminum swingarm, and some other great hardware from folks on the forum. To see more photos - go to www.lovegreenchili.com and then select 2manymotorcycles from the menu and look for the Suzuki GS1000 page.

Cheers,

P.S. and before people comment - I realized after taking this picture that my Garage Flag was hanging incorrectly - I switched it.

Leo
 
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Looks awesome! Right up my alley, and where I wanna take my 1100 this winter! Nice!
 
Thanks for the nice comments!

Thanks for the nice comments!

I'm waiting for the roller-starter I ordered from Doc Z International so I can easily start this since it has a total loss system. I'm waiting for a catch bottle for the crank and fuel lines vents and a bit more safety wiring and she'll be ready to race.

Leo Fisher
SMRI #130
Rio Rancho, NM
 
I'm waiting for the roller-starter I ordered from Doc Z International so I can easily start this since it has a total loss system. I'm waiting for a catch bottle for the crank and fuel lines vents and a bit more safety wiring and she'll be ready to race.

Leo Fisher
SMRI #130
Rio Rancho, NM

The bike looks great, can't wait to see the track pictures!
 
Very nice job.
Your supervintage rules would seem to allow better brakes than we are here in NZ - we're limited to period, 2 - pot calipers - and if you've seen the vid I posted of our 1000 racing we surely need better brakes.
When racing an unbraced frame - even at entry level - I'd really recommend a steering damper for peace of mind.
Bars - depends on taste and what the tracks are like you will race on, but I don't think I'd like to race a 1000 on clipons. I'm not small but the extra leverage of higher bars is very reassuring over bumps.
Starter - on a couple of bikes I've built I've left the starter in place - with only the boss from the alternator rotor left to carry the starter clutch, and a narrowed cover. Use a separate battery and jumper leads to fire the bike and you're away - and the extra couple of Kg is really nothing.
You've got plenty of fun and development to look forward to - enjoy yourself and stay upright.
Greg T
 
Looks good, probly should give thought to changing the back rim it looks like your running the 17 inch the 18 off s model was better we tended to find the 17s flexed the tyre alot because of the high sidewall
better still set of hubs off GS750 and lace up some spoke wheels

cheers Oz
 
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