1980 GS1000 SuperVintage Roadracer build

[lfisher]

This is my first effort with a Suzuki but my project involves taking a pretty beatup GS and trying to turn it into a vintage roadracer. While still a work in progress, the beginnings of my story can be seen at my website at
www.2manymotorcycles.com under the Suzuki menu tab.

There is still much to do and a lot of fabrication but with the help of a great group of local vintage racers and the good folks here - this project should be ready for the season.

Leo

 

[80GS1000]

Looking good there. Do your class rules allow you to install a steering damper?

 

[347yoshi]

Did you get your swingarm as I have a have a old dresda swinger for a GS it would look good on that.

 

[Big T]

I have a couple suggestions

1. Upgrade the front discs to a larger size and refab the caliper mounts
2. Get some lighter wheels - those things weigh a ton and the less unsprung weight, the better the handling will be

I don't know what your class rules allow, tho

 

[lfisher]

Upgrades

Upgrades

I did upgrade the calipers and have fabricated all of the mounts. I doubt getting larger discs are going to be cost effective in this instance. I have not bought the the swing arm yet but am getting ready to order it.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[347yoshi]

Dresda swing arm.

 

[347yoshi]

Other side.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Looks Killer Good!

Looks Killer Good!

Looks fab Bro!
I got distracted though, I see Kenda Challenger tires on your old Yeller #469. Those are fine on the street, I have 'em on my bikes, but are they really sticky enough for track racing?
Bill

 

[Skateguy50]

I could not see the site... work filter said its porn, guess they picked up on bike porn being as bad as girls lol

 

[lfisher]

I could not see the site... work filter said its porn, guess they picked up on bike porn being as bad as girls lol

Unfortunately the "filters" pick up on the word "Fetish" in the title of my main site. Living in the Southwestern United States - The Native Americans were using "Fetishes" long before the word got the perverted meaning . I had the name before it did and now it's just too damn expensive to change all the names. There are some photos in my profile page too.

Try it from your home and check it out - Not 'spose to be looking at work

 

[lfisher]

Looks fab Bro!
I got distracted though, I see Kenda Challenger tires on your old Yeller #469. Those are fine on the street, I have 'em on my bikes, but are they really sticky enough for track racing?
Bill

Actually, they are Bridgestone BTs as I recall. Of course, us old guys don't always abrade our knee pucks as much as the young fellows

 

[lfisher]

Sweet! What do you want for it?

Sweet! What do you want for it?

Probably cost a fortune to ship - what do you want for it?

Other side.

 

[Big T]

I did upgrade the calipers and have fabricated all of the mounts. I doubt getting larger discs are going to be cost effective in this instance. I have not bought the the swing arm yet but am getting ready to order it.

Thanks for the advice!

You can use either 78/79 GS 1000 spoke single discs or CBR 600 ones. You would need new adapters, but Dan is making up more as we speak.

Here's my 78 with 2 78 single discs and Dan's adapters. I got the disc for $30 and adapters for $75 (altho it looks like you can make your own). Looks like you've got the Tokiko twin pot calipers like me

 

[lfisher]

Caliper adapters

Caliper adapters

Your adapters are sweet! I'd pay 75.00 for a better set for sure. Thanks for the look.

You can use either 78/79 GS 1000 spoke single discs or CBR 600 ones. You would need new adapters, but Dan is making up more as we speak.

Here's my 78 with 2 78 single discs and Dan's adapters. I got the disc for $30 and adapters for $75 (altho it looks like you can make your own). Looks like you've got the Tokiko twin pot calipers like me

 

[lfisher]

Looking good there. Do your class rules allow you to install a steering damper?

Yes, is there one you can recommend?

 

[first timer]

I have a couple suggestions

1. Upgrade the front discs to a larger size and refab the caliper mounts
2. Get some lighter wheels - those things weigh a ton and the less unsprung weight, the better the handling will be

I don't know what your class rules allow, tho

I agree, bigger disks are better and so are lighter wheels, spokes with wider rims or go with a set of early GSXR wheels.

I see you are friends with Tracy, he has good advise. He should also help you out with sourcing better wheels and breaks, I can't remember exactly what year GSXR stuff works and meets rules but i am pretty sure it's the early stuff.

Some things to also consider are upgrading your ignition to a dyna s, newer coils, and spotless carbs (since you plan to push start, before you pull the starter and stuff make sure you have your carbs and new ignition stuff dialed in so the bike starts the first spin) It's not fun push starting these beasts on a cold morning with dirty carbs and funky stock ignitions.

You should be able to find a 1100 alum swing on ebay or the sales section for around $100 bucks. I would focus on upgrading your suspension, stiffer springs heavier oil in the front and a set of ikon shocks 1.5" longer then stock if you can afford it or get a set of emgo's until you can. Build the motor up only after you have your brakes and suspension sorted out. You will be riding a few tracks (ie. firebird) that will be working your suspension to the fullest.

Tell Tracy I said hi, maybe see you at the next firebird race in PHX.

-Ryan

P.S

http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=325538&showprevnext=1

that should do it for a damper

 

[lfisher]

It's got a Dyna already and a beautiful rack of clean carbs I've already got the swing arm en route and the larger discs and wheels will probably have to wait until next season. I almost came to Phoenix with Tracy this last go-around but in the end - couldn't make it. Thanks for your advice. As always, I appreciate any and all advice. Thanks for the info on the stearing damper.

 

[first timer]

Tracy may be around more after April 15th. Give me a shout i'll try to help. I have a 5 year yoshimura road racer build going......

 

[80GS1000]

Yes, is there one you can recommend?

Does it have to be "period" or can you use something modern? Do you have a link to your class rules?

 

[lfisher]

Class Rules

Class Rules

Does it have to be "period" or can you use something modern? Do you have a link to your class rules?

Since the GS is an '80, I'm racing in the SuperVintage Class which is pretty liberal in their rules. The SMRI website can be found at www.smri-racing.org but, in a nutshell, here they are:

A. Engine modifications are not limited as long as period or period-production
components are used and class displacement limit is not exceeded.

B. Frames may be modified or changed to racing type, though must be period type
and style.
​

C. Period fairings are encouraged but not mandatory

(no GSXR style bodywork).

D. ​

​

Front forks and swing-arm may be changed, though must be period type and​

style​

​

. (no upside down forks in Historic Vintage)​

​

​

E. Period or reproduction race gearboxes are permitted. 6-speed maximum.

F. Disc type front brakes are permitted only if OEM on that motorcycle. Rotors must
be period type and style. No floating rotors. No double front disc unless OEM on
that model. Calipers cannot have more than 2 live cylinders.

G. Two-strokes must use silencers.

H. Throttles must be self-closing type and a handlebar mounted kill switch included.

I. All modifications must be consistent with the spirit of the class and period.

J. Appearance and workmanship of a reasonable standard shall be enforced.​

K. All historic vintage road race numbers must be B​

​

LACK on a WHITE background.​

Numbers must be at least 7” high and 1” wide, of standard block lettering.

L. All historic vintage machines must display three number plates. One on the front
and one on each side in such a manner that a rider in the normal riding position
will not block them. All racing numbers are assigned on a first come, first served
basis. The burden is on the second racer with the same number to change his
racing number to be scored.

M. An “SMRI” decal of approved design must be displayed on both sides of each
machine raced (provided upon tech inspection).

N. More “machine specific” historic vintage classes will be developed and scored
separately as demand merits.​

O. NO SLICKS or tire warmers allowed on LW, MW, or HW vintage machines​

​

​

(SuperVintage bikes can run slicks, warmers, and wider rims of varied sizes.)

P. Maximum rim width of WM6 (3.5”) on Historic Vintage machines.

Q. Spoke wheels or period style mags only.

R. Note that any Historic Vintage bike can bump to a higher displacement HV class
at the discretion of the rider. Historic Vintage bikes can also bump to
SuperVintage. SuperVintage bikes also qualify for ClubSport under the 10-year​

VIN ruling.

So, I can't have more than two pots per caliper but I can have the larger discs - The SuperVintage class can get away with quite a bit more than HistoricVintage.

Cheers,

Leo

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