1983 GS650E Steampunk Scrambler build

[RogerL]

Hello all.
Thought I'd take some time and share the build I've just started on. I recently traded an air compressor to my brother for a a GS650E that he got as part of a barn find. ( He also got two GS650G's but I wanted the chain drive. :smile-new: ) So I originally wanted to do a cafe racer but then, while watching The Walking Dead, I became enamoured with Daryl's scrambler. http://www.classifiedmoto.com/motorcycles/daryls-bike/ So my target changed to that of a scrambler, as I have a cottage and something that could handle a dirt road better than my 09 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST became appealing. I'm the type of person that has to have something unique though, so after some research, soul searching, and a few beers I decided on a Steampunk theme. A blend of industrial with a bit of fanciful. So, I have a vision in mind, now to execute it.

My first step: DISASSEMBLY
The previous owner should never have been allowed to wrench on a bike, as you will see in the photos. I'll be shaving a few of the tabs off the frame to clean it up and putting the electrics in a tray that i'm planning to build under the seat. Full re-wire and electrical system upgrades as well. I have a powder coater nearby that'll be handling the frame and engine side covers. I've also sourced out a anodizing company to handled all of my hardware. Hope fully I can bring my vision to fruition.

Anywho, here's a few photos from my first few days of the stripdown. BTW, I can't believe that I've gone this far in my life without having purchased an manual impact driver. Bought a kit today at Canadian Tire for $89 ( down from $300 )...worth every penny.




Is there any way of posting more than one pic at a time???

 

[one_civic]

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/how_to_post_pictures.pdf

 

[BigD_83]

That's a shame it was an E...I really hope you can breathe new life into it.

 

[Guest]

I'm hoping Daryl finds his bike or gets another. I read they made two for the show. Hopefully this season, they'll get it to sound like an in-line four and not a V-twin. :smug:

Good luck, and definitely want to see the progress!

 

[hillsy]

That's a shame it was an E...I really hope you can breathe new life into it.

Agree. Cant you find an L to cut up? I think the 650E is one of the sweetest GS's of all time.

 

[tkent02]

Agree. Cant you find an L to cut up? I think the 650E is one of the sweetest GS's of all time.

Yep, and a decent one is very hard to find. Been looking for about ten years, it's not happening.

 

[RogerL]

I work with what I have.
I'll keep posts coming. Hopefully the purists will not be too disgruntled with my plans.

 

[RogerL]

Here' s a link to photos I've taken thus far.
http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Darkside1975/slideshow/GS650E

 

[Tim Tom]

You guys see his starting point? It's not exactly a pristine example. Yeah I know the holy grail rare chain-drive 650. But still if RogerL didn't come along and decide to do something to it, it would still be rotting away into nothingness. Which is the greater crime?

 

[Guest]

Not a walking dead fan but I'm definitely a bit of a scrambler fan so I'll tune in for the ride...

 

[huntb]

You guys are making me blush talking about 650E's like that.

Also, OP, Suzuki didn't make the 650E in 1983. It was '81 and '82 only.

Subbed!

 

[BigD_83]

I work with what I have.
I'll keep posts coming. Hopefully the purists will not be too disgruntled with my plans.

I really like a stock E, but my point was that it looks as if a PO has already damaged it beyond what I would consider for restoration, so make of it what you will.

I am curious to see how the geometry works as a scrambler.

 

[RogerL]

Thanks...I was actually going to ask about that. Lineage of this bike is in question. I wasn't sure about the year, so I appreciate the correction

 

[hillsy]

You guys see his starting point? It's not exactly a pristine example. Yeah I know the holy grail rare chain-drive 650. But still if RogerL didn't come along and decide to do something to it, it would still be rotting away into nothingness. Which is the greater crime?

I guess more than anything else, I just dont get the steampunk thing.

I'm sorry, but I've yet to see a steampunk themed motorcycle that doesn't look like crap.

 

[tkent02]

Well now, I think we need to see some examples.

 

[Guest]

 

[Guest]

Yep, and a decent one is very hard to find. Been looking for about ten years, it's not happening.

How decent?
http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/5431580662.html

 

[RogerL]

My design on the bike is going to be primarily as a scrambler with steampunk accents such as colour and accessories. The frame is going to be powdercoated in a Penny Vein Hammertone. Tank, calipers, engine side covers and valve cover are going to be Sublime Twist Green. All hardware and carbs are going to be anodized copper and the wheels will be powder coated candy copper. Pipe will be wrapped in a titanium coloured exhaust wrap with a black stubby can on the end. I'm looking at having custom gauge faces made up on a 3D printer to get the industrial style and image I'm after. This is my starting point and a few things may change here and there as I go.

I cranked the motor over last night to make sure it wasn't seized. Thankfully, she turned nice and easily. Got the engine out of the bike and now I can get ready to start prepping the frame.

Check out the colours at emeraldcoatings.com

 

[Tim Tom]

Jeez Rick, could you have picked uglier examples?! You aren't helping my case here...


I think this is a nice and tastefully done steampunk bike that is still a functional motorcycle.

http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2012/04/23/73-honda-cb250-isabel.html


Another example that take the steampunk theme a bit further than the Honda does, but still looks better than those abominations of motorcycles below...

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/1883-terra-ambulator.845635/page-5


Another example of a steampunk themed build. Needs rear shocks, but it does LOOK good.

http://www.bikeexif.com/t120-bonneville

 

[RogerL]

Thanks Tim Tom, that's definately more the approach I'm after. BTW does anyone have a good resource for bushings and grommets? I've found pretty much all the ones that are on my bike are done. While I have everything apart I may as well redo them as well.