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GS Scrambler, Possible?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Colorado CJ
  • Start date Start date
C

Colorado CJ

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I now have a V-Strom for my everyday bike so I am looking at working on my '80 GS 550L. I'm thinking on turning it into a scrambler type bike since I do alot of dirt riding with my new Strom and used to do alot of dirt with the GS.

Are there any pictures of a GS turned into a scrambler type bike? I kind of know what I want, but would like to get a few ideas before starting. I know a bash/skid plate is in order, BUT I would like to see if I could run the pipes high as well, just don't know yet.

Post any pics if you got them!
 
how do you like the vstrom? it's at the top of my list for next spring. the wife ok'd me getting something new when i'm finished with school.
 
Probably the best all around bike out there! It is large enough for me (6'4" and 220), so it is great as a tourer. It is also great offroad, pretty much like a big dirt bike.

I've ridden it 6000 miles since I got it back in March and about 1500 of those miles are dirt roads/trails. I just went on a ride with some ADV folks up into Wyoming and the V-Strom kept up with all the DR's. KLR's etc. in the loose and rocky trails.

Overall I couldn't be happier. I might like to try the 1000, just because of the extra power. BUT that power would do me no good on the loose stuff, which the 650 is great in.
 
Scrambles as I know them may not be what you're talking about.

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/text/topic/120153-1.html

If this is really what you're considering, forget using a GS. No suspension and far too heavy - both fatal flaws. If you like power find yourself a big, older single 2 or 4 stroke, if money is a concern, and ride that.

Just my humble opinion.
 
The Triumph Scrambler is nearly the same weight, ground clearence, suspension travel, etc..

scrambler_2009_main_4.jpg


Basically I want to turn my GS into an all around machine. I'll be lightening it where I can and it already has a 19" front wheel, so there are plenty of more agressive tires out there that will fit. It already does good in offroad conditions (I've had it up in the Mosquito Pass area above Leadville at 11,000 ft.), I just want to make it more dirt worthy. Much lie the old WWII bikes.
 
Colorado CJ said:
The Triumph Scrambler is nearly the same weight, ground clearence, suspension travel, etc..

scrambler_2009_main_4.jpg


Basically I want to turn my GS into an all around machine. I'll be lightening it where I can and it already has a 19" front wheel, so there are plenty of more agressive tires out there that will fit. It already does good in offroad conditions (I've had it up in the Mosquito Pass area above Leadville at 11,000 ft.), I just want to make it more dirt worthy. Much lie the old WWII bikes.
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Ok, I see what you're doing. It's not really a scrambles bike, it's a scrambler name attached to a bike.

As far as taking bikes offroad, I had my GS1100 (several years ago) over some 4x4 passes in Colorado at over 10k'. The fact that they can make it doesn't necessarilly make them the best choice.
 
Yeah, I wasn't talking about the light weight hare scrambles type bikes. Just something more of an all arounder.
 
sachsaca said:
Check this out, Yamaha R1 dirt bike http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUs6wlTbXcA

R1 again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0d3B7MPqUg

again R1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-DuzXcQ4qM
Good luck... :D It ain't a suzuki but thought you might get the idear.
Click to expand...
Not bad, but not really anything an unmodified GS1100 couldn't do, only a bit slower (I've had mine on tougher trails than that).

I guess my point is why start with a pig when you can have something much more capable - faster and easier to ride - for far less $$?
 
Colorado CJ said:
Yeah, I wasn't talking about the light weight hare scrambles type bikes. Just something more of an all arounder.
Click to expand...
Ok, gotcha', but an XR650R that is street legal will bring a smile to your face when you hit the trail. It's not as nice on the road, but is capable of over 100 mph, which is plenty.

Anyway, good luck. I'd suggest keeping the bars high and get a nice comfy seat.
 
I would LOVE to get a dedicated dirt bike, but don't have the money (just got the V-Strome after all :cool:).

I'm kind of a do-it-yourself kind of guy and have a full shop set up (welders, grinders, CNC machines, ect...) so it is more of a want to turn my GS into a scrambler rather than buying something already made. After all, I already have the bike and it would be fun.

I know it won't do 50 m.p.h. on the trails, but that isn't what I'd be looking for with this build anyway.
 
Colorado CJ said:
I would LOVE to get a dedicated dirt bike, but don't have the money (just got the V-Strome after all :cool:).

I'm kind of a do-it-yourself kind of guy and have a full shop set up (welders, grinders, CNC machines, ect...) so it is more of a want to turn my GS into a scrambler rather than buying something already made. After all, I already have the bike and it would be fun.

I know it won't do 50 m.p.h. on the trails, but that isn't what I'd be looking for with this build anyway.
Click to expand...
You have CNC? That's something I've wanted for a long time. Do you adopt 58 year olds? :lol:

I understand. While I've gone over 50mph on trails, it's not all that often as I like to ride those that offer a bit of a challenge AND if you loose contol over some whoops and bounce off into the trees, speed can be fatal.
 
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I would think one of the two cylinder GS400/425/450 models would be a better basis for what you're trying to do. They're about 40-55 lbs lighter than the 550L (depending upon specific model), and will still hit 85-90 mph on the highway with a normal-sized human atop one.
 
Colorado, we have a guy in town that took a XL 650 Honda and put street tires on it, a dog bone to lower the rear shock and lowered the forks in the triple clamp. He loves it and is all he needs. Do some searchs on google and get an idea or three. I'd also look at some other bike sights, you never know what you will find, Good luck and please post some pics..
Hmmmm.... thiking, thinking, wider bars, minimal gauges, hide as much of the wiring as you can. Find a mufflers shop that will bend you a pipe and run it up high and put on a two brothers or FMF styled pipe.
FACTORY_4_MUFFLER.jpg

Look at the tires offered on BMW and Triumph off road on road bikes. Try to slim it down as much as possible and you might have a winner. Either way good luck and postapic
 
sachsaca said:
Colorado, we have a guy in town that took a XL 650 Honda and put street tires on it, a dog bone to lower the rear shock and lowered the forks in the triple clamp. He loves it and is all he needs
Click to expand...

So he just made a supermoto then. I always thought that would be a cool bike for around town. As for the Scrambler idea, it would be cool to have a trail ready GS. Maybe a fork conversion like pos did with the GSXR forks to something with more travel off a DRz or something paired with some taller rear shocks would be good. Maybe some geometry problems though....Anyway just my .02.

Oh and maybe a headlight guard just for fun!!
 
Heck, I take my XL600 anywhere I have the b!lls to go.:eek:
A blast and a nice addition to the garage.Usually found cheap and you wouldn't have to mess a nic looking GS.
CopyofSundayride062.jpg
 
saffa said:
and from another angle
Click to expand...

Nice look. I would just wonder how much hp can you get out of a GS motor that would be tractable in the dirt?
Engine may be too wide for certain spots.All dependent on where you ride or want to ride.
Just my thoughts/opinions though:-s
 
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