GS850 Brat Tracker Rebuild

[simonw]

G'day

Head over here to check the pics of the rebuild. Follow the blog by clicking on the follow icon and you'll get updates as they happen.

http://gs850.blogspot.com.au/

Almost on the road. Just a few things to tidy up.
Will post a youtube clip when she fires up...its a sight and sound to hear!

 

[Guest]

Hey Simon, welcome!

I'm a bit of a scrambler fan myself but I do appreciate a well done tracker as well. I like the dual sport tyres

Whereabouts in Aus do you hang your hat?

 

[simonw]

Brisvegas is home.

Those tyres are of a BMW GS (Heidenau) flamin expesive but look the part and should be very grippy !

Its almost done and should on the road in a month ready for the shows.

 

[Guest]

Cool, which side? You're in the city with the most active GSR members in Aus as far as getting together and riding goes

If she's done in time, we have a big ride organised for Saturday 2nd March along with the Katana guys. Will be doing around a 500km round trip down to Casino and back via Urbenville etc.

Of course if the GS isn't ready and you have another bike you're more than welcome to join us on that too.

Link to the ride details:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=203846

I looked into those tyres for my scrambler inspired 450 but like most dual sports they don't have an 18" front and rear. I ended up with a Pirelli Scorpion Trail front and Scorpion MT90A/T rear as that's the only combination I could get both 18" in. They seem to work pretty well together on the tar, but I'm not game enough to scratch the paint work and ceramic pipes by taking it on any gravel...

 

[simonw]

I am in Greenslopes, South Side.

A few things I need help on though....maybe you could help with some local knowledge.

1. 1 inch pipe bender that can do a 240mm Circumference for a tail hoop for the frame.
2. Any options for a petcock valve non vacuum that you buy local.
3. a sheet metal nibbler....just need to shape my rear fender ...

Any help much appreciated!

oh and thanks for the heads up on the ride...see if I can make it!

 

[Paul]

Wow, I really like this look, there always very cheap 550's going local, this is certaily something I want to have a go at in a year or two... I will keep checking back,

 

[simonw]

Thanks Paul..
Its kinda evolved but slimming down a GS is a great experience.
The 850 with its shaft drive and massive tanks lends itself to the brat/big tough look..
But I imagine a smaller chain drive would make a sweet tracker look as well....

Ive done a rust look on the tank with chemical treatment ...unfortunately it looks way better in real life...the pictures dont capture it well

 

[guzziboy]

If you need old soozi parts call ray from suziparts he will express post them too you ! They are in Adelaide

 

[Guest]

Mate I'm not gonna be much help on the pipe bender or nibbler I'm afraid. All my metal work was aluminium and I just used a hacksaw and files.

My tail piece is fibreglass too...

As for the fuel tap... this is the only thing I could see easily, not sure if it helps or not:

http://www.mcsonline.com.au/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=123&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=126

For parts, take care with Suziparts... yes he's quick, but man is he expensive! I have pretty good success locally with the parts guys at Brisbane Motorcycles at Windsor, but Mick Hone in Victoria has a good reputation with the Katana guys and apparently his prices are good.

If you need a big bulk buy of a bunch of genuine parts, it's quite often cheaper to wait and get a good list together then get them from the US.

As for the ride, yeah would be good if you could come along, just let me know a few days in advance if you're likely to attend and I'll PM everyone who's coming my mobile number just in case something happens on the day.

 

[simonw]

 

[Guest]

Bugger, image posting didn't work Simon, gives a page not found... you've got me intrigued with what you've done now!

 

[Guest]

Any progress Simon?

 

[simonw]

sorry Pete
Have been away on work
Am back in Bris now and will try and make some progress !!

 

[Guest]

No worries mate, wondered where you'd been! Keen to see how you go... I'm just enjoying riding mine these days

 

[simonw]

Rear tail section build

Rear tail section build

Finally got around to bending up the rear hoop for the brat.
Used some excellent guys at 'Radius Benders' in Brisbane here for a 1" pipe bend....one off job and hard to find shops willing to do just one.

But i have it now and no excuses

So onto the tail it went with a couple of rebar plugs for stiffinen!

 

[simonw]

Plug and weld

Plug and weld

A spray now welding it in

Now I gotta figure out how these seats go on!

 

[Good Times]

Pretty cool

 

[Guest]

Good job Simon, glad to see some progress! Looks like a neat job on the bending and welding there too.

 

[simonw]

Thanks Pete

Just had my mate over to swap out some shims as I have the valve cover off and thought we would check the clearances. Only 2 needed swapping ! the rest in spec.

I will post some pics soon of the painted covers and a neat little throttle housing I have installed.

Then it will be time to crank her up and do the timing ...open pipes...should be fun and loud!

 

[Guest]

Good stuff, and pic's are always handy! Otherwise how do we know it's true?

Are you planning on running it with open pipes once done or is that just a temporary thing to get her running for now?