Making Rearset Adapters - 1982 GS450E

[Guest]

Just wondering if anyone has any tips on making rearset adapters?

I'm contemplating a change on my 450 to get it a little more like my Kat riding position as I've discovered I much prefer it. I'm finding things a little uncomfortable on the 450 as opposed to the Kat (which may surprise some).

A set of Clubman 'bars if they'll work with the tank and some rearsets will do the trick nicely, just trying to figure out how others have done the rearsets.

The trick in my mind is dealing with the swingarm axle as it goes through the exhaust/footpeg brackets that bolt on to the frame.

I figured some thick aluminium to replace those with holes to suit either some universal or other rearsets would be the simplest option but I'm not sure how thick is safe enough?

What have people done with their 450's?

 

[GregT]

These pics might help. This has since been sold. Forks are marzocchi 35mm. Calipers are small Brembo. Wheels kawasaki.
Footrest plates were 8mm.

 

[GregT]

It went to a member of the MNZ executive and hasn't been seen for several years. He got me to put clip-ons on it.

 

[Guest]

Ah cheers Greg! Are they DIY rearsets or are they from something else? I see a rear disc brake conversion there also which I hadn't really contemplated... I have an old rear brake lever with a bent pedal I figured I could use to link to the rearset to not upset the rear drum, I don't really use it except for hill starts etc. anyway.

Did the swingarm axle get shortened also?

Interesting on 8mm plates, steel or aluminium?

 

[GregT]

They're complete DIY. Plates are 8mm 5083 marine grade alloy. Pedals are also cut from alloy plate - 5mm. Light and crashable.
Don't recall having to shorten the swingarm pivot bolt. Didn't get in the way.

Disc rear cos I had the kawa wheels in widths I wanted - and frankly, it's easier doing a rear disc setup than arranging a rod with the correct geometry.
You've got the freedom tp put the M/c anywhere you like.

There were another two or three 450's raced locally around this time. There was always a lot of looking at this one - and asking "how hard is it?"
No- one had managed a satisfactory rear brake rod linkage.

 

[Guest]

Cool thanks again Greg, much food for thought there!

Looks like I've got a bunch of pondering to do at the moment, plenty of time to figure out which direction to take.

 

[GregT]

Couple of random neurons collided last night and I remembered there was a japanese firm named "Beet" who did rearsets and other custom items for the small twins.
I know that at some point there was an aussie importer so there may be something in Oz. I'm told they do come up on Japanese ebay occasionally.

 

[Guest]

Ok cool, I'll have to do some digging. There's plenty of interesting stuff that comes up on Yahoo Japan also, the Katana guys have scored many bargains on there as well. Cheers Greg!

Actually that was real quick, thanks Google! https://www.beet.co.jp/english/history/index.html