Not bad for an afternoon's work + pics

[robert_r_lefebvre]

To remove old glue residue

To remove old glue residue

Have you tried WD40.

 

[Mike_H]

Hmmm....

Hmmm....

I keep looking at the lead picture of this post...

and thinking the bike needs something, well other than a seat and some paint. To me, it looks like the front wheel is too close to the frame. Part of this is because I have swapped the forks with a 650G and have lost the leading axle. I am also wondering if the tripple trees are different between the two bikes (650G and 650 GL)? Like maybe the 650G has more rake built into the clamps? Probably not, they are probably machined parallel to the steering stem, but its just a thought. I guess it could just be the fender, cuz this one doesn't look as bad

I might have to figure out how to rake the bugger a little. Thoughts???

 

[xmishx]

Actually, I think some ape hangers would look pretty sweet the way it is.

 

[Mike_H]

Actually, I think some ape hangers would look pretty sweet the way it is.

I hope your kidding.....

NO APE HANGERS!!!! EVER!!!!

 

[Jethro]

I hope your kidding.....

NO APE HANGERS!!!! EVER!!!!

Thank goodness...

 

[mortation]

I think it looks good, is that fender aftermarket? The 83 GS 850 I am getting this week has a different fender, I like yours better

 

[Mike_H]

Which fender? The rear is from a Harley Dynaglide. Not sure of the year, but I think they call it the street bob. My buddy had it laying around, and gave it to me. The front fender is a stock plastic one.

 

[Mike_H]

New Seat.

New Seat.

After seeing this thread http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?

I decided to scour Ebay high and low for a seat. I found one, and won it yesterday. Here is a link to the Ebay listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...RK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=190077480280&rd=1,1

Cross that of the LONG list of things to do. Now I just gotta strip the seat down, weld new mounts to the pan, and figure out how to incorporate the lock mechanisim into it...or maybe I'll just you a 1/4 turn fastener...

 

[drhermanstein]

I keep looking at the lead picture of this post...

and thinking the bike needs something, well other than a seat and some paint. To me, it looks like the front wheel is too close to the frame. Part of this is because I have swapped the forks with a 650G and have lost the leading axle. I am also wondering if the tripple trees are different between the two bikes (650G and 650 GL)? Like maybe the 650G has more rake built into the clamps? Probably not, they are probably machined parallel to the steering stem, but its just a thought. I guess it could just be the fender, cuz this one doesn't look as bad

I might have to figure out how to rake the bugger a little. Thoughts???

I agree with the thought that it needs a little more rake. That said, I'm in the middle of a neck re-attachment and would therefore recommend avoiding it. If you can visualize all the handle bar, lights and gauges area a little less cluttered, lower and further back, it'll lead the eye away from the top and give the wheel more forward prominence.

 

[mortation]

Which fender? The rear is from a Harley Dynaglide. Not sure of the year, but I think they call it the street bob. My buddy had it laying around, and gave it to me. The front fender is a stock plastic one.

Yea, the rear. Did you have to do any major surgery to get the fender on? Is the tail light inside the fender or just not mounted yet?

 

[mortation]

After seeing this thread http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?

I decided to scour Ebay high and low for a seat. I found one, and won it yesterday. Here is a link to the Ebay listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...RK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=190077480280&rd=1,1

Cross that of the LONG list of things to do. Now I just gotta strip the seat down, weld new mounts to the pan, and figure out how to incorporate the lock mechanisim into it...or maybe I'll just you a 1/4 turn fastener...

Post some pics when you get the seat done please, I would like to see how you get that to fit

 

[Bopi]

giving credit

giving credit

I saw a picture of your bike and it inspired me to try a similar effect. In fact i printed a copy and hung it on the wall just to remind myself as to what i was trying to accomplish. Here are the current results

 

[Mike_H]

Wow...I'm flattered Bopi! nice lookin ride you have there. Looks like your glassing your own seat up? I was going to do that, but the price was right on my Lepera that I bought.

 

[Bopi]

Actually

Actually

I was going to use an aluminum pan for the seat but I'm not sure i can get the contours right. Maybe the foam will compensate. The glass sounds like it has its own set of problems but I hadn't considered using it untill you mentioned it. I'll give the issue some thought. E-bay was an option but the back of the tank is off the frame by about 1.5 inches and I'd like the seat to flare up a little in the front to match. The tank is also kinda wide at the back and again to blend the seat means an aftermarket might be hard to fit.

Funny about seats , I just got a look at Issac's project (with full dyna fender) and liked the results. His halflast seat did spoil the lines and I thought how much better it would look with a more contoured cushion. Guess I'll have to get another Gs and do the dress fender on it. He apparently is re-modding his anyway.

You'll notice my tank is somewhat smaller than yours. I had the option of the larger tank with more fuel capacity but the boneyard guy is a pirate. It may be an option later if gas milage becomes a problem. He also has the 5 spoke mags and that might be another option. I just spent 2 hours with my new spoke wrench tweaking mine and I'm not sure if spokes are the direction I want to go or at least stay. In fact he has perhaps a dozen GS's of assorted years and in assorted states of disrepare and neglect sitting in the yard. Maybe if I feed his parrot some seeds, the guy will give me a break on prices.

The story about the garage pics is actually true. The fender gives these bikes a james dean look . Besides , Its still not slow, even if it looks like it is.

 

[mortation]

I saw a picture of your bike and it inspired me to try a similar effect. In fact i printed a copy and hung it on the wall just to remind myself as to what i was trying to accomplish. Here are the current results

I'm on the same page with you guys Both your bikes look great! I saw you got a dynaglide fender with tail light, I will keep an eye out for one. What do you guys think about something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bobt...3QQihZ006QQcategoryZ35561QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I am just very VERY worried about drilling the mounting holes and mounting the tail light. I hate to burn cash and break it

 

[Mike_H]

As far as drilling is concerned, Its shouldn't be too bad. I drilled through the frame while the fender was mounted (With Quick-Grip clamps) and Viola, my holes lined up perfectly. I then opened em up, and welded some 3/8" tubing crossways through the frame, to provide some load bearing capacity (never know when some fattie chick will need a ride ) On the fender side, I welded some square nuts to the backside of the holes, and thats that. Now I gotta change it slightly. The fender has to slide back a little to match the new seat I picked up. Oh well.

As far as the taillight, The Fender I picked up came with the rear light and mounting bracket. I plan on using them unmodified. I can post pics iffn someone want to see them.

 

[Mike_H]

I'm on the same page with you guys Both your bikes look great! I saw you got a dynaglide fender with tail light, I will keep an eye out for one. What do you guys think about something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bobt...3QQihZ006QQcategoryZ35561QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I am just very VERY worried about drilling the mounting holes and mounting the tail light. I hate to burn cash and break it

I would look for something more like this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/REAR...ryZ35561QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

This is very similar to the one I am mounting. The link you posted looks like the fender will wrap around too far to look "right" But, what do I know. Its your bike, you will know what looks "best" and if you like it, who gives a rip about others.

 

[Bopi]

fender mounting

fender mounting

On drilling the frame, the frame is very soft. measure and then use a punch to set a dimple for the drill to start without walking. then as mike said, clamp and go. Oh and keep your hand straight.

Ya'know I paid $10 bucks for my fender on e-bay. really. It was used but clean and the guy had primered and undercoated it before the sale. Frankly i wouldn't do any of this if it starting running into too much money. I'm funny that way. My bike cost me all of 6 hundred bucks and I can't see spending much more than its worth for upgrades..

The full fender you've pictured was done by Issac on his 82 850 and with good results although it had more of a dresser look to it. Shame he never fixed the seat. I got a few pics downloaded of his bike but don't remember where on this site i got them from. maybe I'll look around and see if I can post or link them.

 

[Bopi]

taking another look

taking another look

Taking another look at your fender and I do think it could work with a bit of the ole hacksaw. I had to cut mine up front as that portion tends to hit the crossmember under the seat. most of that end will be hidden anyway. hacksaw and a grinder that is.. Use a fine tooth blade as the fender is rather thin.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FAT-...tegoryZ35561QQihZ002QQitemZ120084005682QQrdZ1

More my speed, price wise

and of coarse isacs bike

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=102574

more cheapies

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bobb...tegoryZ35561QQihZ013QQitemZ230091502706QQrdZ1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARL...tegoryZ38664QQihZ019QQitemZ290082172512QQrdZ1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harl...tegoryZ35561QQihZ017QQitemZ270089190327QQrdZ1

 

[steely]

Taking another look at your fender and I do think it could work with a bit of the ole hacksaw. I had to cut mine up front as that portion tends to hit the crossmember under the seat. most of that end will be hidden anyway. hacksaw and a grinder that is.. Use a fine tooth blade as the fender is rather thin.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FAT-...tegoryZ35561QQihZ002QQitemZ120084005682QQrdZ1

Shhhhh, don't tell anyone about that one! I am currently the high bidder on it!