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What to do with my GS400?

  • Thread starter Thread starter spots25
  • Start date Start date
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spots25

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I'm really not sure what to do with my '78 GS400. I really like the little old thing, because it's a lot of fun to ride. It's a little on the small side physically for me (I'm 6'2") but the power is there. A couple years ago, I felt that the suspension, tires and brakes needed a little work. So, I put the front end off a '85 Ninja 900 on it (got it really cheap) and acquired a GS1150 aluminum swingarm to hold a 600 katana rear wheel. The project has been stalled since then due to being 10 hours away from it at school.

The problem I'm running into, is that I'm starting to realize that I probably can't get that fat swingarm into the frame. I was going to narrow it on the pivot end, but I can't narrow it enough to get the end caps on, so I'd have to go without, which might work and might not. I'm worried about water getting in the bearings (I hear synthetic grease helps) and the friction between the swingarm and the bike, both with wearing aluminum and binding. I really don't think I can cut apart a $100 swingarm just to try.

after that, pod filters, a 2-1 exhaust and tucking a sealed battery into the tailpiece (no sidecovers needed!) were next- all of which was easy

So, do I

1) try it anyways
2) find a different swingarm (and if so, what?)
3) give up, put it back together
4) give up, put it back together, sell it, and buy a SV650

Oh, what to do!!
 
1150 is monoshock. You will either have to mod your frame to make a shock fit or mod the swingarm to add shock attach points. A lot of work either way with minimum functional benifit. My opinion is to put the stocker back on and get some better shocks. More bang for the buck.
 
Almost anything can be made to work with a little thought and access to power tools but in the case of this swingarm, it might be a bit much.

What is it you are trying to achieve, looks or performance? I don't think there is enough inherent "performance " in the 400 to warrant splicing on the big swingarm. You might even detract from handling with a poorly engineered fit. I'd stick with the stocker.

If you're finding the bike too small for you then tart it up and hang the forsale sign. You might be better suited to something in an 850 or 1000.

Fiddling can be fun if you have the time, patience and cash. Its sounds like you are hampered in these areas so it might be more rewarding for you to just ride when you can and fiddle in your old age (like a lot of us old farts).:-D

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Cheers,
Spyug.
 
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