What's the best upgrade for these old bikes?

[thkbaron]

So I'd had my bike for a couple of years now. It's completely stock except for some cosmetic changes and paint changes. I have a 1980 750l. What should I be doing to this thing to give it a few more modern upgrades that will make it a more reliable bike? Electrical, etc? Just curious as to what people have done and been happy with. I've redone all the brakes and rebuilt my forks along with new tires and my chain being replaced. When I got it two years ago the odometer said 7500 miles.

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

I consider my Compufire regulator rectifier to be the biggest improvement I have made to my bike.
A tiny thing but it brought my confidence back.

 

[posplayr]

So I'd had my bike for a couple of years now. It's completely stock except for some cosmetic changes and paint changes. I have a 1980 750l. What should I be doing to this thing to give it a few more modern upgrades that will make it a more reliable bike? Electrical, etc? Just curious as to what people have done and been happy with. I've redone all the brakes and rebuilt my forks along with new tires and my chain being replaced. When I got it two years ago the odometer said 7500 miles.

Series R/R and Solid State Power Box, then LED lights.

Read GS Stators

and

See Series R/R's and SSPB description in my signature.

 

[LarryJ]

1) stainless brake lines.
2) Progressive front fork springs
3) good quality (Progressive?) rear shocks & springs.
4) regulator/rectifier upgrade
That's if you already upgraded to a more modern tire design & compound.
You'll see a world of difference in the bike with those few items.

 

[landshark]

Series R/R and Solid State Power Box, then LED lights.

Read GS Stators

and

See Series R/R's and SSPB description in my signature.

Whats the benefit too LED lights?
I know they use less power, but how does that relate back to being a benefit if your charging system is in good health?

 

[posplayr]

Whats the benefit too LED lights?
I know they use less power, but how does that relate back to being a benefit if your charging system is in good health?

The r/r has to generate 15 amps.to keep electrical and battery charged. That is about 3_4 amps for the battery and at least.5 amps to the signals. You can drop that number to less than 1 amp which is more than 30% drop in demand less heat higher voltage stress and more available power.

Sorry practicing with new android

 

[landshark]

OK, less stress on the system in general makes sense. Thanks.
We dont run headlights through the day here(unless you want to), but i can see why that would make a difference + blinkers e.t.c

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

oltagex lesx dtresx

??

 

[posplayr]

OK, less stress on the system in general makes sense. Thanks.
We dont run headlights through the day here(unless you want to), but i can see why that would make a difference + blinkers e.t.c

On my bike, if every dash/idiot light was on inside the dash it would consume 50 watts. That is the same power that a SHUNT R/R dissipates shorting the stator (350 watts) and delivering another 220 watts.

 

[posplayr]

oltagex lesx dtresx

??

I was just testing the waters and bought a cheap one for test equipment.

With wireless , bluetooth, and Magic jack I'm fullly connected in the shop for $25 and no monthly.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121290429931?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I will probably get a larger one for enhanced graphics or just bigger letters for the over 50 crowd.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Upgrades

Upgrades

So I'd had my bike for a couple of years now. It's completely stock except for some cosmetic changes and paint changes. I have a 1980 750l. What should I be doing to this thing to give it a few more modern upgrades that will make it a more reliable bike? Electrical, etc? Just curious as to what people have done and been happy with. I've redone all the brakes and rebuilt my forks along with new tires and my chain being replaced. When I got it two years ago the odometer said 7500 miles.

I converted my single caliper front brake to braided line/rebuilt caliper&MC/works GREAT now.

Haven't done the 630/530 conversion because my heavy chain is in good condition/albeit now that I've given it TLC.

I had an oil leak which I thought was coming from the GEAR SHIFT SEAL/took apart my clutch basket because I disconnected the clutch paw/that was fun.

Found the culprit for the oil leak...which was the oil pan gasket on the gear side. REMOVED the exhaust pipes and the oil pan cover and decided to upgrade to a V&H 4-1 exhaust from Z1Enterprises...will be delivered this week, btw.

Looked at the shocks and said to myself, "these babies gotta go!" Ordered PROGRESSIVE shocks from Z1--Rob thanked me for my business.

Since I changed the exhaust system, my bike needed to go up 3 points on the MAIN JETS, I ordered 115.5's along w/the SHOCKS--delivery this week!

I've been very fortunate in the R/R department...my bike has great charging power. I may consider it before I convert to 530 chain...we'll see.

1) stainless brake lines.
2) Progressive front fork springs
3) good quality (Progressive?) rear shocks & springs.
4) regulator/rectifier upgrade
That's if you already upgraded to a more modern tire design & compound.
You'll see a world of difference in the bike with those few items.

For my "T"
#1 - DONE
#3 - IN PROGRESS


Good recommendations!



Ed

 

[posplayr]

I've been very fortunate in the R/R department...my bike has great charging power. I may consider it before I convert to 530 chain...we'll see.

Good recommendations!


Ed

I'm glad you have no problems, but there are hidden charging killers in most motorcycles with PM alternators. I would at least do a Quick Test to see quantitatively where you stand.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Charge

Charge

I'm glad you have no problems, but there are hidden charging killers in most motorcycles with PM alternators. I would at least do a Quick Test to see quantitatively where you stand.

You've helped me out before...it's been a awhile. Once I get my 4-1 exhaust and progressive shocks installed, I'll take a look at the R/R.

I've got MrBill helping me with those two items listed above...plus the Main Jets to adjust for the 4-1 pipes.

So much to do yet...I appreciate you mentioning this...I'll call those "hidden charging killers" GREMLINS for the time being.



Ed

 

[thkbaron]

1) stainless brake lines.
2) Progressive front fork springs
3) good quality (Progressive?) rear shocks & springs.
4) regulator/rectifier upgrade
That's if you already upgraded to a more modern tire design & compound.
You'll see a world of difference in the bike with those few items.

Hey I've done all of those except the rectifier. haha forgot to say that on my post. Good to know I've headed down the right road.

 

[thkbaron]

I'm glad this thread gained a bit of popularity because I'm sure tons want to do this stuff. Maybe I'll work on getting the electrical system up to snuff then. Where have people purchased their electrical upgrades? I've already dumped too much money and of course am looking to save a buck. Between this bike and modding out my ram I swear my wife's going to divorce me. lol.

 

[thkbaron]

here are a few pics of it.













That seat has to go eventually.

 

[GSX1000E]

To answer the title question: suspension, tires and brake PADS.

 

[Badooka]

[ Between this bike and modding out my ram I swear my wife's going to divorce me. lol.[/QUOTE]

Sometimes this is a good thing.:-\\\


Black looks great!

 

[thkbaron]

I actually rattle canned all my paint. It's not very oil and gas resistant so I have to be careful but for this 32 year old bike I figured I wouldn't go all out the first time.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Nice Bike!

Nice Bike!

here are a few pics of it.













That seat has to go eventually.

Thanks for posting pics! I have a "T" with an "L" seat...and your's is 16V with dual-disks. Did you paint your pipe(s) or change to 4-1? I can't see the left side too well.


Ed