85 GS 550 monoshock bobber build

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 22, 2013

• #1

Hey everyone whats going on?​

I'm new to the forum and Just started my GS 550 bobber build.​

I have some questions and I'm taking any advice. Let me show you what I have so far!​

EDIT: Ignore the camera dates, these were all taken 1-21-2013 - 1- 22- 2013​

Started stripping it down!​

Cut off part of the tail to see what it would look like.​

Pulled the motor that thing is heavy haha. ;D​

I've been thinking I want to go monoshock.​

Here is a 2 sec paint drawing of what i'm kinda looking for.​

The orange under the seat is where I would Like the monoshock to sit.​

Oh and before I forget does anyone know what these are?​

I think I broke them.​

So here is what I got right now. I cut the frame and grinded it smooth.​

Left just a little bit to play with.​

I was just testing out where I'd like the seat to be​

Any advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated.​

Any questions please ask​

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 23, 2013

• #2

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Just checked the back fees on this thing.​

Lucky for me it's out of the system, so I'm only looking at 100-150 dollars for registration.​

 

danejurrous

Been Around the Block

• Jan 23, 2013

• #3

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Not really sure on what those are in the picture inside the wheel that broke but on the outside edge where it broke off I would be very careful if I was going to use it. If you end up needing a new rear wheel let me know I have a 16" snowflake I will getting rid of here soon.

 

H

hondo88h

New Member

• Jan 23, 2013

• #4

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Sure that is an 85? Im picking one up on Friday and it has a monoshock? From what I have read 85 was first year for monoshock? Been tryin to see how and what guys are doing to the monoshock bikes. Maybe they made them both ways?? The one I'm getting is a GS550L

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 24, 2013

• #5

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Sorry the fender said 85 so I assumed but It's actually an 81.​

Thanks for the info though!!​

Now that I know the 85's had monoshocks I might just try to swap a swingarm in there.​

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 24, 2013

• #6

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Does anyone know if it's a direct swap?​

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 26, 2013

• #7

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

If anyone is wondering​

The swingarm from a gs700ef goes right in.​

I haven't had the chance to fully bolt it in, but It's perfect size.​

I'll post pics tomorrow if I can.​

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 27, 2013

• #8

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Does anyone know the deminsions to the rear shock of a gs700es?

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 27, 2013

• #9

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

New swingarm is in fit perfectly, now I just have to fab something for the shock.​

 

StryfeS13

Active Member

• Jan 28, 2013

• #10

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Hey I've done some searching for you. You don't have to use the GS700ES shock, several Suzuki's are very similar.

From left to right: GS500 , GSX750F, GSX750F, GS700ES, GS700ES, GSX600F

I'd actually use that GSX600F shock if I were you since it is simplistic and has no external reservoir. I parted out 3 of those things (GSX600F) last week at work so we're bound to have a couple haha. And I think that the length of the Katana shock is 13.5" or 11.5" I don't remember.

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 28, 2013

• #11

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Sweet, how do they measure that?​

is it from one eyelet to the other?​

 

StryfeS13

Active Member

• Jan 28, 2013

• #12

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Mobanned said:

Sweet, how do they measure that?​

is it from one eyelet to the other?​

Click to expand...

Yeah. Did you make any more progress today after I took off?

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 28, 2013

• #13

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Can't really do anything until I get that tubing.​

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Jan 28, 2013

• #14

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

Motor is cleaned and polished. ready for when I finish the frame.​

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Feb 7, 2013

• #15

Re: 85 GS 550 bobber need help

GOT SOME UPDATES!​

StryfeS13 Helped me with the monoshock fab​

Bike looks good so far. Rolled around on my driveways today to see how it felt.​

Was trying to mock something up so I can figure out where I want my seat.​

Also got a new headlight.​

I have to cut my headlight bracket, otherwise im going to look like a goof driving around with a headlight that sticks out a foot long.​

I was thinking about cutting it at 2 but im not sure.​

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Feb 11, 2013

• #16

Update!​

Seat is mounted and cut off the excess frame.​

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Mar 2, 2013

• #17

More updates, cleaned up the front end​

 

7aliveatlast7

the bearded hessian

• Mar 5, 2013

• #18

interesting. haven't seen too many monoshocked bobbers. looks good.

 

gray

Active Member

• Mar 6, 2013

• #19

Have you given any thought to fitting a smaller (or at least shorter) tank?

 

Mobanned

New Member

• Mar 7, 2013

• #20

Yeah, I work at apf in fresno. I've been looking around but haven't found anything that really caught my eye.​