kadavenport
Been Around the Block
Hey Guys,
A few years ago my 1975 Suzuki GT550's engine locked up while I was riding down a highway. Luckily I was able to keep it up right, and slid to a stop on the side of the road. After trailering it home, I was able to get it unstuck, but when turning the engine over it sounded like a can filled with buckshot. Long story short, I was pretty sure it had a fried piston and crank bearings and I parked her not having the time and money to fix it at the time. Life happened and after two kids, and after bit of time I got the itch to get her back on the road.
During my motorcycle hiatus, I took up leather work and kept up on my welding projects (pic below is my first attempt at welding an alloy motorcycle seat), and restoring my dad's 1972 Jeep CJ5.
Without tearing into the engine, I started sourcing parts for a rebuild. I was able to get a crank in good condition, pistons, jugs, gaskets, seals and bearings.
I also decided it was time to make the bike sportier and lighter, but want to preserve the stock parts and mounting points on the frame. So I ordered a new headlight bracket, and clip-ons.
After setting the practice seat and clip-ons on the bike, I decided I was ready to really take on this project (and my daughter was supportive too).
A few years ago my 1975 Suzuki GT550's engine locked up while I was riding down a highway. Luckily I was able to keep it up right, and slid to a stop on the side of the road. After trailering it home, I was able to get it unstuck, but when turning the engine over it sounded like a can filled with buckshot. Long story short, I was pretty sure it had a fried piston and crank bearings and I parked her not having the time and money to fix it at the time. Life happened and after two kids, and after bit of time I got the itch to get her back on the road.
During my motorcycle hiatus, I took up leather work and kept up on my welding projects (pic below is my first attempt at welding an alloy motorcycle seat), and restoring my dad's 1972 Jeep CJ5.
Without tearing into the engine, I started sourcing parts for a rebuild. I was able to get a crank in good condition, pistons, jugs, gaskets, seals and bearings.
I also decided it was time to make the bike sportier and lighter, but want to preserve the stock parts and mounting points on the frame. So I ordered a new headlight bracket, and clip-ons.
After setting the practice seat and clip-ons on the bike, I decided I was ready to really take on this project (and my daughter was supportive too).