"Parts Chaser" GS450

[beachcomber]

Aha - just found where I should be posting details of my projects!

Semi-retired now, so plenty of time to indulge my hobby [ not so much cash though! ]

I'm building several BMW Kay based projects [ they're CHEAP here in the UK ].

A Streetfighter - now the Mk3 version and they're getting better all the time.
A Sixties style K100 Cafe Racer - yes I WAS there first time around - with all the correct period features, including alloy rimmed wire spoked wheels
And finally a modern Race Rep K1100 along the lines of the new S1000RR.

I guess the BMW Trike doesn't belong here!

So why the Tracker board? Well last Winter I bought a dead [ rectifier ] stock GS450 to use in standard form so I had something to ride while all the projects are being built.

Then I looked at it and thought - Flat Tracker ! So that became yet another project. Nearly completed the mock up now, just needs painting and upholstery /detailing and it will be on the road.

In fact I like the little bugger so much, I've decided to build a 60's style Cafe Racer version next. They're quite cheap here in the UK compared to Honda and Yam middleweights.
]

[beachcomber]

Here's a pic of the mocked up bike.

For now I'm only going to paint the Tank, panels, mudguard and seat. Upholster the seat in Black suede and that's it for a quickie makeover as I need it on the road asap.

Over the winter I'll pull it apart and detail it properly.

[klx678]

Here's a pic of the mocked up bike.

For now I'm only going to paint the Tank, panels, mudguard and seat. Upholster the seat in Black suede and that's it for a quickie makeover as I need it on the road asap.

Over the winter I'll pull it apart and detail it properly.

I like where you're going here.  See if you could get a set of Triumph T120 bend bars, they're great flat track bars.  Had a set on my old Bultaco.  Maybe put on some K70s and you're cooking.

[beachcomber]

Hi KLX,

courtesy of E-Bay I just scored a set of brand new [ NOS ] TT100's - $65 the pair !!

They're in the "parts waiting" pile at the moment - waiting for a set of wire spoked wheels to come along at the right price. I'm hoping the wire wheels on the GS250 rolling chassis I just bought [ E-Bay] are in good condition as I can't really justify having them rebuilt with alloy rims at the moment.
Same with the bars really - the alloy bars were $35 -  a set of T120 bars - $80
The trouble is, my quickie makeover projects have a habit of getting a full makeover!

That's why I've got 6 projects on the boil at the same time !!

[beachcomber]

well, they say what goes around comes around 

I sold this little bugger off at the end of 2011 to make way for far too many other projects. 

My pal [ who bought it ] contacted me today and said did I want it as he had no time and lost interest.

I sold it to him for reasonable money - he has GIVEN it to me FOC. !!!

That's what friends are for. 

[gk45011]

 Alright! Glad to hear you got her back. Now which way are you going with her? Tracker/cafe? Did your mate do any work to it or just use it as a daily rider and give it back?

Gary

[peteGS]

Hey nice! When I get some time I'll find a 450 a guy in the UK made an awesome Tracker out of over on the GS Resources. He ended up with a GS500 motor in it too... was quite the good job...

[Big Rich]

Yes sir, sign me up for this one as well.

[beachcomber]

Thanx for the encouragement guys.

Originally I was going to do this one [ 3 years ago ! ] as a Cafe Racer - but when I sat on it with the clip-ons / rear sets it - I looked comical.

Definite Gorilla on a pit bike job - bike just too small. However as a nice lightweight parts chaser with a bit of attitude, it's fine. That does mean I'll have two Trackers now [ KZ750 ], so I'll just get this one sorted with the minimum of expense. Mainly a bit of paint and detailing. Need to finalise the tank as well. The Yam tank looks pretty good, but still requires a bit of gentle therapy on the underside to make it fit.

My pal got the bike running nicely and finished of my nemesis - the wiring ! Other than cleaning the carbs and a new set of plugs, it didn't really need anything else.

[beachcomber]

Help guys, I'm struggling for colourway inspiration on this one.

It was totally unplanned [ like most pregnancies  ] and I'm even stalling with the choices for my KZ Tracker [ Basic Yellow or Tangerine ].

This is to be a low key -"finish it off" job. That said, if it isn't done properly then I won't do it.

Ideas ??

[peteGS]

Here's the one from the GS Resources I was talking about, it ended up with re-bent headers and a 500 motor in there too (as seen in the last pic):

[beachcomber]

Thanx for the pix Pete - very sharp bike.

JPS Black / Gold has been suggested - but I'm not a fan of that combo.

As you can see my frame is already Silver and I DO have 5 cans of Rattlecan Blue !

[peteGS]

No worries mate, I do love the colours on that tracker, blue and silver go extremely well together!


I've never been a fan of gold in any situation really... except on some Katanas

[jfman]

Very nice! Proves the little GSs are a good platform to start a travker build as well.

[beachcomber]

Back to colours - one of my possible choices for the KZ750 Tracker was a FO Yellow, with maybe White accents.

The inspiration from that came from the colourways I painted my "California" 356 Speedster - which was the original "Not so Mellow Yellow". I've pretty well decided on Tangerine for the KZ, which leaves my second choice free .. what do you guys think ? Believe it or not I STILL have some of the original Yellow paint.

BTW - the Speedster was one of the replicas I used to manufacture - NOT a real one ! However, note that it is displayed at the Annual Porsche Concours event. When I pulled up at the main gate I got the Royal treatment and ushered through to the display area. Didn't have the heart to tell them it was a rep !