1978 GS550 cafe - CHECK IT OUT!

[mikeadamstattoo]

Thanks for posting your build. It will definitely help with my 79 I am working on. I like your bike because it is simple yet has some cool things like the tail and the seat. I need to make a seat for mine.....might have to do something similar to what you did. How did you attach the seat if you dont mind me asking.....did you bolt up into the seat or what?

yeah man check out page one about 1/3 of the way down for the seat build. and then more on page 2 i believe.

 

[binnyblanco]

So how did you actually secure the seat and tail to the frame??? Are there factory clips on the side or bottom......mine doesnt have anything so I have to fab something up.

 

[djelliott]

I bought some of those same DOT stickers from ebay! They look spot on! Great buy, very reflective! Go for them!

But didn't you buy them thinking they ment "Doer Of Ton"?

 

[mikeadamstattoo]

So how did you actually secure the seat and tail to the frame??? Are there factory clips on the side or bottom......mine doesnt have anything so I have to fab something up.

i drilled 4 holes into the bikes frame. two on each side. and two holes on each side of the seat and bolted em on.

then the upholstered piece is secured to the seat bas with large strips of industrial velcro. and the space the velcro gives is the same size as the bolt head, so it fits flush and not wonky.

 

[diesel450]

Just a little update on the JPhelmet thing. It arrived today, actually it arrived Monday but I didn't get to the Post office until today. so, I am pleased with the shipping. I ordered that on Thursday of last week (25th of Feb.) and it was at the post office on Monday (1st of March) Thats from Hong Kong!! That is fast! The helmet itself is super light, When I picked up the box I thought there is no way that this is a helmet. It fits well and looks pretty good on, no bubble head thing happening. Aside from the cheesy leopard print liner I like it. once I've ridden with it a bit I'll let you all know what I think.

I still think this will be the casual around town riding helmet. I still want a nice expensive snell certified jobby for aggressive riding but so far so good.

 

[VonYinzer]

Just a little update on the JPhelmet thing. It arrived today, actually it arrived Monday but I didn't get to the Post office until today. so, I am pleased with the shipping. I ordered that on Thursday of last week (25th of Feb.) and it was at the post office on Monday (1st of March) Thats from Hong Kong!! That is fast! The helmet itself is super light, When I picked up the box I thought there is no way that this is a helmet. It fits well and looks pretty good on, no bubble head thing happening. Aside from the cheesy leopard print liner I like it. once I've ridden with it a bit I'll let you all know what I think.

I still think this will be the casual around town riding helmet. I still want a nice expensive snell certified jobby for aggressive riding but so far so good.

Pics?

 

[binnyblanco]

i drilled 4 holes into the bikes frame. two on each side. and two holes on each side of the seat and bolted em on.

then the upholstered piece is secured to the seat bas with large strips of industrial velcro. and the space the velcro gives is the same size as the bolt head, so it fits flush and not wonky.

Cool I might have to do that with mine. I am thinking of putting the velcro attached to the cafe seat and then velcro the pad to that......not sure yet.

 

[mikeadamstattoo]

sweet those jphelmets are cool but im in LOVE with my biltwell. i got my die-cut dot stickers today in the mail. three of em. ill apply one on the biltwell tonight and snap a pic.

and as for the velcro. its industrial velcro and it is fucking ON there. it takes alot, and i mean ALOT of force to pull the upholstered piece off.

 

[mikeadamstattoo]

got my helmet road legal.....

and for fun i'll add this. i painted it wednesday night, its 16"x20" acrylic on cavas.

 

[CresentSon]

Love the painting. Reminiscent of Cezanne.

 

[diesel450]

WOW Mike! Really nice work!

 

[VonYinzer]

Very cool Mike!

 

[Longy515]

I just put clubmans on my gs today and I'm having the same wiring issues as you, but with the brake line as well. How did you resolve that issue or was it not a problem with the drag bars?

 

[TomGravelle]

Very nice bike! Any final pics we can have a look at?


Just got myself a GS550, so have been trawling through all the posts I can find relating to turning them into cafe racers!

Yours is the first I've seen to use the seat cowl like that! I like it very much; looks like it makes creating a custom seat much easier?
Is there much space under it? I was hoping to be able to move the battery and electrics under the seat.

 

[Longy515]

Very nice bike! Any final pics we can have a look at?


Just got myself a GS550, so have been trawling through all the posts I can find relating to turning them into cafe racers!

Yours is the first I've seen to use the seat cowl like that! I like it very much; looks like it makes creating a custom seat much easier?
Is there much space under it? I was hoping to be able to move the battery and electrics under the seat.

Check out this bike. Similar design except used a metal seat pan. I love this design. That's why i bought the GS.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/graphic-mchaggis/sets/72157616565911518/

 

[TomGravelle]

Check out this bike. Similar design except used a metal seat pan. I love this design. That's why i bought the GS.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/graphic-mchaggis/sets/72157616565911518/

That is a fine looking bike!!

SO many ideas of what to do for this bike! I guess I need to see what ends up being most comfortable to ride. That is more important than just the aesthetics.