r.s.hutchinson
Active Member
Hey guys, been lurking for a bit before posting anything but figure I should get something up here for others to see.
I found and picked up an 83 Suzuki Gr650 for myself as a project bike to chop and clean up. I've been juggling between this, an 81 xs400 I'm cleaning up for my dad and an 81 Maxim 650 for my father-in-law for christmas this year.
Well, firstly the tempter seems like a solid bike. Under all the ugly plastics is a decent looking frame and motor. It has the 'full-floater' suspension which did make for a nice ride what little I did actually ride it. My initial vision for the bike was as bare-bones as I could get it but through the build I'm sure I will be keeping some things to make the bike easier to ride such as turn signals, some switches, etc. Time will tell.
I never took a picture of the bike when I got it but it was in good shape. Even came with some saddle bags and a windsheild. SI started with tearing the bike down and removing the wiring so I could get started on cleaning up the frame and removing the pieces I wasn't going to need any longer. Quickly ended up with a box full of heavy junk and a bag full of bolts.
That tank just won't do....
Decided to start on the swingarm first. Keeping it monoshock with a slight change. I tacked on the test piece I made and liked it so bent up some 1" tubing. Cut off the old mounts and cleaned up old welds. Then cut a brace for the middle and I will be using 2 of the bends from the stock subframe tubing as supports for added structural support.
Yesterday I started on some mounts out of 1/4" flat plate for the new rear shock (from an 06 R1) and lined the shock up with the swingarm and main frame. Today I finished up the main frame mounts.
That's where I'm at so far. Almost done with the swingarm then will fully weld it all.
Thinking of using a 250 Rebel tank if I can find a stock one and then making a seat. Also use the factory rear sets I have leftover from my track bike but I'm torn between some drag bars or clip ons.
More to come
I found and picked up an 83 Suzuki Gr650 for myself as a project bike to chop and clean up. I've been juggling between this, an 81 xs400 I'm cleaning up for my dad and an 81 Maxim 650 for my father-in-law for christmas this year.
Well, firstly the tempter seems like a solid bike. Under all the ugly plastics is a decent looking frame and motor. It has the 'full-floater' suspension which did make for a nice ride what little I did actually ride it. My initial vision for the bike was as bare-bones as I could get it but through the build I'm sure I will be keeping some things to make the bike easier to ride such as turn signals, some switches, etc. Time will tell.
I never took a picture of the bike when I got it but it was in good shape. Even came with some saddle bags and a windsheild. SI started with tearing the bike down and removing the wiring so I could get started on cleaning up the frame and removing the pieces I wasn't going to need any longer. Quickly ended up with a box full of heavy junk and a bag full of bolts.
That tank just won't do....
Decided to start on the swingarm first. Keeping it monoshock with a slight change. I tacked on the test piece I made and liked it so bent up some 1" tubing. Cut off the old mounts and cleaned up old welds. Then cut a brace for the middle and I will be using 2 of the bends from the stock subframe tubing as supports for added structural support.
Yesterday I started on some mounts out of 1/4" flat plate for the new rear shock (from an 06 R1) and lined the shock up with the swingarm and main frame. Today I finished up the main frame mounts.
That's where I'm at so far. Almost done with the swingarm then will fully weld it all.
Thinking of using a 250 Rebel tank if I can find a stock one and then making a seat. Also use the factory rear sets I have leftover from my track bike but I'm torn between some drag bars or clip ons.
More to come