Colorado Crew!!!!!
- Thread starter rawfish
- Start date
What's up colorado riders. I just wanted to introduce myself... I've been riding sport bikes for years but just sold my last one at the end of the summer. I just picked up a 78 gs550e for $200 on craigslist and I am planning on turning it into a cafe racers. I ran into this forum while doing some interent surfing. I wish I could be in the garage working away, but I'm currently in Afghanistan. I have not even seen the bike except through pictures from a friend who went to look at it for me. I'm told it started up and is in good condition, so I took the chance and bought it. This will be my first complete tear down and build up of a bike but I am not a rookie when it comes to getting my hands dirty. I should be home a week or two for the holidays to access my situation and will be home for good sometime in early spring (fingers crossed). Well hopefully I'll be out riding by the time summer rolls around!
Hey, glad to finally find some guys from Denver.
I am trying to decide if I want to start piecing & parting a bike together from the frame up, or if I should buy a "complete" bike and tear it down.
I understand a couple of the issues that I will face along the way i.e. finding parts and title.
Can you please point out the ups and downs of starting from the ground up?
I want to hear from you and get some advice before I decide to build from the ground up and find myself in over my head.
This method lends a financial advantage because I can start with 1 system and avoid the burden of shelling out a grand or two right off the bat.
- I am leaning toward a '76K or '78K frame. I understand that K's are best when looking for parts.
- What do I want to avoid?
- What do I want to look for?
Purchasing a frame, motor/carbs, and tank seem to be a logical place to start IMO.
This would allow me to break open the motor and get to work on the insides.
This would also allow me to start cutting the frame to accommodate new seat, design, etc.
Is that a good place to start? What next?
I am thinking...forks/tree/instruments, new swing arm, wheels/hubs/brakes, electronics, paint....
My fear is this...since this is my first build, will I be overwhelmed with the things that I DON'T KNOW that I DON'T KNOW?
I have only met a couple of guys here in Denver, CO get advice from, and I don't see much Colorado representation on the forum.
Honestly, any advice is appreciated. I am just eager to get my hads dirty and start building my baby.
Thanks-
CB
I am trying to decide if I want to start piecing & parting a bike together from the frame up, or if I should buy a "complete" bike and tear it down.
I understand a couple of the issues that I will face along the way i.e. finding parts and title.
Can you please point out the ups and downs of starting from the ground up?
I want to hear from you and get some advice before I decide to build from the ground up and find myself in over my head.
This method lends a financial advantage because I can start with 1 system and avoid the burden of shelling out a grand or two right off the bat.
- I am leaning toward a '76K or '78K frame. I understand that K's are best when looking for parts.
- What do I want to avoid?
- What do I want to look for?
Purchasing a frame, motor/carbs, and tank seem to be a logical place to start IMO.
This would allow me to break open the motor and get to work on the insides.
This would also allow me to start cutting the frame to accommodate new seat, design, etc.
Is that a good place to start? What next?
I am thinking...forks/tree/instruments, new swing arm, wheels/hubs/brakes, electronics, paint....
My fear is this...since this is my first build, will I be overwhelmed with the things that I DON'T KNOW that I DON'T KNOW?
I have only met a couple of guys here in Denver, CO get advice from, and I don't see much Colorado representation on the forum.
Honestly, any advice is appreciated. I am just eager to get my hads dirty and start building my baby.
Thanks-
CB
caseyjones
Active Member
I've built them both ways. I'd buy as complete a bike as you can. You'll spend way more money trying to buy all the parts individually to make up the bike. Buy a complete bike, get it running, and change the parts you need/want to change to make it what you want it to be.
CJ-
Thanks for the input. I am torn because I want to get going while it is cold and get a head start.
I have to ask you about your signature...RIP Lohi.
I just heard about these guys today and got excited b/c I live in Lohi (32 and Tejon). Are you saying that they are no mas?
If so, do you think they would be interested in firing it up again? Or, do you know some guys that would want to do something similar?
I emailed and called earlier today. Who were these guys?
Thanks for the input. I am torn because I want to get going while it is cold and get a head start.
I have to ask you about your signature...RIP Lohi.
I just heard about these guys today and got excited b/c I live in Lohi (32 and Tejon). Are you saying that they are no mas?
If so, do you think they would be interested in firing it up again? Or, do you know some guys that would want to do something similar?
I emailed and called earlier today. Who were these guys?
caseyjones
Active Member
I figured that phone message was from you...lohimotors was just a website / moniker that a buddy and I used for a while, thinking that maybe it could turn into a little side business. I'm actually bikeless for now...I've got a little girl and a wife and bikes just didn't fit into life, sold them to fund some other hobbies. I love building them and I still have some parts stashed so maybe i'll get back into it someday. I'm not very far from you (35th / Osage) so if you need help or anything, shoot me a PM.
--Casey
--Casey
apex_seeking
New Member
Just wanted to say hey and introduce myself. I've been lurking for a bit and spend more time over at SOHC/4 but there is more local traffic here.
Sounds like I live right around everyone (I-70 and Pecos). Would be cool to meet up and ride, or at the least, have a beer. My bike is about to emerge from its winter slumber in the basement this weekend and the 60ish weather is giving me the itch to get on and ride!
Sounds like I live right around everyone (I-70 and Pecos). Would be cool to meet up and ride, or at the least, have a beer. My bike is about to emerge from its winter slumber in the basement this weekend and the 60ish weather is giving me the itch to get on and ride!
apex_seeking
New Member
Bike looks good! How's that ankle? This Sunday is occupied with some welding. But I should be around in the afternoon or evening if anyone wants to get together for beers.
Any of you guys going to the swap meet this weekend in CO Springs? Is it worth a damn, or just a Harley Fest? I read that it is pretty large/old.
I am wondering if it is worth the drive down. I am looking to buy a cb750...in case anyone knows where to find one that is not already on CL.
http://www.pro-promotions.com/pro-events/mss
I am wondering if it is worth the drive down. I am looking to buy a cb750...in case anyone knows where to find one that is not already on CL.
http://www.pro-promotions.com/pro-events/mss
casper3043
Active Member
hey guys, i'm glad i found a colorado thread. i'm new to the area and new to these era of bikes. anyway, i just picked up a 77 kz650 and i'm in the process of tearing things down and piecing it back together. are there people interested in lending a hand; specifically in welding and some small fab stuff. i would love to learn some of the good stuff...feel free to chime in if you want to help out or just stop in for beers/pizza/etc.
this is how she sits...wheels are getting powder coated tomorrow, laced, and tires are in order.
this is how she sits...wheels are getting powder coated tomorrow, laced, and tires are in order.
Firestarter
Been Around the Block
If you get stuck and need help with welding or fab work I will be glad to help.
Dragon Soaring
No penalties, no substitutions, no time limit. RB
Hello
I have a 74 cb200 that needs some new pistons. Is there a shop close to 104th and I25 that could bore the cylenders ?
Thanx for the help
Chris K
I have a 74 cb200 that needs some new pistons. Is there a shop close to 104th and I25 that could bore the cylenders ?
Thanx for the help
Chris K
