1978 Gs400x cafe start

[GeeterB]

I bought this bike last month for $350. I have put a couple hundred into and now it runs (leaks oil) but runs pretty good. I got the part order to fix the leak (I hope). So I needs some ideas. I would like to keep the budget low. I am going to start with a cafe seat. I have a plan to try my hand at fiber-glassing up something myself. But should I go clubmans or clip-ons? should I try to dent in the tank to accommodate the bars? any other suggestions will be great.

 

[GeeterB]

I would also like to run straight pipes with the black muffler tape wrap look and pods. I assume I will have to some re-jetting and suggestions. the rear shocks have to be switched out and so do the tires, any ideas there. I remember seeing a post on here about diameters and parts that would bolt on easily does anyone know where that went?

I painted the tank and fairings (flat black) while was bored and to practice, I don't know what I going with for the finally paint but it will look better than it does now.

 

[diggerdanh]

I think that's a good looking bike as it sits. Though the back end is pretty busy and looks a little too big for the rest of the bike's proportions with it's upward sweeping seat, the rear fender, the rear cowl and the big factory tail light. I think if you cleaned that up some and went for a flatter seat it would do a lot for the look of the bike, IMHO. I'm interested to see what you do with it.

 

[kelvis]

Have a look at the tank off the GSX250/GS400. Should be a straight swap, really nice lines, would go well with a nice seat! And some clip-ons...

 

[GeeterB]

I like the look of that tank Do you know what year it is?

 

[kelvis]

I like the look of that tank Do you know what year it is?

I got one from a 1980 model GS400, but they also came fitted to the GSX250 of the same year. There have been a couple on eBay of late, couple of NOS ones too!

 

[GreatDane]

I really agree with diggerdanh, it's a cool little bike. Clean up the back, maybe just some kind of a bratstyle seat? Shorten the front fender and put some oldschool firestone rubber on it - should be looking cool..

 

[Big R]

A lot of people use that tail section as the "hump" of a cafe seat. But then you have to work with the rear fender, tail light, frame, etc.. Get drag bars before clubmans or clip ons - they are about as low as most people go without rear sets. For a big improvement, look into getting a dual disc front end from a larger GS (it might even bolt right up).