GS450-rear mudguard opinions and advice
- Thread starter gk45011
- Start date
gk45011
Coast to Coast
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
end of day cleanup.
As always suggestions, opinions appreciated. Front fender has some slight rust and pitting in the chrome. Any good way to clean this up? I was looking to not paint the front fender, but I will if I run out of options. And yes before anyone beats me to it "I know the fork lowers need cleaned and polished.LOL".
end of day cleanup.
As always suggestions, opinions appreciated. Front fender has some slight rust and pitting in the chrome. Any good way to clean this up? I was looking to not paint the front fender, but I will if I run out of options. And yes before anyone beats me to it "I know the fork lowers need cleaned and polished.LOL".
Hoosier Daddy
Earache my eye...
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Have you tried 4 ought (0000) steel wool on the chrome?
That light rust should clean up nicely. Rub it lightly in one direction (lengthwise) and turn the pad after the first pass.
Have you tried 4 ought (0000) steel wool on the chrome?
That light rust should clean up nicely. Rub it lightly in one direction (lengthwise) and turn the pad after the first pass.
jeffasaurus2
Active Member
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Have you got any pictures of the front mounts for that tank? I've got a 450T and acquired a 650E tank that I plan on putting on. I'll need to replace the front mounts and just wondered how yours looks. Thanks.
Have you got any pictures of the front mounts for that tank? I've got a 450T and acquired a 650E tank that I plan on putting on. I'll need to replace the front mounts and just wondered how yours looks. Thanks.
gk45011
Coast to Coast
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
I'll try the steel wool this week. Couldn't hurt. Keeps some of the classic look if I can keep it chrome. Thanks for the advice.
Jeff,
If you T setup is anything like the L there are holes through the gusset aprox an inch lower and about an inch and a half forward of the existing mounts. I cheated somewhat and had some fender washers welded to some 1/4' nuts. I used steel solid all thread cut to the length of the combined mounts. It took 3 nuts on each side. first to clamp and center the all thread to the gusset. The second nuts are torqued against the first to prevent the nuts from loosening. Thenuts with the washers attatched go on last and leave just enough stub (for lack of a better term) for the rubber mounts to fit on snug and flush. I used lock tight on all the threads and stainless nuts and thread material.
When all was complete and I was happy with the position I removed the old mounts to prevent any contact that might damaged the tank interior on a hard lean. The fabbed hillbilly mount is actually much more stout than the origionals that were welded to the gusset. My tank cleared the coils no problem, hopefully yours will as well.
I worked out the spacing for the tank mount off the bike first. This alows you to thin or grind down any nuts to get your rubber mount sppacing correct. Then it is just a matter of centering it up. If you have a welder it probably would have been much quicker to cut the old mounts off and reweld them to the location you need. DAMN I need a welder!
I'll try to get you a couple pictures up tomorrow. I really didn't take any pictures earlier. Not nearly as exciting as some of the guys welding work on here for sure..LOL
Gary
I'll try the steel wool this week. Couldn't hurt. Keeps some of the classic look if I can keep it chrome. Thanks for the advice.
Jeff,
If you T setup is anything like the L there are holes through the gusset aprox an inch lower and about an inch and a half forward of the existing mounts. I cheated somewhat and had some fender washers welded to some 1/4' nuts. I used steel solid all thread cut to the length of the combined mounts. It took 3 nuts on each side. first to clamp and center the all thread to the gusset. The second nuts are torqued against the first to prevent the nuts from loosening. Thenuts with the washers attatched go on last and leave just enough stub (for lack of a better term) for the rubber mounts to fit on snug and flush. I used lock tight on all the threads and stainless nuts and thread material.
When all was complete and I was happy with the position I removed the old mounts to prevent any contact that might damaged the tank interior on a hard lean. The fabbed hillbilly mount is actually much more stout than the origionals that were welded to the gusset. My tank cleared the coils no problem, hopefully yours will as well.
I worked out the spacing for the tank mount off the bike first. This alows you to thin or grind down any nuts to get your rubber mount sppacing correct. Then it is just a matter of centering it up. If you have a welder it probably would have been much quicker to cut the old mounts off and reweld them to the location you need. DAMN I need a welder!
I'll try to get you a couple pictures up tomorrow. I really didn't take any pictures earlier. Not nearly as exciting as some of the guys welding work on here for sure..LOL
Gary
jeffasaurus2
Active Member
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Perfect, sounds almost exactly like what I had planned. I just wondered if you had done it differently. Luckily for me I have access to a welder, so It should be less pain/hassle.
Your bikes looking good!
Perfect, sounds almost exactly like what I had planned. I just wondered if you had done it differently. Luckily for me I have access to a welder, so It should be less pain/hassle.
Your bikes looking good!
gk45011
Coast to Coast
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
If you are looking at the older boxier model E tank that mounting postion may not work for you. I would use a scrap of metal like I did and see if you can slide the rubber mounts on. Once youve done that I would check how this effects you steering. I was lucky enough to have the narrowing front end tank. yet I am stuck with the somewhat unfinished rear corner to deal with (or live with). The older E tanks are more of box shape and may effect your lock to lock radius.
I am sure you have thought of that already, just a friendly reminder.
Gary
If you are looking at the older boxier model E tank that mounting postion may not work for you. I would use a scrap of metal like I did and see if you can slide the rubber mounts on. Once youve done that I would check how this effects you steering. I was lucky enough to have the narrowing front end tank. yet I am stuck with the somewhat unfinished rear corner to deal with (or live with). The older E tanks are more of box shape and may effect your lock to lock radius.
I am sure you have thought of that already, just a friendly reminder.
Gary
jeffasaurus2
Active Member
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Thanks for the heads up, The model E tank is from the same year model as mine. The tank is boxier towards the rear but narrows nearly perfectly towards the front. I dont think it should be an issue but we'll see. I've still got plenty of work to do to the tank before I get that far, I need to block off the fuel float hole, de-rust, and paint. I figure once the seasons over work can begin!
Thanks for the heads up, The model E tank is from the same year model as mine. The tank is boxier towards the rear but narrows nearly perfectly towards the front. I dont think it should be an issue but we'll see. I've still got plenty of work to do to the tank before I get that far, I need to block off the fuel float hole, de-rust, and paint. I figure once the seasons over work can begin!
danejurrous
Been Around the Block
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Well sweet shit! I like the colors, nice work man!
Well sweet shit! I like the colors, nice work man!
gk45011
Coast to Coast
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Thanks guys. I will wait to clear until I have the seat finished to match. I am thinking of very thin red stripes outlining the silver flake stripes. this would match the emblems I have selected. opinions? or sitch the larger side emblems for something smaller that would blend better?
Thanks guys. I will wait to clear until I have the seat finished to match. I am thinking of very thin red stripes outlining the silver flake stripes. this would match the emblems I have selected. opinions? or sitch the larger side emblems for something smaller that would blend better?
danejurrous
Been Around the Block
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
My $.02 I like the scheme the way you have it and would look sick with the clear over it. I am also very much into simplicity when it comes to paint and think the red might take away from what you have done with the silver.
My $.02 I like the scheme the way you have it and would look sick with the clear over it. I am also very much into simplicity when it comes to paint and think the red might take away from what you have done with the silver.
gk45011
Coast to Coast
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Dane the more I look at it the more I am inclined to agree, I think the red stripes would start to make it look cluttered. It is far from a perfect paint job, but i am excited to see it with the 2k. I hear wonders about its quality. I have the high gloss 2k so I am hoping it will really put some shine to it when its all said and done. Ordered some small round Suzuki "S" emblems in black and chome. I think those will be a subtle new touch without being to much or detracting from the overall style I am going for.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-Emblem-Badge-Logo-2-85-X2-85-/251157878383?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a7a2d166f&vxp=mtr
Dane the more I look at it the more I am inclined to agree, I think the red stripes would start to make it look cluttered. It is far from a perfect paint job, but i am excited to see it with the 2k. I hear wonders about its quality. I have the high gloss 2k so I am hoping it will really put some shine to it when its all said and done. Ordered some small round Suzuki "S" emblems in black and chome. I think those will be a subtle new touch without being to much or detracting from the overall style I am going for.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-Emblem-Badge-Logo-2-85-X2-85-/251157878383?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a7a2d166f&vxp=mtr
danejurrous
Been Around the Block
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
2K gloss and those emblems will look pretty good on the bike!
I have been searching for a while to find something for my 750, when I actually get to that point, so I know what I want and have been eyeballing this design. The only thing I want different in them is having them in a die cut so it looks a little cleaner. Nice work so far gk!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A012-Suzuki-Logo-sticker-decal-emblem-aluminium-waterproof-brand-new-car-bike-/190664430390?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c647c5336&vxp=mtr
2K gloss and those emblems will look pretty good on the bike!
I have been searching for a while to find something for my 750, when I actually get to that point, so I know what I want and have been eyeballing this design. The only thing I want different in them is having them in a die cut so it looks a little cleaner. Nice work so far gk!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A012-Suzuki-Logo-sticker-decal-emblem-aluminium-waterproof-brand-new-car-bike-/190664430390?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c647c5336&vxp=mtr
Hoosier Daddy
Earache my eye...
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
I am on my 3rd take,
1st was add some color, then you posted about the red and I thought "Hmmmmm, maybe he's right too busy."
Then I though "Shiney Clear", yep you were right there in your next post...
Now I am going to suggest a Matte clear like the Honda 599's
I still think that bike is sexy!
Oh I know.... then have a small Von Dutch style stripe in shiney red centered on top.
Nothing big and gaudy, just small and tasteful.
*EDIT* Shit... who am I kiddin, my paint jobs alway seem busy and loud. :
I am on my 3rd take,
1st was add some color, then you posted about the red and I thought "Hmmmmm, maybe he's right too busy."
Then I though "Shiney Clear", yep you were right there in your next post...
Now I am going to suggest a Matte clear like the Honda 599's
I still think that bike is sexy!
Oh I know.... then have a small Von Dutch style stripe in shiney red centered on top.
Nothing big and gaudy, just small and tasteful.
*EDIT* Shit... who am I kiddin, my paint jobs alway seem busy and loud. :
tigerfan474
New Member
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Welcome buddy. I see from the pic that you're in the greater cincy area. Ima cross the creek in Bellevue workin on an 82 550L.
Welcome buddy. I see from the pic that you're in the greater cincy area. Ima cross the creek in Bellevue workin on an 82 550L.
gk45011
Coast to Coast
Re: gs 450 "Red Headed Step Child"-progress
Thanks for the input guys! Still waiting on the seat from RCC to match up so I have time to ponder.
While staring at the bike today I was thinking of rearsets. I popped my but on and was playing with positioning (no I wasn't making vroom vroom noises yet..LOL). What have other GS'ers done? I really don't want to shell out for a full set of universals, yet finding any takeoffs that would work has been a gigantic fail.
Opinions:
I am pondering using the existing mounts off of my GS to fabricate rear sets. I would like to use the rearmost mount to attach a peg. If i do that I would have to go with option 1. option two would be to drill the mounting holes slightly back from the origional mount triangle and use or fabricate some sort of universal rearsets with linkages.
option 1:
Affix a peg mount to the rear bolt location (not the end hole passenger peg mount. This would move the peg up about two inches and back 6=7". From a crude mock stance minus my seat this is a very comfortable position. I would be able to use the shifter in a GP configuration from this point on the shifter side. On the brake side I would have to cut the brake level shorter, grind a small flat spot and affix a bolt on toe plate. I am worried if there would be sufficient leverage on the brake side?????
option 2:
option two would be to drill the mounting holes slightly back from the origional mount triangle and use or fabricate some sort of universal rearsets with linkages.
Need everones experianced thoughts good or bad.
Thanks for the input guys! Still waiting on the seat from RCC to match up so I have time to ponder.
While staring at the bike today I was thinking of rearsets. I popped my but on and was playing with positioning (no I wasn't making vroom vroom noises yet..LOL). What have other GS'ers done? I really don't want to shell out for a full set of universals, yet finding any takeoffs that would work has been a gigantic fail.
Opinions:
I am pondering using the existing mounts off of my GS to fabricate rear sets. I would like to use the rearmost mount to attach a peg. If i do that I would have to go with option 1. option two would be to drill the mounting holes slightly back from the origional mount triangle and use or fabricate some sort of universal rearsets with linkages.
option 1:
Affix a peg mount to the rear bolt location (not the end hole passenger peg mount. This would move the peg up about two inches and back 6=7". From a crude mock stance minus my seat this is a very comfortable position. I would be able to use the shifter in a GP configuration from this point on the shifter side. On the brake side I would have to cut the brake level shorter, grind a small flat spot and affix a bolt on toe plate. I am worried if there would be sufficient leverage on the brake side?????
option 2:
option two would be to drill the mounting holes slightly back from the origional mount triangle and use or fabricate some sort of universal rearsets with linkages.
Need everones experianced thoughts good or bad.
