Suzuki GS 500E - 1979. Brat tracker - First project!

I´m starting my first "Brat tracker" project and i need some help regarding my bike and how to do things. I´ve ordered a bunch of things from Dime city Bikes.
And my first questions is: Do you need a bracket for the double gauges? http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-parts-mini-black-face-led-speedo-speedometer-25-7032b.html

Attached a picture of my Suzuki from 1979. Bought it for 600$ and it has run 40000 kilometers.
 
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That's a great looking GS! The 4-inline 500 was never available in the US, AFAIK. It's probably a European-only model and is basically a GS550 with a 3mm smaller bore. I'm not sure how common they are in Sweden, but over here it's a rare find. I'd refrain from being too overzealous with a grinder on such a clean example. As for the gauges, remove the plastic cover from the gauge panel and take a look at how the factory gauges are mounted. You might be able to use the existing mount or come up with an easy solution from some sheet metal.
 
Hi!
Thanks a lot, yes i think what you are saying is right. It´s pretty close to the GS 550 which i have seen some fine examples of.
This one is fairly common in Sweden, maybe tree or four examples out for sale in our version of Craigs List.. Usually goes for 1000 dollars.

I see, i will try to mount them with the original brackets and post a picture after!
 
Got some stuff home from DCC and started the work on my bike. Started with stripping the seat and the gauges and mounted the new Handlebar, grips and speedometer and tachometer. Work in progress.
Take a look.

BTW: Does any one know the Tachometer Ratio? is it 1:5?
 

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Problems with the wiring. No electrical-schedule.
Got the new bars though..
 

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Stockholmtracker said:
Problems with the wiring. No electrical-schedule.
Got the new bars though..
Great choice with the superbike bars. They work very well with the stock footpeg positions but can also support some rearsets if you feel like you need them. The tach and speedo mount came out well, but I'd try and rotate them closer to the center, if possible. Also, the wiring diagram for a GS550 is easily available on the web. I can't imagine the GS500-four would be much different. What kind of electrical problems are you having?
 
i'm in! your build is coming along as i'd like mine too (mine has been stalled for a few months). bars and tach look great.

keep us posted!
 
Wow, that is one clean motorcycle. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I always like seeing folks modify bikes we can't get here in the US. Oh, amd if you have any specific questions regarding the bikes mechanical or electrical systems, shoot Big Rich here on DTT a PM. He knows the GS line better than anyone. Keep up the good work!
 
Thanks guys!
Maybe the gauges should be a little closer, i will have to make a bracket so they want be leaning. I will try to post some pictures soon when the fork-boots and the fenders are fixed. I have some work to do with the wiring of the new gauges (link) which takes a while and doesn´t show in the pictures. The step after that are the seat + rear frame. Should it be round like the rest of the guys do it or should keep the original frame and not cut into it?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CAFE-RACER-BRATSTYLE-FRAME-LOOP-WITH-KICK-UP-CB500-four-CB550-CB750-XS750-/181208863881
 
Stockholmtracker said:
Thanks guys!
Maybe the gauges should be a little closer, i will have to make a bracket so they want be leaning. I will try to post some pictures soon when the fork-boots and the fenders are fixed. I have some work to do with the wiring of the new gauges (link) which takes a while and doesn´t show in the pictures. The step after that are the seat + rear frame. Should it be round like the rest of the guys do it or should keep the original frame and not cut into it?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CAFE-RACER-BRATSTYLE-FRAME-LOOP-WITH-KICK-UP-CB500-four-CB550-CB750-XS750-/181208863881

Most here will disagree, but I would keep the frame in tact. You don't gain anything, performance-wise, by cutting the frame. You can still put a custom seat on it if you don't want to keep the stock one, and the longer length seat will give you more seating positions for better comfort over longer rides. The same goes for fork boots. They tend to trap water and aren't really necessary, but they do look pretty sweet.
 
I made a 'dual sport' out of my gs550e.

Raised the bike about 2 inches, used longer trials shocks from Hagon out back, gs750 forks up front, Shinko 75/25 dual sport tires, motocross bars, etc.

That thing was an absolute riot to ride. Everyone else was staying on the road, I'd go off on the side of the road to hit a bump for jumping right next to 'em at 60 mph, look over at em and wave while a couple feet in the air...

Up and down stairs, curbs, parking bumps, up the side of grassy hills, donuts in gravel, and a singular 30 foot long jump off of a speed bump coming out of the hills near Portland, OR, at some 70 or 80 mph.

I'll build another one some day.
 
do you have any pictures?
mlinder said:
I made a 'dual sport' out of my gs550e.

Raised the bike about 2 inches, used longer trials shocks from Hagon out back, gs750 forks up front, Shinko 75/25 dual sport tires, motocross bars, etc.

That thing was an absolute riot to ride. Everyone else was staying on the road, I'd go off on the side of the road to hit a bump for jumping right next to 'em at 60 mph, look over at em and wave while a couple feet in the air...

Up and down stairs, curbs, parking bumps, up the side of grassy hills, donuts in gravel, and a singular 30 foot long jump off of a speed bump coming out of the hills near Portland, OR, at some 70 or 80 mph.

I'll build another one some day.
 
Quester said:
do you have any pictures?

Maybe, I'll look. It wasn't pretty, it was a thrasher machine, there was basically no effort given to looks, only to having fun. :)
 
Cool! This weekend i took away the front fender, i managed to connect all the wires correctly so now the gauges work. I also cut my rare fender and mounted the back-light and license plate. You have to tell me if it dos not look OK.

I put the original seat back so you can see the whole picture.

Things left:
Spray the side covers black.
Change the tires (fatter with different tire tread)
Mount the Fork boots (if it collects water i will cut them off)
New seat. Can i use the original seat frame? If i take it to a custom shop that makes leather and seats?
New exhaust?
Exhaust heat-wrappers?
 

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Picture after i cut the back fender and mounted the tail light and license plate. Should i cut it some more?
 

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Stockholmtracker said:
Cool! This weekend i took away the front fender, i managed to connect all the wires correctly so now the gauges work. I also cut my rare fender and mounted the back-light and license plate. You have to tell me if it dos not look OK.

I put the original seat back so you can see the whole picture.

Things left:
Spray the side covers black.
Change the tires (fatter with different tire tread)
Mount the Fork boots (if it collects water i will cut them off)
New seat. Can i use the original seat frame? If i take it to a custom shop that makes leather and seats?
New exhaust?
Exhaust heat-wrappers?

Running without a front fender is not really practical (you'll find out the first time you ride on a wet road) but if you must go without it, you should add a fork brace:

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The stock fender has an internal fork brace and if you remove it without replacing the brace, your handling will suffer.

New tires are definitely a good idea, just be aware that the stock forks, swingarms and wheels on your bike were not designed to fit wide rubber and the stock power output doesn't require them. Find out if you can go wider than what's on there now (usually only a size larger than stock) and get some the best tires available in that size. You will see a big improvement.
 
Hi, will follow this thread. I have a GS500 from 1977 that will be rebuild into something fun. I suppose will find similar problems on our journey.
When I start, or me and my son starts, we will post a new thread.
 
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