Zuk GS450E Cafe

[trackfiend]

Re: Picked up my project today

Thanks guys That motor does way a ton! I went to pull it out and damn near dropped because I didn't expect it to way that much. Ordered the Interceptor seat from Roc City today, gift from my wife for our anniversary. Lucky she doesn't mind all my rpojects sitting in the garage, like my turboed Miata in the background. This week the plan is to do the hoop for the end of the frame and then the battery tray to go under the seat hump. Can't wait to get this thing done and take it for a ride.

 

[IndieSol]

Re: Picked up my project today

Excellent project. I, like everyone else, love the tank. I've actually been looking for one. The only one I know about online is in rough shape and the guy wants a mint for it. Looking forward to more updates.

 

[trackfiend]

Re: Picked up my project today

Wow. I just realized in my last post I spelled weigh, way. My son sees that I'll never hear the end of it.

 

[trackfiend]

Re: Picked up my project today

The tail came in and I'm stoked to get the frame done. In the pics the tail sits a little high in the back due to a factory crossmember I haven't replaced yet. Once that's gone it will sit flat on the frame.

 

[tommygun]

Re: Picked up my project today

i like the look of it sittin higher up in back. more of a "streetfighter" look

 

[trackfiend]

Re: Picked up my project today

Another update. Went up to the shop on my day off to do a little work to finish the frame off. Would've worked on this part at home but sadly I have no tubing bender at home. Getting closer to prepping the frame for paint and can't wait. Anyway here are the pics of what I got done. They are a little fuzzy since they are cell phone pics.

Back at home and welded in place.

 

[trackfiend]

Re: Picked up my project today

Threw the suspension and wheels on to try and get an idea of what it will look like. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I think you nailed it!

 

[Big R]

+1.

Looks great to me.

 

[GS750cafe]

I think she's looking really good. The only thing that sticks out to me is maybe the seat is a little long... but that's also my taste. i like big tanks and little seats. Great start!

 

[66replica]

I love the tank! Seat look a bit long for my tastes. Excited to see where you go with this.

 

[trackfiend]

Thanks guys. I've been trying to decide on what kind of tail light to use. Originally I had planned on doing a side mounted brake light, but after looking at a few bikes I'm thinking about mounting to the end of the tail. The two styles I'm looking at are either a cat's eye shape or the 30's era round car tail light. Whichever I choose it will be flushed into the lower edge of the tail, at least that's the plan.

 

[IndieSol]

Your bike, dude. I personally like a flush mount, centered brake light. I've seen some side mounts that I really like, though, and some other random creations like Sausage Mahoney's strip style light.

 

[7zark7]

Not for nothing but if you guys really like those wheels, I've got a set exactly like them that I don't need.
I'll post a for sale ad.

 

[trackfiend]

Stood in the garage last night having a beer while looking at the bike. Having thoughts about shortening the seat and lopping the hoop off the end of the frame. When I sit on the bike I like the room to move on the seat, but when I look at it she looks a little long. If I do shorten the seat it will be by about 4-5". Could use some opinions to decide. Next step after this to prep for paint so I need to decide soon before it's to cold in Texas to shoot this in the garage. Thanks guys.

 

[66replica]

Stood in the garage last night having a beer while looking at the bike. Having thoughts about shortening the seat and lopping the hoop off the end of the frame. When I sit on the bike I like the room to move on the seat, but when I look at it she looks a little long. If I do shorten the seat it will be by about 4-5". Could use some opinions to decide. Next step after this to prep for paint so I need to decide soon before it's to cold in Texas to shoot this in the garage. Thanks guys.

I think you should chop it. I agree that it looks a bit long. Now is the time to make the decision. Make it exactly like you want it before you proceed any further in the build. The old get it right the first time thing. Where in Texas are you?

 

[GS750cafe]

Chop it!

 

[hillsy]

You could easily cut 4-5 inches off it without sacrificing the seating area too much. That would make it more in proportion with the tank as well.

Start choppin' ;D

 

[RoadRash]

Man, lovin' this build. I'm with everyone else. Really dig the tank. I'm hoping since your frame has the triple bars going up the middle, like my Yamaha XJ650 Maxim, that a Suzuki tank will work without frame interference.
as for the seat, I'd take some off, but not alot. I like a bike where the ass end stops on or just after the rear axle centerline. Your 4-5 inch assessment may be right on the mark.

 

[trackfiend]

Thanks for the opinions guys. Tomorrow night I'm chopping it off. I would do it tonight but I don't think it would help the migraine I'm trying to kill right now. Ah the joys of getting older.