1982 Suzuki GS450 Build

M

mrmacioci

New Member
Hey everyone,
So I've been reading the site for about a month now after acquiring a GS450. I plan on getting this bike looking like a cafe/brat style with a flat seat. I'm planning on running velocity stacks and an open header, and will be looking to update electronics and relocate under the seat to have an open triangle. So far I have done some teardown, installed clubman bars, and am working on a rear loop/seat/tail-light. Any insight and advise is always appreciated.

Here it is the day I grabbed it


The mess of electronics, the rear turn signals were lamp cord


How it sat right before I started on the rear loop and seat

It definitely needs a thorough cleaning and once over.
 
Hi, I have an '81 GS450T that I'd like to get back up and running correctly before I make any improvements. Interested in seeing how your build progresses, and I'd be interested in any parts you'll be removing, such as the seat, headlamp, exhaust, etc., if you're interested in selling.

Thx, Mike
 
Put rear mudguard back on, looks stupid without it *Brat's have rear mudguard (fender)
There are only a couple of wires to relocate.
You need to have air flow over reg/rect or it will overheat, break down and destroy alternator.
Leave exhaust the length you have now, if you want louder get a hole saw on the rear silencer plate (unless you have the one with 3 rivets?)
Head pipes only will loose a shitload of power and make setting up carburation VERY difficult
You may need to re-fit chain guard, it's a legal requirement in a few places if you have passenger pegs and dual seat (even if you never intend to carry passengers)
 
Thanks pj, I do intend to fab up some sort of rear mud guard, I just have not gotten that far yet. And thats exactly what I was looking for, I was worried about the rectifier as its at cooled. How much airflow does it need as it is covered by the stock side covers? And A shorter exhaust open exhaust will yield negative effects, even with proper dyno tuning? I was going to try and keep it short (I've kind of had this Cool Kids Customs build on my mind) http://thebikeshed.cc/2014/10/16/cool-kid-customs-gs450/ And I had no clue about the chain guard, I will check my local inspection shop as to what they allow.
 
Short exhaust can make more power but only at high rpm over a very narrow power band.
Few years ago the 'hot thing' was fitting drag pipes on HD Sportsters.
The 883 went from 43hp to 36~37 hp as it couldn't rev high enough to use short open pipes
 
Just an update on the build, the rear loop and battery relocation are complete and I have a good friend finishing up the seat thats starting to take shape nicely.







I've decided to go with a set of hagons in the rear, and I'll be looking to upgrade to a sparck moto harness soon. I also came across a great deal on a late model gsxr-1000 front end and was wondering if anyone had any experience fitting one to an older gs?
 
Really want to see where this goes, nice seat. Are you thinking of raising the rear suspension?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
This is looking good I have almost the same style/build going on mine is a 450l I just bought the dime city brat seat in black but I am loving the brown. Looking foward to progress pics!
 
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