Brat Style Cafe: 1982 Suzuki GS450

[camoUP]

"WE'VE GOT A FIRST TIMER ON OUR HANDS"

Just got my hands on a 1982 Suzuki GS450.

Been a follower of DTT for a while now, but this is my first build. Looking to go Brat Style Cafe and greatly appreciate any suggestions, tips or feedback.

My first task is to get away from the cruiser stance in favor of a cafe stance. Does anybody know if can just swap out the 16" wheel directly with an 18" wheel of an earlier model? Is the axle bearing the same?

Attaching pics of a little progress. With a little TLC to the carbs it fired up and I was able to take it for a spin.

 

[camoUP]

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[camoUP]

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[camoUP]

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[MJPriceisright]

bout time.. looks familiar for some reason.

 

[gk45011]

Welcome! Nice to see yet another GS450 on here.

Yes the axle/bearing size matches up on a swap to an 18" rear. I was cursed with the 83 L Frame and 16" rear tire on mine to start as well. Simple easy swap and there are usually several available on ebay and other sources fairly cheap.

I 'll be following along. If MJ hasn't pushed you toward GSresources yet it is a great site. Super knowledgable people and information about the GS series bikes. You can link the "bikecliff" site from GS resources and access the manual (clymer or factory i'm not sure which) I think via the web as well. I have heard from Big Rich/ AD and others that the factory manual is more detailed and worthwhile to pickup.

PS: If you have tank issues I have an identical black tank with a petcock that could use a rebuild. perfect shape with cap. Two side covers if you choose to go that way blah blah blah. I'm here and learning alot, but if there is anything I can help you out with let me know.

Gary

 

[danejurrous]

Its a Suzuki 450 invasion. Subscribed.

I was cursed with the 83 L Frame

cursed or blessed? L series For The Win

 

[gk45011]

I'm happy, it's fun, I would say blessed at this point.

 

[camoUP]

Yes the axle/bearing size matches up on a swap to an 18" rear.

Thanks a ton for the helpful input.

Been working away today removing the unnecessary tabs, rear pegs, fenders etc.

Upon further consideration, I have been thinking about going with spoked wheels and some meaty tires. Would the spoke 18" wheel be a straight swap as well?

I will get some updated pictures up when available.

Cheers fellas,

Steve

 

[camoUP]

I 'll be following along. If MJ hasn't pushed you toward GSresources yet it is a great site. Super knowledgable people and information about the GS series bikes. You can link the "bikecliff" site from GS resources and access the manual (clymer or factory i'm not sure which) I think via the web as well.

MJ certainly did. Looks like a great resource. I'll be printing that out at the office-- don't mind if I do. Haha

-Steve

 

[gk45011]

I think the GT250 spokes have the same axle. Big Rich is the man when it comes to spoke wheel chice for the suzukis. He would be your best bet on the wheel acts when it comes to spokes. If you could find a set of GS450 spokes they should be a direct swap.
I thought of swapping to spokes and the snowflakes have grown on me for now.

Gary

 

[camoUP]

Here's some pics of the added piece to raise the tank. Really trying to get away from the factory cruiser stance.

 

[MJPriceisright]

whos the amateur welder? lol oooops

 

[camoUP]

Thanks for the info. Messaged Big Rich in and am looking forward to hearing what he's got to say. The more I think about it, the more I am wanting to go the spoke route.

Up next on the To-Do List:

- Clip-On Handlebars

- Filter Pods

Anyone know what size boot goes on the carbs? I am having trouble finding this info...


Cheers Fellas,

Steve

 

[gk45011]

Steve here is the K&N specsand model number. I would stay away from the cheapies as they will be next to impossible to tune with the CV carbs.

Gary


Part RC-1822 Product Specifications
Product Style: Oval Tapered Universal Air Filter
Base Outside Length: 4 in (102 mm)
Base Outside Width: 3 in (76 mm)
Flange Inside Diameter: 2 in (51 mm)
Flange Length: 0.625 in (16 mm)
Flange Offset: 0.5 in (13 mm)
Flange Type: Offset
Height: 2.75 in (70 mm)
Top Outside Length: 3 in (76 mm)
Top Outside Width: 2 in (51 mm)
Top Style: Metal
Top Material/Finish: Chrome
Filter Material: Cotton Gauze
Flanges: 1
This Product Includes: 2 Filters
Weight: 0.84 lb (0.38 kg)
Product Box Length: 4.63 in (117 mm)
Product Box Width: 4.63 in (117 mm)
Product Box Height: 7.25 in (184 mm

 

[MJPriceisright]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/K-N-RC-1822-Universal-Chrome-Filter-/140909276277?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20ced8ec75&vxp=mtr

 

[camoUP]

Thanks Gary.

Any thoughts on these? Aesthetically pleasing, but wondering about quality...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Uni-Pod-Filter-Kit-Chrome-2-Ea-2-1-8in-x-3in-PK-92-Suzuki-/350614505112?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ASuzuki%7CModel%3AGS450L&hash=item51a240c698&vxp=mtr

 

[Rich Ard]

UNI is right up there w/ K&N and shouldn't cause any tuning issues you wouldn't run into with the K&N filters.

 

[MJPriceisright]

UNI is right up there w/ K&N and shouldn't cause any tuning issues you wouldn't run into with the K&N filters.

bout time you get on this thread rich! steve (lightsoyaki) is a bronco alumni!

 

[gk45011]

I went from a cheapie set that I had sitting around when I started the rework. I quickly changed to the K&N oval style after not being able to get it tuned even remotely consistantly.. Great quality. HUGE airflow increase. I am still playing with jetting and I have the stock exhaust for now. If you want to retain the CV carbs you gotta go with the K&N or the UNI. Any others (for the most part, especially Emgo) will block ports on your carbs and give you fits.

Gary