Suzi Q - GR650 Project

[kwazykid]

I had to go bigger, the first ones were about the size of a poker chip and I didn't think it really went with the rest of the tank. Plus they may have looked unintentional if they were that small.

What do you think? Are they good or should I shape them differently?

 

[Big R]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents

I like them! How much clearance do you have at the forks now?

 

[cloudrider]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents

I like the slight teardrop shape you've done with your recess. I know since the bike is in my garage you've not checked clearance, but knowing how little you needed to dent I think your clearance will be fine. Are you going to come over and check clearance first or just go on and paint it? I can't wait to see the tank and seat back on the bike.

 

[kwazykid]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents

Thanks guys, I do want to check the clearance before painting but I'm sure it will be just fine. I've got some other dents that I need to fill and smooth before painting. I'll get it all checked next weekend.

 

[kwazykid]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents

Finally got to test the clearance of the tank on the bike. I didn't quite accomplish what I wanted but I can make it work. I still don't have the full stock turn radius but I managed to widen it to nearly stock. To get full range with the handlebars where they are at I would have to dent in the whole front side and I don't really want to do that. So I'm going to add about 1/16th of an inch to the fork stops. That should protect my tank and allow me to have the bars where I like them.

Now I can smooth out the hammer marks in the dents and get to painting!

 

[kwazykid]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents Are Done!

Quick update. My fingers hurt from sanding in tiny places.

I'll get more done tomorrow. Hopefully get it all put back together. Got a little bit of wiring to take care of. Probably won't get to paint tomorrow though.

 

[Big R]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents Are Done!

I feel your pain man. The tank is looking pretty good so far though!

Is that a GS500 next to the GR?

 

[kwazykid]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents Are Done!

Yep you called it Rich. That is a GS500. It's kinda been the family starter bike. My brother bought it until he upgraded to a zx6r and I rode it until I got the GR. Now my younger brother has inherited it.

 

[Big R]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents Are Done!

Cool - they are nice bikes. There's something to be said about a cycle that really hasn't changed in 20+ years.........

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents Are Done!

Love this box idea and the seat look real nice too. I really want to use the mesh for something soon.

 

[oldrookie]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents Are Done!

I suspect this project it done, but I'd love to see the final product.

Any pics to share?

 

[kwazykid]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents Are Done!

Actually it has gotten put on hold...more than once. I was in the process of painting when I decided to go back to grad school. The paint process I chose was kind of an experiment. I mixed enamel with acetone and rolled it on. This turned out to have a less than stellar result. Lots of orange peal and some runs. After some sanding I switched to mineral spirits for my thinner and sponge brushed it on which worked much better. It's still in the process since it takes several coats.
Anyway back to why it is not finished. My wife and I decided to move 1000 miles away to go to grad school. And grad school is kicking my butt. So any free time I have right now is spent sleeping. Maybe I will find time during winter break to work on it. I will try to get some pics soon.

 

[oldrookie]

Re: Suzi Q - GR650 Project - Dents Are Done!

The infamous "$50 Mopar Paint Job" method! I admit to having some interest in how that works out for you. Looks like an interesting way to deal with painting while having no equipment.

Re: grad school. Been there twice. Requires huge effort, but both degrees paid off with career I really enjoy. Hang in there and gut it out. Just think of how much you'll enjoy the time to work on the bike once you are done. It's one of those, "It feels so good once the pain stops" things. ;D

 

[kwazykid]

A lot has happened in the last year. Year 1 of grad school is complete and year 2 starts on Monday. I've had a chance to do a few things to the Suzi and I even got to ride it a bit. But every time things look good something sets me back again. I got the electronics put back together, the seat put on with the cushion, and the tank mounted and hooked up. Put a gallon of gas in it and it started up and was running great! The next morning I took it down to the gas station to top it off and that's when I found the leak. The gas was coming out pretty fast around the right side emblem mount. Luckily I was a few blocks from home so I just pushed it back. Now I've got the tank pulled, area sanded, and tank repair applied. I checked it to make sure I could sand it and it seems to sand fine but I didn't have time tonight to sand it all down. This is the stuff I used http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/ITW-Performance-Polymers-1-oz-magnum-instant-gas-tank-repair/_/N-259t?itemIdentifier=552984_0_0_
I'm sure it would be safer to spot weld the hole or to just get a new tank but with school there really isn't time right now so I thought I'd try the repair epoxy.

I was so excited to have it running that I didn't get any good pictures during the day but I did take one after my first ride.

 

[Big R]

Glad to hear you got to ride it a little bit! Little bit quicker than the moped you guys built, huh?

If you do decide to get a new GR tank, let me know. I have a stock one for sale on the cheap.

 

[kwazykid]

Oh yeah, much more getup than the moped... although I did have to take it out for a ride to ease the pain of setback.

I sanded down the repair epoxy and I think it's ready for a coat of primer, I may just throw it back on the bike after that and ride it that way until I have time to paint it. You can see in the pic that I didn't lose that much paint to the gas leak but it's still a pain.

 

[Moldy]

Suzi Q - GR650 Project

What ratio is the gr 650 speedo? I want to get a speedo and tach from dime city and want to make sure I get the right one.



"Forgot to post this earlier. The mini speedo that I had from Dime City pooped out on me. (they were awesome about it though and sent me a new one) But while I was waiting on the new one to arrive I put this on and I love how it looks!


It is offset so I could keep my ignition switch where I have it but hug the speedometer in tight."


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