I have a couple of extra Suzuki GS1000 in the garage which I ultimately need to sell just to be rid of them. However, I think there's a learning opportunity with at least one of them. I'm thinking about a Street Tracker, but the whole look is going to be difficult without modifying the geometry significantly. Dirt trackers typically have an extended steering head which lowers the engine to the ground relative to the stock dimensions. I'm afraid that if I do that I'll ruin the cornering clearance.
Or should I just do the E-Z Button, swap out the wheels/tank/seat/handlebars and be done with it? I wish I knew how to Photoshop. I need to go from this:
to something like this:
but I don't think the Honda (above) is a modified frame.
If you're going to cut one up, find an L to cut up. Nice examples of the standard 8 valve models like that one are hard to find. Just my opinion. I loved my '78, aside from it being pretty darn heavy for what it was.
You are just going for the look, or going for performance? Those frames have pretty decent geometry for the time, and longer shocks in the rear can quicken the handling up a bit. The stock forks are pretty noodly as well. I never got the stock brakes to work well and eventually upgraded mine. The looks part is pretty easy, slap a number plate on it, get a small gauge like a TrailTech, throw a 4 to 1 exhaust on, do a low profile seat and tail, and you're there. You won't get the 'empty frame' look without going to pod filters and moving all the electrics and such, but your bike has the earlier direct acting carbs so they are a bit easier to get working well.
If that's your bike in the picture, leave it stock - it appears to be a first year model and good ones are appreciating in value. I sold my GS1000S the summer before last and got a pretty fair price for it. The most I'd do is maybe put some flatter bars on it, the stock ones are kind of wheelbarrow-ish.
In reply to stuart in mn :
What I have is the same color/model but much, much rougher.
To me, street tracker is a look. And theres nothing wrong with profiling. Flat bars, appropriate looking tank and seat, fat front tire. Done.
I'd go for a Superbike racer theme. I did it to an '81 Suzuki GS750 and loved it.
In reply to maj75 (Forum Supporter) :
That's my #2 project. Really, there isn't much difference between the two except for the seat, tank and fairing...
