# Bought a bike....project "GS1000 Cafe" begins. **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [August 28, 2009, 4:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779 "2009-08-28T16:03:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Boarderx192](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b782af/32.png) [@Boarderx192](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boarderx192)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2011, 4:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/21 "2011-03-01T16:11:22Z")
Ive been working on the bike a lot lately since the weather is starting to warm up down here and its been in the 60’s+ regularly. I cleaned up the wiring harness an cut/lengthened wires as needed to get everything to fit under the seat. Currently everything is still “rough” but once all the kinks are worked out and its set up the way I want it, It will all get stripped and painted/powdercoated/polished. ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00084-20100707-0745.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00084-20100707-0745.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00083-20100707-0745.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00083-20100707-0745.jpg) Idiot lights have been moved to the bar clamp bolt holes. The holes are going to be drilled and tapped to accept the LED bulb holders pictured. ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00078-20100705-2010.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00078-20100705-2010.jpg) I was kicking around the idea of buying a headlight stone guard so I whipped one up quick out of wire I had to get the general idea. Im still not 100% on how I feel about it so Im leaving it like this for a while to think about it. ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00077-20100705-2010.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00077-20100705-2010.jpg) I traded some parts for some spoke rims. Aluminum rims with steel spokes. Lighter than the mags that are currently on my bike, and spokes fit the look im going for a lot better. Tires to be mounted soon. ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/DSCN2684.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/DSCN2684.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/DSCN2686.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/DSCN2686.jpg) Also bought some progressive springs for the front end as well as some now shocks/springs for the rear. Stock rear shock length is 13.2" and Im going with some 14.5" ones to give me added clearance between the under seat panel the holds the batter and the rear tire, as well as lift the rear a little so it turns in better. ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/DSCN2683.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/DSCN2683.jpg) So Ive been itching to get some rear sets lately so I jumped on ebay and scored a pair from a 91 GSXR1100 for $30 shipped. I started by making templates out of cardboard and then transferred them to 1/4" plywood. So far, this is what I have: ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00152-20110301-1743.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00152-20110301-1743.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00153-20110301-1743.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00153-20110301-1743.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00154-20110301-1744.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00154-20110301-1744.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00156-20110301-1744.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00156-20110301-1744.jpg) Now that I have the general idea down, im trying to figure out what to make the brackets out of. I have 1/4" aluminum plate as well as 1/4" steel plate already but open to better suggestions. The only area of support for the brackets are the 2 bolts at the bottom where the stock foot pegs bolted to the frame. I want to make them out of the aluminum but Im afraid it is going to bend or twist with my weight on it (~175lbs) or when Im cornering hard and have weight on the rear sets. Suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2011, 8:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/22 "2011-03-01T20:00:00Z")
sweet build :tup: ---
**Author:** ![XwalkerX](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/xwalkerx/32/7598_2.png) [@XwalkerX](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/XwalkerX)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2011, 9:13pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/23 "2011-03-01T21:13:14Z")
looks good so far and nice upgrade to the spoked wheels. they have much more of a vintage feel imo. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2011, 5:11am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/24 "2011-03-02T05:11:03Z")
love the build! I would go with the steel for the peg mount for strength, although the aluminum is going to be FAR easier to fab with… ---
**Author:** ![ieatpaint](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ieatpaint/32/7311_2.png) [@ieatpaint](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ieatpaint)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2011, 5:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/25 "2011-03-02T05:19:04Z")
Steel and powdercoat them black. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2011, 6:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/26 "2011-03-02T06:05:20Z")
I’m not a motorcycle person at all, but these cafe bikes are super cool. ---
**Author:** ![Boarderx192](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b782af/32.png) [@Boarderx192](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boarderx192)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2011, 12:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/27 "2011-03-10T12:04:40Z")
Just wanted to update some progress: I have been building two identical bikes over the past 6 months. One bike is in storage in Atlanta, the other bike is here in NC with me and that is the one ya’ll have seen. When I first started my build, I really wanted to build a yoshimura replica bike bike I also wanted my first build to be something that I would keep for a while and would remain classy. I started out with a bike I bought in Atlanta and did most of my rough mock up on that bike. I then moved back to Charlotte and bought another bike here that was just too good a deal to pass up. Both bikes are Suzuki GS1000’s. One is a 78, the other is an 80. Im currently riding the 80, and have been working out the kinks on it for a few weeks. Once me next shipment of parts comes it, It will be mechanically 100% and then I will start the tear down for paint. While I have it torn down, Im going to go down to Atlanta and pick up my other bike and build both of them, side by side, in my garage. My daily will be the one you have seen in this thread albeit a new paint job, and some added “class”. The other bike is going to be the Yoshi replica with modern suspension. I havent figure out if Im going to keep the Yoshi, or sell it once Im done, but Im looking forward to my next project. Currently Im looking into a mono shock rear conversion with some GSX-R forks but Im still not 100% sure if I want to keep it period correct or go modern. Leaning towards modern right now but I need to price some of this out to see if its worth it. Inspiration: ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/GS03.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/GS03.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/28 "2011-03-10T12:28:49Z")
:tup: ---
**Author:** ![Boarderx192](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b782af/32.png) [@Boarderx192](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boarderx192)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 2:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/29 "2011-06-05T02:35:06Z")
Ive been working on a new seat for the past 4 days and have gone through 7 different renditions but couldnt seem to get a shape that compliments the tank. I think I finally nailed it down, what do y’all think? ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00309-20110605-0400.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00309-20110605-0400.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00311-20110605-0403.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00311-20110605-0403.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00307-20110605-0244.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00307-20110605-0244.jpg) FYI: I cleaned up the edges and and evened everything out after I took these pictures ---
**Author:** ![klug](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/klug/32/5222_2.png) [@klug](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/klug)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 7:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/30 "2011-06-05T07:37:06Z")
I love it! I needs me a cafe project. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 8:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/31 "2011-06-05T08:23:05Z")
LIKE. ---
**Author:** ![Boarderx192](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b782af/32.png) [@Boarderx192](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boarderx192)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2011, 6:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/32 "2011-07-17T18:54:03Z")
Some more updates: ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0519.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0519.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0520.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0520.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0521.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0521.jpg) Mounting bracket is finally finished. Now the final fitment of the seat, bodywork, and paint ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0525.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0525.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0526.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0526.jpg) Different hardware will obviously be used ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0524.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0524.jpg) Motor and carbs got a LOT of love lately. Carbs completely stripped, rebuilt, painted, polished, and then reassembled with SS hardware. Motor got new gaskets, plugs, valves checked, clutch springs replaced, and SS hardware. Motor was painted cleaned meticulously, primed and painted with VHT Nu Cast Aluminum paint. Side covers still need some love, but thats for another day. ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0527.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0527.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0528.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0528.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0529.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0529.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0530.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0530.jpg) More to come in the next few days. ---
**Author:** ![gatesauto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/5f8ce5/32.png) [@gatesauto](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/gatesauto)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 7:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/33 "2011-07-18T07:36:13Z")
you must spend lot of time on this bike:( ---
**Author:** ![Boarderx192](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b782af/32.png) [@Boarderx192](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boarderx192)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2011, 7:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/34 "2011-08-19T19:57:34Z")
Update: ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00372-20110731-1600.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00372-20110731-1600.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0532.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG_0532.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00373-20110731-1606.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00373-20110731-1606.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00410-20110818-0135.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00410-20110818-0135.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00411-20110818-0136.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00411-20110818-0136.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00412-20110818-0136.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00412-20110818-0136.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00420-20110819-1709.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00420-20110819-1709.jpg) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00424-20110819-2155.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/IMG00424-20110819-2155.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![turbod\_ss](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbod_ss/32/5352_2.png) [@turbod\_ss](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/turbod_ss)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2011, 6:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/35 "2011-08-22T06:13:51Z")
The bike is looking awesome! i cant wait to start building myself a cafe racer! ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2011, 7:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/36 "2011-08-22T07:15:39Z")
Coming along well ! keep us posted on progress! ---
**Author:** ![Motocrossx23](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/motocrossx23/32/5120_2.png) [@Motocrossx23](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Motocrossx23)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2011, 7:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/37 "2011-08-22T07:17:32Z")
Cleannnn motor! ---
**Author:** ![Boarderx192](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b782af/32.png) [@Boarderx192](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boarderx192)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2011, 7:38pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/38 "2011-08-25T19:38:09Z")
Working on ideas for paint. Thinking Black with White panels and Gold pin striping. Not sure if Im going to go with White or Silver. ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/Bikesketches003.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/Boarderx192/GS1000/Bikesketches003.jpg) Which one do y’all like best? edit: Also, the wheels that are on it right now will be swapped with some spokes shortly once the tires get here. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2011, 4:58am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/39 "2011-08-26T04:58:56Z")
I like the seat from option 1, and the tank from option 4 ---
**Author:** ![turbod\_ss](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbod_ss/32/5352_2.png) [@turbod\_ss](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/turbod_ss)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2011, 6:20am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779/40 "2011-08-26T06:20:52Z")
I like option 4 or 6. they are both sharp looking. [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bought-a-bike-project-gs1000-cafe-begins/72779.md?page=3)