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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1472222031 Message started by ohiomoto on 08/26/16 at 07:33:51 |
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Title: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 08/26/16 at 07:33:51 EDIT: I'm changing the title of this thread because it's turning into my build thread and I'm too lazy to start another. Your participation is welcome, but PLEASE stay on topic so that others will find it easier to follow along. Thanks, Tim -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DYI mid-controls: http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1487785879/0 I moved the original post down to the second post. That post is pretty much were my build started. And here is a picture of where we currently sit (page 8). |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 08/26/16 at 07:45:26 Dual sport tires? What?! I picked up a low mileage 96 earlier this summer. It was pretty much stock except the previous owner put a Dyna muffler on it. I bought this bike because I wanted a simple commuter that would be reliable and because I saw that it could be made into something cool with a little effort. I've been tackling my "build" in mini stages so I can keep riding while I take my bike to a different place aesthetically. So far I've replaced the bars, fixed the oil leak, replaced the front brake pads, lowered the front end 2", laced up 2.50"x18" rear wheel and put a set of Shinko 705 dual sport tires on it. I sourced the rim and spokes from Mike'sXS. A call to the nice folks at Buchanan confirmed that our hub uses spokes almost identical to the XS650. Mike's claims the rim is drilled for classic bikes, but I found that I needed to open the holes up a bit to work with our bike. (I think mostly because of quality control.) The tires are 110/80-19 front and 120/80-18 rear. I DID NOT need to modify the swingarm to fit the rear wheel and I have about 1/4" clearance. But, the tire does occasionally bottom out against the lower part of the fear fender. (I may end up doing the swingarm mod if I go to a vintage tire at some point.) I was unexpectedly pleased with the look of the 18" wheel and Shinko 705s on the stock bike with lowered front end. I though it would look a bit stupid (and you might think that!) but I actually like the sort of WWII look that is has. I should add that just lowering the front end transformed the handling of this bike and the 18" rear wheel further enhanced it. I'll probably end up lacing up a 18"x2.15" or 19"x2.15" matching front rim at some point, but I have bigger fish to fry before I bother with that. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by BSTON on 08/26/16 at 08:11:08 What else is going to get changed? What's the end vision for the bike? |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 08/26/16 at 08:29:08 Everything. Ha, ha... It's going to be a brat/scrambler. Different rear subframe/seat/fender combo. Have a couple of tanks on the way, but I could even use stock tank with the speedo removed. After that, the forward controls will be moved and then I'll clean up the middle of the bike and electrics. Then I'll take care of details as needed. My goal is to keep it running as I take it through each phase. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Gary_in_NJ on 08/26/16 at 08:44:02 You'll be shocked how heavy the rear assembly is when it is removed. While I didn't weigh it, I would estimate it between 30-40 pounds. I was all too happy to toss it in the trash. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by BSTON on 08/26/16 at 11:54:29 I couldn't believe it either. That and the muffler. Anyone know what the weight difference is between the stock muffler, dyna, and Emgo that Ryca provides? |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by ohiomoto on 08/26/16 at 11:57:03 Yeah, I got most of a second bike when I bought it. I sold a bunch of that stuff off and it wasn't light, that's for sure. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 08/26/16 at 12:32:25 I'm not sure what it is , but I think I like the look , throw some flat track bars on it , then I'll ride it ! |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Kris01 on 08/26/16 at 13:20:51 1C0D0A11105E0 wrote:
I think I read that the stock muffler is around 7 lbs heavier than the Dyna. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by ohiomoto on 08/26/16 at 13:57:28 735455554D58210 wrote:
I have a set waiting to go on. Was going to wait for seat, but maybe I'll toss it on for you. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by cheapnewb24 on 08/26/16 at 18:33:32 I'm thinking of doing about the same thing... I'm wondering if a 17 inch rim wouldn't be better :-? Tire selection seems a bit better and you won't have to worry as much about the swingarm so much, as the tire won't be too much bigger than stock. I'd like to get a cheap used rim if I can. I'm wondering... I'm guessing you may be able to mount an old GS550 wire wheel right on there. I think they're 18 x 2.15. I'm a bit shy of the 2.15 because it's harder to find dual sport tires to fit it. 120/90-17 is one of the best sizes to rim for when it comes to DS tire selection. 2.50 would be great size. Can't say you'll find a suzuki rim that matches, though, unless you get a DR rim or something, and that's gonna be expensive. So far, I seem to recall old Goldwing rims are the right size... Don't know if the spoke specs are right, though... |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 08/27/16 at 09:34:50 Newbee , yes way more 17" tires available than 18" , wish my RYCA had 17" instead of 18" |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by cheapnewb24 on 08/27/16 at 11:55:20 I wonder if something like this will work. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Honda-Gold-Wing-Original-DID-2-50-x-17-Rear-Wheel-w-Rotors-/182244952918?hash=item2a6ea54b56:g:91sAAOSwqfNXjC1z&vxp=mtr ... And why on earth did they use 18 inch rims?!? I'm guessing 18 inch is more classic than 17? Or maybe they wanted front and rear to be nearer to the same? Narrower? :-? |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 08/27/16 at 13:22:11 Gold wings are shaft drive !?! |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by cheapnewb24 on 08/27/16 at 13:48:32 I mean the hoop. I think. :-? |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 08/27/16 at 15:59:25 Spoke count & spoke angle into the rim is what counts |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by batman on 08/29/16 at 08:18:20 If you think the stock muffler is heavy wait 'til you take off the rear fender |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by Gary_in_NJ on 08/29/16 at 08:29:43 6B606D6978666D7F6A3A3C080 wrote:
It's a good question. One guess would be they wanted to preserve seat height. Another guess may be available hoops with the correct layout of spokes. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Dave on 08/30/16 at 11:22:33 It might also have something to do with the appearance. The bike is fairly long, and it might look too much like a Grom if the rim/tire diameter gets too small. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 08/30/16 at 17:52:51 A Gromage ! |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 08/30/16 at 20:20:50 If I ever have to replace a rim on my RYCA it will get 2 new 17". I don't care what it looks like , there are some insane 17" tires to be had. 18" selection is very limited. Might even lower the bike a bit with some 17" rims & tires. Then my front disc will be almost as big as the rim ! |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by cheapnewb24 on 08/30/16 at 21:14:56 19 front and 17 rear for me most likely. 19 inch is a great size for front, isn't it? Unless you really want both rims near the same size. Then, 21 is good for dirt. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by cheapnewb24 on 08/31/16 at 07:39:29 On second thought... I've been looking at Bike Bandit's tire selection. If you'll look down the list at both 17 and 18 inch rear tires on separate pages for available sizes, you'll see that much of the increased availability for 17 inchers seems to apply specifically to the crotch rocket crowd with their wide rubber. (Or whoever else would use that on that size rim...) The 18 inch tires are more suited to the narrower sizes, dirtbikes and classics expecially. But on the other hand, you have to factor out the non-street legal dirtbike tires in the case of the 18 inch. One thing to keep in mind is that there doesn't seem to be a good selection of 17 inchers below 120 mm width, while 18 inch tires have a decent number of options down in the 110 mm region. Not ready to make the call yet on which size is best... but... for those comfortable using 120/80. 120/90, and 130/80's, 17 inch is a good choice. If you want the option of going narrower, go with 18. You don't wanna get the wrong setup and feel like you have to use front tires on the rear because all the rear tires you want are too fat. :( |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by batman on 08/31/16 at 14:25:22 It might be they were trying to keep the gearing as near as they could to stock . check out the speed tables for stock 140/90 and ryca 18' and their almost the same. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by xaman on 08/31/16 at 16:26:04 I went 17/19 on mine in order to run dual sport tires from the adventure crowd. I think 18s do look slightly better, but the 17/19 combo makes for some cheaper tire changes. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by ohiomoto on 08/31/16 at 18:02:39 My tires we ~$105 shipped...for the set! . So far, they are working great. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by ohiomoto on 09/01/16 at 07:24:34 7172677E727D272B130 wrote:
My stock tire was a 140/80-15, not 140/90. It's about 1-3/4" smaller than my 120/80-18" tire. |
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Title: Re: Rough draft Post by ohiomoto on 10/03/16 at 08:06:22 Rough draft... Snagged a couple tanks and seats to play with. Here is a mock up that I'm considering. I may even use the stock tank with this tail end. (I'm waiting on another seat that's a little longer than the one shown here.) |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Dave on 10/03/16 at 08:14:06 Looks good! Move the footpegs back.....and I would ride it! |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 10/03/16 at 08:24:47 Thanks, I'm waiting for the other seat before I do anything more. I still have another tank I might mock up and want look at it with the stock tank. The controls will be moved. Probably more mid controls than rear set. That will be one of the last things I do. The whole thing starts by locating the fender on the wheel, then the seat to fender. That will dictate the final position of the tank and pegs. My bike is in the background. The GT185 tank, seat and fender are sitting on another frame in front. Nice way to play with stuff before tearing the bike down. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by SavageMan99 on 10/03/16 at 09:39:34 I like that. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Gary_in_NJ on 10/03/16 at 09:55:44 Yeah, put me in the like category too. The bike has a great classic standard (UJM) look. Moving the foot controls will go a long way in making the bike more comfortable. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 10/03/16 at 10:11:51 Moto, looks good ! Are those stock shocks ? Nice low c o g |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 10/03/16 at 10:23:03 Yep, at 6'3" I'm not comfortable on this bike in stock form. But I bought it with the intention of changing it. Stock shocks. Going for the low stance. I think they will work out fine but I can go longer if needed, but I want to keep the fender relatively close the the rear wheel. Of course everything is subject to change. Here's a rear view. The fender is from a Honda CL175 I think. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Gary_in_NJ on 10/03/16 at 10:30:17 BTW, when you say "2" dropped forks" do you actually mean "raise the forks 2" in the clamp"? |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by ohiomoto on 10/03/16 at 10:53:52 No, they are actually the forks off of the parts bike. I put new seals in and lowered them them 2", Ryca style. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 10/03/16 at 21:08:36 Moto, Got a pic with both tires on the ground ? Get it lower with a 18" front rim and then your rims will match. It's going to handle good with that low c o g. Great job I really liking that look ! |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 10/04/16 at 05:05:21 No. The stand pops the front wheel off the ground just a bit. That's why I propped up the rear wheel with a 2x4. So the bike is pretty much level. I was just trying to get a visual on what I have to work with. They bike already handles light years better (even though the forks are a bit limited in their performance). The lower fork and taller rear wheel really helped. And, I still have options. I could use an 18" front wheel, longer shocks, longer shocks and stock forks, etc... I'm not dead set on anything at this point. Where it goes, it goes. Just want it to look and function at a decent level. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 10/04/16 at 05:11:23 I'll put the triple clamp on for my next mock up and I have an pair of Pro Taper bars in the basement somewhere I toss on (I haven't raced mx in almost 10 years, why I still have some of this stuff...lol). I'm thinking those or a old Triumph or tracker bar. I had a 71 Triumph TR6 Tiger. It had the perfect bars for this bike. Actually, I should just buy one of those and toss the LS motor in it and be done. lol |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 10/04/16 at 12:55:23 Keep the pics coming as it progresses My family is from Youngstown/Boardman area |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 10/28/16 at 06:18:10 (Sorry I missed that post Ruttly. I'm in the Hudson area. Not too far from Boardman. I'll be there tomorrow for my son's XC meet actually.) Anyhow.... Even though I might still have some riding days left this season, I couldn't resist the urge to do a mock up of the rear end on my project. I just want to make sure I'm happy with the direction I'm moving towards and that my parts are going to work together. I mocked up the subframe with 5' of 1/2" PVC conduit, some 5/8" rope from home depot and my trusty old heat gun. (The white PEX water line didn't want to hold a shape.) |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 10/28/16 at 06:25:10 Here is a rough draft of the fender, subframe and my new (and slightly longer) seat. I still plan on using the gold GT185 tank but didn't want to cut my OEM tank mounts off just to mock it up on my bike just yet. (Supposed to warm up next week!) But, I think I could make this work with the stock tank too. My subframe isn't exactly where I'll have it. It got late on me last night so I didn't fine tune the length or anything. But I'm satisfied that I'll be able to make this work. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by xaman on 10/28/16 at 06:52:02 Looks great. Thanks for the pics and updates. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by Ruttly on 10/29/16 at 20:24:42 Very cool , low , like it ! When you have a minute , please measure the seat height Thanks |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 11/14/16 at 10:16:19 Sorry for the delay. I just got around to messing with it again over the weekend. It looks like the seat height will be about 29 inches give or take a little. I mounted the GT185 tank and I'm really happy with it. I didn't grab a picture but I'll get one this week. Mounting was simple once I figured out where it needs to sit. Drilled a hole in the frame, cut a piece of all thread and popped a few bolts/washer on there. Here's one side of it. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 11/15/16 at 07:58:37 Here is the bike with the 74 GT185 tank, a new SR400 aftermarket seat, 71 Honda CL175 rear fender. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 11/15/16 at 08:00:56 A rear view. The rear hoop is some PVC pipe I bent using my trusty heat gun and then painted black. I'm in the process of finding someone to bend one close so I can put the finishing touches on. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks & ? Post by ohiomoto on 11/15/16 at 08:07:40 The GT185 tank fits like it was "almost" made for the bike. I say almost because I accidentally bent (add broke) the decompression cable adjuster. It still works. I have an extra cable, I might try and install it backwards with the adjuster up by the solenoid or bend the bracket a bit. Either way, it's a minor point. Petcock is prefect. I installed the raptor and stock fuel line last night. It runs and not leaks so far. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by Dave on 11/15/16 at 08:21:23 It look great.....I will be watching to see what you do for the space between the Savage frame and your seat frame. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 11/15/16 at 09:04:30 I've really liking this build. Will you be putting some rear-sets on it? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 11/15/16 at 09:13:35 Mid controls are my first choice so I'll attempt that first. Rearsets will be the backup plan. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dave on 11/15/16 at 09:17:33 A KZ750 front fender is pretty easy to adapt and fits the 19" rim/tire well. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-kawasaki-kz750-front-fender-/272242204607?hash=item3f62e65fbf:g:q50AAOSw7W5XNiWQ&vxp=mtr The 250 nighthawk fender also appears pretty easy to adapt, you just have to do a little cutting and welding on the mounts, as they are too long. (And you might want to get rid of the reflectors mounted to the fender). http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-93-Honda-CB250SC-CB-250-SC-Nighthawk-front-fender-/201718706236?hash=item2ef75f303c:g:EZkAAOSwtnpXlpEY&vxp=mtr |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 11/15/16 at 09:19:54 477C7166777B60667D757867140 wrote:
Thanks Dave. You and many others provided me with the inspiration to do this. I wanted a simple reliable commuter and seeing what you and others have done showed me what was possible. Oh and Ryca too. Especially Ryca because I think that's how I stumbled onto this site. I have a couple of ideas for that space. Nothing is set in stone yet. And I might even keep the stock airbox. That's a surprise...to me! It wasn't the plan, but maybe I'll just keep it. :) And thanks for the heads up on the fenders (even if they aren't from the 70's!!) I'll probably want to put one back on before next summer. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dave on 11/15/16 at 09:44:39 Here is a link to show how the KZ750 fender fits and what changes need to be made (drill new holes). http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1453983731/0 |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by zipidachimp on 11/15/16 at 22:31:46 for the space under the seat: 1/8" alum checker plate, cut to fit, painted black. [url=https://postimg.org/image/mqh8ls9gj/]http://https://s21.postimg.org/nsrf4bs9z/IMG_1891.jpg[/url][url=https://postimage.org/app.php]screen shot windows[/url]http://[/img] |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 11/16/16 at 05:09:35 Thanks, but I have a couple of ideas for that space. ;) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/05/16 at 12:20:49 Progress... Not cutting or welding on the frame. Fabricated some mounts that bolt to the frame and mounted the rear hoop/subframe to them. I'll snap some pictures and post some details of the mounts. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by xaman on 12/05/16 at 20:32:56 Looking great! No problems with the forks touching the tank? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:51:58 Front tank mount detail without bumpers... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:52:48 Subframe brackets were cut to length drilled, 3/4 cut through (for easier bending) and hand bent before welding... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:53:37 Rear tank support at front of subframe... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:55:05 Subframe mounts welded and flapwheeled smooth. Subframe and electrics mounted.... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:55:44 Side view... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:56:14 Back view... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:57:04 OEM GT185 tank pad and strap... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:57:26 Tank mounted. White plastic spacers hold the front of the seat up just enough to keep it off the tank... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:58:40 Re-purposed stock seat mount to hold tank strap as seen in another build thread. (Will remember to mask off frame to prevent scratches during mock up if I ever do this again)... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 10:59:38 Seat mounted but need to get shorter bolts... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 11:00:01 Pretty satisfied with the way it's coming along. I need to tidy up the front of the rear fender, make a battery tray and mount the igniter box to it before tackling side panels and the mid-controls. I took it for a spin up the street and it's pretty tall compared to stock and pretty "funny" with the forward controls. I could have dropped the rear end more if I had mounted the front of the tank higher but then would need to add longer shocks to level it all out again. So I would end up pretty much where I'm at now. Sort of a "Ryca Style" stance without the longer shocks. I think I could "massage" the subframe an inch lower if I really needed to while maintaining the line with the tank if I had to. I'm pretty tall so I'll probably leave it depending on how the pegs work out. It's getting there... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 11:25:03 7069656966080 wrote:
Thanks for the complement. The tank clears perfect but if I were to move 1/8th inch up or forward, the top clamp would hit. My decompression solenoid hits the tank tunnel when it engages so maybe 1/2" higher wouldn't be a bad thing. Then you could drop the rear subframe and add some longer shocks out back to level it all out. Sort of a win/win/win. :) That said, the solenoid opens and the bike starts fine. I'll probably putt a small ding in the tunnel for clearance. No big deal. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dave on 12/06/16 at 12:02:29 Nice job making a "bolt on loop". The tank fit is a challenge. I used a GT550 tank and lowered it a bunch so it would clear the top yoke....and it required a lot of work to notch for the top of the cylinder had at the cam chain, and I had to move the petcock back for clearance....and I had to play blacksmith and make the center tunnel in the tank deeper. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/06/16 at 12:36:23 Thanks Dave. I was looking at the GT380 tank until I saw what you did with your tank. Way beyond my skills and patience! Part of the reason I did my subframe the way I did was to have flexibility. I figured I would mess it up and didn't want to have to start from scratch. I can change the subframe mounts, the subframe or both as needed. Also, I could throw a tracker or cafe tail on it if I wanted. All I would have to do is fabricate a new subframe. I like the flexibility. Turns out, this step went pretty much according to plan which was nice because I spent a lot of time planning and mocking things up before I dug into it. One thing I will say is adding a fender sure makes things harder. Fender, seat hoop, seat and tank. Too many moving parts! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dave on 12/06/16 at 12:43:40 2522232527253E254A0 wrote:
Making the GT380/550 tank did require a bunch of work - but it is nice having a 160 mile range! A rear fender is a nice thing to have.....my Cafe' throws water all over me when I get caught in the rain! >:( |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by xaman on 12/06/16 at 21:09:29 This is super helpful. I've got the same tank in a box, waiting to be fitted to my savage scrambler build. Your posts will be really valuable when it's time, so thanks for sharing all the Intel. Oddly, the forward controls don't bother me a bit. Mid controls would probably be more correct for a scrambler build, but my knees sure appreciate the current set up. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/08/16 at 07:52:26 Got the 320mm/~12.6" shocks yesterday and as suspected it jacked up the back of the bike just a bit too much for my liking. It's just a tad to "mid 70's motocross" for what I want. I could lower the tail of the subframe and bump up the font of the tank to make it work. I would lose just a bit of space for my battery (the little Antigavity is tiny so it wouldn't be a big deal). But don't think I want to move the tank higher up by the top clamp and I really want the fender closer to the rear wheel. Or I could even embrace the tall motocross look and take the 2" drop out of the forks and get that cushy ride back. At 6'3", I could pull that off but I makes the bike look short IMO. I like the way it looks with the stock shocks. So I either suck it up and tweak the subrame to take to fit or live with the shorty stock shocks. EDIT: The more I see this picture the more I hate those shocks on my bike. Ha ha. The were sold shortly after this post. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/08/16 at 08:02:05 4158545857390 wrote:
Thanks, you know what they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." That's why I'm sharing the process. I'm hoping my experience will help others. I dug through a lot of build threads and sometimes I saw a cool idea but wanted more information or more pictures. As for the forward controls, you'd be surprised how far out there they feel. I have a 36" inseam and I end up sitting right up on the tank with my size 13 shoes just touching the pegs with my toes. I think the controls should end up just forward of the front edge of the stock battery box. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by buster6315 on 02/18/17 at 07:37:01 7C474A5D4C405B5D464E435C2F0 wrote:
How about hanging some fringe to fill the gap? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by LANCER on 02/18/17 at 09:30:35 4B4C4D4B494B504B240 wrote:
Thanks, you know what they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." That's why I'm sharing the process. I'm hoping my experience will help others. I dug through a lot of build threads and sometimes I saw a cool idea but wanted more information or more pictures. As for the forward controls, you'd be surprised how far out there they feel. I have a 36" inseam and I end up sitting right up on the tank with my size 13 shoes just touching the pegs with my toes. I think the controls should end up just forward of the front edge of the stock battery box.[/quote] One of my son-in-laws is 6'4" & has size 15 shoes, he has similar issues as well. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/22/17 at 05:57:35 Reworked my subframe to hold my little AG-801 battery. Unfortunately, I think I got a bad one and it died before it ever got the bike started. It went back to Antigravity and I put the stock battery back in for now. I'll get some updated pictures of the changes sometime. I made some side panel mounts and cut some blanks. Mounted them up. Needs a little trimming and bending. Then I'll add some vents to get the look I'm after. I think I'll leave them raw but could paint if needed. I think I might just keep the stock battery box, side covers and air box. That wasn't my original plan, but I think it fits the bike fine. I guess it will depend on what my finished side panels look like. Up next, mid controls, taller bars, powder coat the stuff I fabricated and then maybe I'll make a small fender for the front. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 02/22/17 at 06:52:31 Good job I really like it ! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 02/22/17 at 06:55:59 It's really coming together nicely. What is the rear fender from? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/22/17 at 06:58:50 Thanks guys, The fender is off a Honda CL175. And, the color almost matches the faded GT185 tank. I might just clear it and call it a day. I don't mind the 'rat' look. The one thing I love about the Savage is the motor. It just stands out. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by batman on 02/22/17 at 19:37:26 If you still wanted to use the new shocks ,you could cut the coils shorter (if possible) or move the lower shock mounts on the swingarm, either farther back toward the axle, or make them taller(or both) ,that should drop the fender height. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/23/17 at 03:32:23 Traded the RFYs to Lancer for a timing chain. Stock shocks are fine for my needs. |
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Title: Re: 18" rear wheel, 2" dropped forks Post by ohiomoto on 02/23/17 at 06:23:08 7C6B6D6A7B6C282D2F2B1E0 wrote:
How about hanging some fringe to fill the gap?[/quote]-------------------- I like the way your think Buster! The bike could use a little shag carpet somewhere too! One of my ideas was to use these guys and put a little "hot rod" in it, but decided it's not the right fit for they bike. Probably go better on a bopper of chopper. http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/nEQAAOxyp-BSJs76/s-l500.jpg |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/27/17 at 08:50:05 More pics. I had to bend my decompression cable mount slightly to clear the the tank. I also removed one of the horn mount bolts and rotated it down to clear the tank. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/27/17 at 08:52:42 Plasti-dipped the side covers and used dupli-color paint on the bare metal (got a strong endorsement from a friend who buys, sells and collects bikes.) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/27/17 at 08:55:19 Putting it back together. Front subframe/rear tank mount bolted down to the original tank mount on the frame. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/27/17 at 08:57:06 Rear subframe mount/battery tray/electrics box mounted to original rear fender mount. I had to run a tap trough the top to cut threads. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/27/17 at 08:58:19 A place for my small Antigravity AG-801. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/27/17 at 08:59:28 Subframe, tank, fender, side panels and electrics mounted. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/27/17 at 09:01:04 And the seat. Just need to tidy up my side panels and get started on my mid controls. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/10/17 at 05:34:39 Got my replacement Antigravity AG-801. This little guy is really strong which tells me that I probably received a dude or damaged battery the first time. Here it is mounted up. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/10/17 at 18:43:47 Where's the flux capacitor? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/11/17 at 08:18:57 It's in the original battery box. :) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ditz on 03/11/17 at 12:05:53 I just read thru this complete thread and I just love the look. Wished I had the ability to do something similar. It looks retro like the bikes that I craved when I was a young fella. Too bad they don't still build them this way. I am looking forward to seeing the finished machine. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 03/11/17 at 19:53:10 Ditz, I think we are all waiting to see it finished. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/22/17 at 07:42:17 060B1618620 wrote:
Thanks Ditz. What I've done so far really wasn't that hard any you could easily copy my work. The hardest part so far was mostly making everything fit together. Mounting the tank was easy. Mounting the fender was easy. Making the sub-frame mounts was easy. Having the subframe bent and finishing it off, was easy. Getting everything to work together is the hard part. It takes lots of planning, building and then adjusting or rebuilding parts to make it work. But the actual fabrication is pretty simple. As a mater of fact, other than "stealing" my buddies 110v mig welder and torches a couple of times, I've done everything with simple hand tools, a $25 cutoffwheel/angle grinder, a cheap drill and belt sander. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/22/17 at 07:45:49 1A3D3C3C2431480 wrote:
Mid controls on the way soon and then it's pretty much done. Well, I guess I need to tidy up the side panels too. But after that it's more or less just paint (which I might not even bother with) unless I decide to delete the stock airbox and battery box (which I plan on keeping at this point). |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/28/17 at 05:23:58 Left side mid control. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/28/17 at 05:24:35 Right side mid control. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 03/28/17 at 05:32:08 The mid controls are perfect! Well located and they look like they could handle a 300 pound rider standing on the pegs...over whoops. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/28/17 at 05:32:26 For more detailed information on building the mid controls check out the DIY thread here: http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1487785879 Adding a kickstand next. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Kenny G on 03/28/17 at 20:28:57 The mid controls would be just enough improvement in my riding stance to make me happy when I am on a curve and know I am getting into trouble for going too fast. Kenny G :-/ |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/29/17 at 05:02:28 Kickstand with safety switch installed. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/29/17 at 05:04:37 I added a couple more shots of the construction in the mid control DIY here: http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1487785879/30#38 |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 03/29/17 at 06:39:00 Looks ready to ride. When the maiden voyage? I'm looking forward to the ride report. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/29/17 at 07:21:51 Cold and rainy right now. I took it around the block over the weekend when I finished the mid controls and it's nice and comfy. Up shifts are stiff though. I think I might need to adjust the shift lever a little. Otherwise it's seems like it will work out fine. Mostly just need to tidy things up at this point. And, I should probably add a belt guard and maybe a front fender too. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/07/17 at 12:09:10 I added a set of 1" LSL Tracker bars, Bitwell Thruster grips, trimmed down the front motor mounts, painted the mid controls and did a little trimming on the side panels last weekend. Still a have a little more to do with the side panels but this is where we stand today. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/07/17 at 12:20:31 That's a great looking and unique bike. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 04/07/17 at 14:25:49 So seventies , I like it ! One of a kind ! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by xaman on 04/08/17 at 06:45:47 Gorgeous work! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Kenny G on 04/08/17 at 07:02:13 I would love to have a bike like your's... Kenny G |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/11/17 at 06:43:32 Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement. 2E24202A21282C257B7D79490 wrote:
We had some nice weather. I was able to put in quick ride Sunday and rode it to work yesterday. Put over 100 miles on it and love it. It's ergonomics are really comfortable. I wouldn't change a thing about the seat/bars/pegs. I'm positioned nicely at the front of the seat and could easily ride two up without feeling squished up on the front of the bike. The only things I don't like is how stiff the up shifts are. The shift lever sits on the shaft at about a 45* angle (from horizontal). So when you up-shift, you are actually pulling the lever out/away from the shaft as much as you are rotating the lever up. So it's a very firm, deliberate motion. I'll need to modify or find a the lever that has more rise so it can be mounted even with the peg and still provide the proper leverage to get nicer shifting. Levers with rise are pretty common on modern motocross bikes but finding one that will fit the tight confines of our bikes might be a challenge. http://https://www.your-adrenaline-fix.com/image-files/shift-lever.jpg |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 04/11/17 at 17:17:20 It's so low ! Are you dragging anything in the corners ? Really like take it out for a spin , looks like a fun bike ! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 04/11/17 at 17:44:43 You might be able to fab up a shifter from the stock one using the lever & rod. Kinda like the RYCA rearset set-up. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/11/17 at 18:13:21 It's nice when a plan works out. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/13/17 at 07:52:11 Ruttly, I'm going to modify my existing lever to change the pull/leverage. Hopefully this weekend and hopefully it will work out. I'll post before and afters. :) Oh and no dragging in corners. I haven't pushed it much but the pegs are actually a tad higher than stock. Dave also pointed out that you get more clearance with mid controls than forward controls. Gary, yes, it's nice when plans work out and so far this bike has gone according to planned! I've been around motorcycles a long time but this is the first build I've done. So far it's gone smoothly and has been one of the least frustrating projects I've ever attempted in my life. (Now watch the wheels fall off. ) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/14/17 at 06:57:06 The shifter started out like this. It was a little hard to reach (had to slide to my heal to shift) and didn't have good leverage. I tried adjusting it, but moving it lower moved it out too far. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/14/17 at 07:00:32 After a little welding, some flapwheel and paint, I ended up with this. The shape gives me much more leverage and it hit's just above my big toe. Rode the bike to work today and shifting is improved 100% (because geometry is cool!) :) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/14/17 at 07:08:28 I probably could had just shortened the lever a half an inch and lowered it slightly, but the geometry of this lever will improves the direction of the leverage a good bit. I could make a custom lever and make it a little better but I like to keep it simple when I can. So I took it off, notched it until I got the desired results, and welded it up. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/15/17 at 06:43:46 Nice solution. Just looking at the original it's easy to see it needs a backwards motion to properly articulate. The new lever has a proper up/down motion. Some some real clean welding too. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 05/16/17 at 09:22:46 I needed a front fender to keep me from being trashed by time I get to work so I got one from a GR650. Drilled a few holes and it fits pretty well. Thinking I might go full on 70s UJM and have the rear fender chromed to match. Still have to finish those side panels too. :) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Kenny G on 05/16/17 at 09:40:46 Every time you post a pic your bike looks better. It looks really good to me.... Kenny G :-/ |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/05/17 at 08:31:24 Side Panel |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 07/05/17 at 09:01:59 The panel looks great. What's next? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/05/17 at 09:44:19 Nothing for now. Just keep riding it to work. Put 1,600 miles on it so far this summer and enjoying it very much. Come winter, I thinking I'll chrome the rear fender to match the front. I'll probably have all of my fab parts and stock side covers powder coated to match the frame. I might pull the dents out of the tank and possibly paint it, but I'll probably leave the tank as is because I like it. I still might remove the stock airbox and battery box and do a pod filter. I think that will be the biggest decision I make. Keep it "standard" or add a little rat/brat flavor to it? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by snels516 on 07/09/17 at 06:21:19 Ohio, I might have missed it but where did you source your spokes from? I want to go to an 18" wheel as well and now that I see there is an option for less than half of Rycas wheel I will be doing it much sooner. So thank you for that. The bike looks great! I actually have a GT 185 tank in the mail as we speak and will be doing a similar build. (I had ordered it before I actually found your thread but I'm glad I did). |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/12/17 at 09:38:43 I got the spokes from Mike's. I called Buchanan's and the rear spokes for the XS are nearly identical to that of the savage. The GT185 tank is a pretty easy deal if you are doing a rear subframe and it goes well with the width of the engine. I think you'll like it. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by snels516 on 07/12/17 at 11:33:54 thanks Ohio. Just had to drill the holes out a bit? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/12/17 at 12:05:25 Yep. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/27/17 at 08:10:58 Got 2,000 problem free miles on this thing so far this summer and enjoying it very much. I have a friend that has been running a vintage bike night for years. I may show up this week. :) Here she sits awaiting our 6:00 am commute! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 07/27/17 at 10:54:41 I smile every time I see that bike. It's so perfect...a vintage bike that NEVER existed. I'm finishing the initial build on my DRZ Tracker tomorrow. What will be next???? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/27/17 at 11:14:44 Thanks Gary. I still smile when I see it too. Ha, ha. I started with more of a bratty scrambler idea and ended up with this and I love it. This has been one of my favorite projects I've ever done. (I don't do tons of them, but I've gotten my hands dirty more than a few times.) What's next? For who? Ha, ha... You did a perfect Cafe and have a cool DRZ moving along. Not sure what you do from here. Maybe build airplanes? ;) For me, I'm not doing anything. Well, I say that, yet I find myself looking at bikes on craigslist everyday. Maybe I'll get sucked into another project too. :) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 07/27/17 at 13:10:30 There always another project. Funny, I look at craig's everyday too. Here's what I've been kicking around for a next project... KTM came to the United States as an import through Penton. In fact, KTM didn't even make motorcycles at the time (mopeds & bicycles), but John Penton promised them distribution in the US. The partnership resulted in a line of great motorcycles in the 1960's & 70's and now, probably the best and most innovative motorcycle company on the planet today. I was thinking for a next project to do what I did with my DRZ (modern bike wearing clothes from the 1970's) as a Penton / KTM mashup. Maybe a 1972 Penton 125cc Sixday and a KTM 450 EXC-F Six Day. Seems like a natural. Like "That 70's Show LS650" and my DRZ Tracker, it's a classic bike that never existed. I kind of like that twist on a custom. Although your bike has a look to it where people probably knock themselves out trying to figure out what it is. Have you heard this one yet..."Oh, yeah, I owned one of those back in the 70's" - because I had a guy swear to me that he owned my cafe racer "back in the day" (he was trying to impress the woman he was with, so I didn't rat him out). |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dave on 07/27/17 at 13:32:46 Yep, the 70's show has turned out great. Part of the "cool" is the tank and rear fender make it believable as an old bike....it looks the part. (Sure would be nice if you could find a front fender that matches the vintage scheme a bit better and wasn't so shiny). My "next" project is very similar to this bike - but will be more of a "standard" look if I can pull it off. I intend to set it up in a way that it can have luggage when needed, and can be used on long rides. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 07/27/17 at 15:09:44 It just looks so period correct ! 1970s all the way. Great build , very unique and one off that's for sure ! Suzuki should be jealous ! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/28/17 at 06:30:07 Thanks guys. I appreciate the complements. I do have a slight fender dilemma. The paint on the rear fender and the tank don't exactly match, but they work fine together because they both show their age. But there is no way I can paint the front fender to match. So I would have to paint both fenders and the tank. But I'm not sure I want to paint the tank. I could paint both fenders something close to the tank, but then they will look freshly painted compared to the weathered tank. I'm leaning towards chroming the rear fender to match the front. Then my tank matches perfectly whether I paint it or not. Any thoughts on this? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/28/17 at 06:49:13 42484C464D444049171115250 wrote:
No one has said they owned a GT650 "back in the day" yet, but I do get a lot of complements and people trying to figure out what it is. I love the KTM/Penton idea. I'm not far from Amherst where KTM USA is located and John Penton grew up. Mark Hyde (super nice guy!) from KTM raced a few events at my now defunct motocross track a few years back and we worked together at Mid Ohio running motocross races for them a couple of years. If you dig into that project, I can reach out and find out if they have any resources available, but you'll probably have to source parts from swap meets and eBay. We also have one of the largest vintage swap meets and motorcycle races in the nation during the vintage motorcycle days at Mid Ohio every summer. Oddly, I've never gone to one, but I have a friend who sells a lot down there. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 07/28/17 at 06:52:15 Look at other period street bikes , most both fenders are chrome. That rear fender looks to be from a Honda enduro of the day. You could rattle can rear with that chrome paint and stand a good distance away and see what it looks like. I say chrome it. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 07/28/17 at 06:54:45 You mean like this one? :) http://https://farm1.static.flickr.com/711/32413862021_80c2840e91_b.jpg |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 07/28/17 at 10:09:07 Yup , I think that's the look you want. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 07/28/17 at 10:17:11 That will keep people scratching their heads ! On my tracker I took off all identifying markings even ground off & polished main case where it said Suzuki , only a tiny sticker that says progressive on the shocks. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by snels516 on 09/10/17 at 09:51:31 Anyone that has an old GT, does it look like one of the old spoked GT wheels will swap assuming one converts to chain drive? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by NMSavage on 11/25/17 at 16:41:21 Ohio...fabulous!!! I know I'm resurrecting an old thread...but Dude you did it so RIGHT. Thanks for sharing all the source and build info. I am bound to try this kind of build as I am sold on the 70s and/or British look. A Savage is the perfect place to start...and Brother...you did it absolutely GREAT!! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 11/25/17 at 19:42:43 Thank you and everyone else for the complements and encouragement. I'm very pleased with the way everything came together. I didn't start with a set vision. It sort of took shape based on the parts I found. It was just meant to be this way I guess. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Christof13T on 11/26/17 at 10:24:18 I'm not a fan of any of the 70's style bikes... With that said... Yours looks amazing! It looks like it could have rolled off the line like it sits. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by NMSavage on 11/26/17 at 19:30:37 Ohio...if I could only snap my fingers and apply your mojo to my Savage...I'd be snappin'. However it came to you through parts, dreams, ideas, goals, inspiration, forum motivation,or happenstance...you got it ALL right in MHO. Sweet!! And Righteous!!! * |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by renzo ramone on 12/02/17 at 21:29:15 cool name for your bike, it looks awesome... |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by IslandRoad on 12/02/17 at 22:05:52 Good lord! I can't wait to see it when the rear fender is chromed! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dave on 12/03/17 at 18:50:25 Both fenders being silver paint was also somewhat common on the "enduro" bikes of the period. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by snels516 on 01/16/18 at 07:24:54 Ohio, any chance you’ll start making some mid control brackets for sale? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 01/17/18 at 10:14:00 627F747D62242027110 wrote:
There is very small chance in hell that I'll make mid controls for sale. Maybe if I were retired. :) It's a lot of work to hand cut, grind and drill the parts, and I borrowed my buddy's welder. Plus, I made the brackets to fit the parts I found. You might find different parts. I would recommend using Rycas rear set adapter and then make some plates to accommodate the mid controls you end up with. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by snels516 on 01/17/18 at 11:14:18 So you’re saying there’s a chance! I can tinker but I don’t have the tools or experience to fabricate parts. Even if I started with an incredibly expensive Ryca part I don’t know that I would have that ability. Which is why I’m asking a stranger on the internet if he will do it. Haha |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/20/18 at 19:10:09 Mother nature is messing with my ski season. It was so warm here today That my car said it was in the mid 70s today which meant I was putting the Show on the road today. (See what I did there?! :)) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Matchless G11 on 02/22/18 at 17:38:42 Hi Ohiomoto Great build I am looking to do a similar build, I have a ryca conversion so a bit of the hard work is already done. I will be using a Benelli Riverside tank, not the Mojave, (It already has that) I I might look into using Xs 650 foot pegs to make it mid controls. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 02/23/18 at 05:26:47 Thank you. I have been really happy with the way the mid-controls came out. I recommend it. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by faffi on 07/07/18 at 12:51:02 Very good looking bike 8-) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 11/11/18 at 06:23:30 Well, it seems as though my second full season of riding since the "completion" of this build is about wrapped up. The bike has been really solid so far. Mainly just basic maintenance stuff. I'm on my second set of front brake pads, second rear tire, second mini speedometer, I adjusted the valves and finally got around to installing my Varsey chain tensioner. As we go into winter, I have a few "plans" for the bike, but to be honest, I'll probably do what I did last winter. Which is nothing! I'm not super motivated to do anything on the bike. Partly because I'm really pleased with it as it is. But also, I would rather spend my time riding it, or my bicycles, golfing, skiing, or hanging out with the family. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by playhard67 on 11/14/18 at 16:21:00 The bike looks great. Thanks for the detailed thread. Do you have a full pic with the silver front and rear fenders? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 11/15/18 at 20:23:21 Nope. I never did the rear fender, so there is no picture. :) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Tattooed hooligan on 11/16/18 at 07:11:00 This bike is gorgeous! I was leaning towards more dirtbike/scrambler but the vintage style you incorporated is making me think more of this style. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/23/19 at 06:44:53 Finally got the show on the road for the season and it's a much better ride. I had Gordy's Goodworks remove 2" the fork tubes. This allows me to remove the RYCA style spacer I had been running and returns the forks to full travel. I still have stiffer springs, but I'm running much less oil. The ride is fantastic. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/23/19 at 06:46:07 The finished product retains the same stance as before. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/23/19 at 09:15:29 484F4E484A485348270 wrote:
Emmm...you sure about that? You can only remove 38mm (1-1/2") of fork tube. After that you run the risk of the slider making contact with the bottom triple clamp. What you have is 13mm of potential interference. I say potential because if the bike is properly sprung and dampened, you should only use 90% of available fork travel during normal operations (hard braking / big bumps). However it is during unexpected operations where you might find yourself picking the bike off the ground (or worse). If you come to a situation where you need that last 1/2" of travel, your slider IS going to make contact with the lower triple clamp - bottoming out the suspension - which could create a situation where the bike is suddenly uncontrollable. It's an "edge of the envelope" situation, but it now exists. There is a difference between running out of travel (it's jarring) and hammering the bottom of the triple clamp. Hammering the bottom of the triple clamp forces the bike into an up motion which can exceed the rebound of the suspension. At this point the front wheel looses contact with the ground. If this happens during a turn, you'll be on the ground. I'd put a 1/2" spacer back into the suspension. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/23/19 at 09:43:09 252F2B212A23272E707672420 wrote:
Emmm...you sure about that? You can only remove 38mm (1-1/2") of fork tube. After that you run the risk of the slider making contact with the bottom triple clamp. What you have is 13mm of potential interference. I say potential because if the bike is properly sprung and dampened, you should only use 90% of available fork travel during normal operations (hard braking / big bumps). However it is during unexpected operations where you might find yourself picking the bike off the ground (or worse). If you come to a situation where you need that last 1/2" of travel, your slider IS going to make contact with the lower triple clamp - bottoming out the suspension - which could create a situation where the bike is suddenly uncontrollable. It's an "edge of the envelope" situation, but it now exists. There is a difference between running out of travel (it's jarring) and hammering the bottom of the triple clamp. Hammering the bottom of the triple clamp forces the bike into an up motion which can exceed the rebound of the suspension. At this point the front wheel looses contact with the ground. If this happens during a turn, you'll be on the ground. I'd put a 1/2" spacer back into the suspension. [/quote]------------------------------------ :-? :-? Where did you get the 38mm figure? I'd swear measured more than 2" with the springs removed and the forks bottomed out before I sent them out in January. I'll have to double check the clearance to be sure, but I thought I thunk this one through before I set the legs out. :-/ As for adding a 1/2 spacer back to the bottom of the fork...that will simply lower the fork and reduce travel by the same amount. It will do nothing to prevent the potential issue you mentioned. I just bring me a 1/2 closer to the collision you predict. The spacer is reducing the top of the range of travel, not the bottom. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/23/19 at 09:51:19 Unless I brain farted and measured the fender clearance instead of the triple clamp clearance??? Don't think I would have done that, but you seem to have a different number in mind and I don't remember exactly what I did. Oh boy. This could be embarrassing. :-[ I'll have to take the springs out and check it out. If I messed up I'll have to look into some bumpers for the bottom of the fork legs. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/23/19 at 11:11:18 I just went out and measured. With the front tire off the ground the distance from the slider to the t-clamp is 187mm. So with your modification you now have 137mm gap. Since travel is 127mm it would appear that you have a 10mm cushion. Sorry for the panic - I had another value stuck in my head. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/23/19 at 11:39:05 Thanks! That makes me feel better. I'll double check everything to confirm the mod is safe in case others want to look into it. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/25/19 at 06:02:21 I did a quick measurement and I have 141mm to top of the fork tube with the forks fully extended. Claimed travel on the bike is listed at 5.4" to 5.5" which is 135 mm to 140 mm, so I'm right there but my dust seals are not accounted for. Probably worth dropping the springs out just to confirm I have enough clearance, but I don't think it's going to be a problem. Where did you get the 127mm number from? That's 5" of travel which I have not seen listed for this bike. If that's the actual travel, then I've got this covered by a mile. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/25/19 at 08:38:35 The remaining travel of 13mm is from the top-out spring compression. It acts as a bumper. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/25/19 at 08:57:40 Perfect!! I can cut another 1/2" off then!! haha Sounds like I'm in good shape. I'll still take a look at some point to confirm, but I'm not worried at this point. Thanks for the info. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 08/09/19 at 10:30:27 Recently had a few minutes to pull the fork springs and check that my cut fork tubes won't bottom out against the lower triple clamp. It clears with just a few mm to spare and technically speaking you could remove the dust cover and go even lower. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by srinath on 11/28/19 at 07:51:30 That's a gorgeous build. I'll probably be mercilessly ripping off some of this. Thanks in advance. PS: Now that I have seen all the pics in this build thread, I had a couple of questions. How much clearance between the tank and fork leg at full lock ? The reason the savage handles so badly is the huge offset in the triples, mainly due to the fact fork legs have to clear the tank. When I made my cheater chopper, it had an extra 9 degrees of rake, almost extra foot of wheel base, but after all of that, it handled better than the stock savage, with far less steering effort and oddly more precise handling at all speeds. For a 342lb bike its steering effort is huge. My 550lb bolt is lighter steering. That's huge. If I could put a tank that's skinnier in front, I'd be able to slap those super long forks and get that 9 degree rake without machining up triples. Cool. Srinath. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 11/28/19 at 08:37:40 Yeah it's cool,I like the bobbers & cafes but this is the most original build I've seen , it's oozes with creativity. One of a kind ! We are lucking to have so many talented builder here at SS. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 12/01/19 at 06:47:11 siranth, Thank you for the complements. I have about 1-1/2" to 1-3/4" inches of clearance between the fork tube and tank, but there is only about 3/8" of clearance between the throat of the tunnel and the top triple clamp. The tunnel sits about 1-1/2" above the top of the frame, a little higher than the top bearing seal, so it could be lowered a touch, but the rear of the tank would rise up in the process due to frame interference. I could have done that, but it would have required me make the seat higher and due to the angle, the rear fender would have been much higher. I spent a lot of time trying to get the tank, seat and fender to look "right", so it's not something I would do with this build, but it would work great on any build without a rear fender (cafe, tracker, brat). |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by srinath on 12/01/19 at 06:53:31 797E7F797B796279160 wrote:
3/8th between parts that don't move much is fine, I think savage tank to fork leg clearance is pretty low too. Cool I'll look to those GT185 or a few others with a similar profile. I think there are some replicas on ebay fresh form china that are close copies. Cool. Srinath. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Edub on 01/08/20 at 22:07:20 Thank you for how thorough your build documentation has been, Ohiomoto! I read your thread while waiting for approval to join the forum, and your build is exactly why I'm here! What an incredible transformation. I really like what you've done. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 01/09/20 at 15:17:57 Cool, I hope you're able to put the info to good use. Most of what I did was pretty easy. KISS :) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Edub on 01/09/20 at 19:58:48 Words to live by! Thanks. The work looked relatively straightforward, as long as you take the time to plan things out carefully. I look forward to having the opportunity to test my skills on a full custom bike build like this. I've fabricated parts for my current bike, a '97 Yamaha Seca II, with the fairing deleted, Triumph headlight, etc. I've fabricated steel parts for architectural details, but nothing like this before. I have welding skills, but am far from an expert. Your "rearset" bracket is within my abilities, as well as your other brackets, etc, but I haven't done much wiring or carburetor tuning. I look forward to learning, on a bike that seems to be an ideal platform. Are you still finding that you're enjoying your bike? |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 01/10/20 at 19:29:07 I love it!!! I ride it to work almost every day during riding season. As long as it's not below 35-40 in the morning and it's near 50 or above in the afternoon or raining. It's fun to ride and requires very little maintenance. Suits my needs perfectly. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Edub on 01/10/20 at 23:03:50 Very cool, thank you. As it's almost never below 35 degrees and almost never rains in Phoenix, that sounds like a perfect plan for me! It'll probably be later this year before I'm in the market for my next bike, but I'll be starting to look for a good deal in early Fall. The advertised prices here seem pretty high, even for older ones, not sure why. What do you think would be an appropriate price range? Sorry for asking you so many questions, I am really interested, though! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by zipidachimp on 01/19/21 at 23:01:04 Saw this thread from page 1 "it has begun" and thought I would mention I bought an adjustable top tree from Spammy and dropped the front of the bike 30mm. Steering improvement is phenomenal. U-turns are a snap, twisties are easypeasy. Also, 12" shocks out back are a big help too. Plus, the shock travel isn't affected. Cheers! 8-) https://dcmotive.com/products |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/11/21 at 16:27:01 Had to replace my battery!! I ran it down 3 different times and it didn't rebound this last time. The little AG-801 is a beast and I got 3 or 4 years of solid use. I just left it in the bike the whole time. I had to jump it twice and I just let the bike charge it both times. I was able to bump start it this last time and it restarted after my first stop, but didn't have the juice to start the bike a few days later. My little lithium tender didn't bring it back either. A lot of lithium batteries can be saved with proper cell balancing. It's possible it could be saved with a $120 charger but I just put that money towards a new battery so I could ride. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/11/21 at 16:29:40 PIcture from today. Nothing has changed on this thing since I "finished" it. I'm pretty happy with the way is sits. There are a few little things I might get around to doing, but I'm pretty happy to just ride it. :) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 03/11/21 at 21:45:25 You said a mouthful , “just ride it” Looks great , a true classic , never get tired of seeing it A 70s Suzuki GT650 |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by DragBikeMike on 03/12/21 at 04:53:49 How cold is it in OH? Are you riding it already this season? I've always liked your setup. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/12/21 at 05:44:25 We've had a couple of low 60s days the past week which happened to fall on my work from home days so I just tooled around a bit. No commuting just yet. I had one day where I could have tried, but I wasn't sure how my battery fared after I killed it last Dec. Weird year. It was warm and rainy most of January but then we had a really good (but short) ski season and now it's warmed up decently. But, we'll probably be getting a slew of "40 deg with rain" days over the next 4-6 weeks. It will suck. haah |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dave on 03/12/21 at 09:15:24 Ohiomoto: We should try and find a day to get together this summer. I will be traveling up to Salem, Ohio frequently.....as we have moved my mother out of the family farm and I need to go up and get her stuff cleaned up. I travel up 71 to the Mansfield area and then head east on Rt. 30 through Canton. If you have some nice riding areas up that way.....we can spend a day riding! I will bring my bike up in the enclosed trailer - so I can go and stay overnight at any nearby campground. I grew up in Salem, OH....and even spent one fall/winter going to college in Akron. In 1979 I moved to Cincinnati and went to college at UC, then later moved to KY. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 03/13/21 at 04:51:14 There's some prime Amish country just south of 30. I ride my bicycle on a lot of gravel roads down that way but most of the main roads are paved. I never ride the motorcycle down there. I would be sick of riding by time I got there. Might need to put a hitch on the back of my van and tow it down there. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 11/17/21 at 16:10:05 0E09080E0C0E150E610 wrote:
Bump because we have a hitch! http://suzukisavage.com/yabb2.2/Attachments/PXL_20210719_121246295.jpg |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by TheSneeze on 11/17/21 at 21:58:37 Nice! Now you can really go places with it! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by edgwoodri on 01/01/22 at 10:57:09 Im looking to do a very similar project. Thanks for the wealth of info, especially the seat hoop ideas. 1A0520272D24283B22490 wrote:
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dave on 01/01/22 at 15:58:13 5F58595F5D5F445F300 wrote:
Bump because we have a hitch! [/quote] It appears you are now qualified to go on one of our group rides in TN/NC! :D Or at a minimum.....you can go south and I can go north and we can find some good riding somewhere in the middle of Ohio. Maybe the farm country east of Columbus. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 01/02/22 at 19:33:50 Dave, I'm not qualified. I get sick of riding in less than an hour!! haha But I do have a hitch and a recent move cut my commute in half. Maybe I'll be more motivated for some joy rides. :) edgwoodri, I'm glad you found some useful ideas. I stole most of them from people who posted on here before me (like Dave and many others). Unfortunately, most of the pictures in the build threads were lost. Good luck with your build. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Edub on 01/08/22 at 14:56:20 So happy to see you’re still enjoying your build, one of my favorites on here! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dan P on 01/23/22 at 07:47:39 Ohiomoto, How did you attach your side panels to the frame ? Is that a stock seat from a ? Thank you |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 01/23/22 at 19:08:10 The seat is an aftermarket SR400/500 seat. The side panel mounts are just a couple of threaded tabs welded to the subframe. http://suzukisavage.com/yabb2.2/Attachments/IMG_20170309_215138643.jpg |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dan P on 01/24/22 at 07:23:08 Thank you ! :) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by TheSneeze on 01/24/22 at 08:55:38 Look at you - up to 5 posts already! Dan really needs to start a build thread and get with the program! ;D Dan and I met over this forum, we are both modifying a Savage and we live in the same valley (go figure!). It's nice having two builds going at once so we can bounce ideas off one another and give each other a hand when needed. We just need to get Dan a bit more computer comfortable so everyone can appreciate his build! ;) |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Dan P on 01/24/22 at 14:36:40 Thanks Steve, I'm sure in time you'll get me more computer savvy . Glad we were able to meet through this great forum. I'm playing catch up with you , so we can ride together this year. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gus on 06/15/23 at 11:42:34 Very nicely done Moto. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Ruttly on 06/16/23 at 07:51:08 Moto has the custom I really want to ride , it’s so low and so unique.I really like the anti cookie cutter builds. And he built it and didn’t sell it , that in itself says he did great job. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Gus on 06/16/23 at 15:37:52 654243435B4E370 wrote:
No doubt! |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by Monkylove on 04/01/24 at 07:34:40 I know the last post on this thread was several months ago, so maybe I'm asking into the void, but what length spokes to do the Mike's XS 18'' rear wheel conversion take? I bought the 18'' rim from them and the spoke kit for it, assuming that that was correct, but they are too long. |
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Title: Re: That 70's Show - 96 LS650 Build Post by ohiomoto on 04/12/24 at 09:29:52 I don't know how long the spokes are but the rear spoke kit for the rear wheel worked for me. You can try calling Buchanan's Spoke & Rim. They can tell the you the spoke lengths they use for an 18" rim on the XS650 and the LS650 (they are withing a mm or two). |
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