I have seen a few frames built from scratch, and some modified stock frames. However, what I would love to do, is to fit a Savage engine to a GS400 frame. Why? Because it would give better geometry, much better handling, and (to my eyes, so highly subjective) better looks. With a bit wider rims and tyres, better suspension and brakes, one could end up with a very unique backroad scorcher. And the two in question are also nearly identical from rear axle to swingarm pivot to steering head, meaning the marriage should be doable with one a lower cradle to house the taller engine.

Serowbot wrote on 07/08/18 at 13:17:14:



AMEN !

Hm, I wrote a reply yesterday, but must have done something wrong.

Point was that the LS and GS seems to have nearly the same distance from rear axle to swingarm pivot to frame head, the 4 inch difference in wheelbase stemming from the extra rake of the LS. So yes, it would demand welding and other bits, but it should not demand very high skills. I think

I have entertained thoughts of putting a GS500 engine in my beloved Savage frame , but would want to keep the belt drive.   The GS500 has about 45HP.    But now my V-7 has 53HP so …  


Show pictures when ya start .  

Would it be easier to re-work the Savage frame ?  

If it works, rip it apart and find out why  

The LS engine isn't miles taller than the 400 twin. Taller, yes, but watching pictures to scale side by side that seems manageable. By keeping the LS swingarm and bottom of the frame, belt alignments should be retained. Or one could go to a chain final drive.

The best solution for such an amalgam would be to start out with two complete bikes. My current daily rider is a 1982 XV750 Virago with an 1100 Virago engine. I bought a complete running 1100 so that I also got the carbs and electrical system. It should have been a fairly simple job, but turned out to pretty involved. Well worth it, though, for the extra grunt and taller gearing.

I recently got the lower half of a LS frame and in a couple years after all the other projects are done it will be become a Yamazuki SR695. It will be a tuff project getting that bigas$ 650 into a SR500 frame , getting it all under the tank and chain alignment is essential after that it's many many hours of fitting and wiring. But it will be one cool thumper when it's done. In the meanwhile I will keep collecting parts , mainly the exhaust I have most everything but the engine and the electrics. Should weight in at 400 lbs , stock SR is 381 lbs , wanting the rest of the bike to look as stock as possible. Suzuha just doesn't sound right !