Hello All, I'm Brian from Phoenix, AZ. I recently bought an 82 CB550l. It is completely original with the chrome fenders, mag wheels, etc... I plan on taking few parts off and saving them as they are all in almost perfect condition. I'll be riding this back and forth to work and maybe around town from time to time.Currently the stock handle bars are too far back and feel awkward. The seat has this short back and makes me sit too far forward over the foot pegs. (see link below for a picture that is exactly the same as what I have)
http://www.cyclechaos.com/images/th...jpg/640px-1982-Suzuki-GS550L-Maroon-459-0.jpg
I have a couple ideas I would like to share and see what my possibilities are. First, i love the bobber look with the full suspension. I don't want to make the frame rigid as my back would not take the hard ride. I'd like to go to wire wheels with the same size tires on the front and back, short fenders, different handler bars and a solo seat. I need to sit almost straight up and want to find some handlebar suggestions that might accommodate that. Below are the things I would like to do in a list:
1. Change the rear brake to disk. Suggestions on where I can buy a kit or new parts that would bolt on. If I have to buy something used, please let me know what model and year bike I can get it from.
2. Mount a solo seat and springs. Is there a mounting kit that would provide all the mount points to set a seat in place or a bracket kit?
3a. One option I like is wire wheels, but I want the front and back to be the same diameter and use taller white wall tires. I really want to get new wire wheels. Anybody know a set that will just bolt on after I have the tires mounted and use disks in both front and back?
3b. Other wheel option i like is using newer mag wheels and have them polished or chromed. Maybe something like the style of a new gsxr600. Not sure what model bike I should look for to get these wheels and if the brake disks will line up.
I have some good mechanical ability, but it's mostly in building automation for manufacturing. I can handle some grinding, cutting, etc..., but I don't have access to welders or milling machines.
Thank you in advance to all who help me. I will be truly grateful for the wisdom you share. For those who offer nothing but smart a$$ comments, I will just ignore them. I'm not here to amuse myself or you. I just hope to find some guidance and help with making this bike my own.
Cheers,
Brian
PS. I saw this image and like the wire wheels and rear wide whitewall tire.
http://www.kingbirdmotoring.com/GS550/images/07202004/left_view.jpg
http://www.cyclechaos.com/images/th...jpg/640px-1982-Suzuki-GS550L-Maroon-459-0.jpg
I have a couple ideas I would like to share and see what my possibilities are. First, i love the bobber look with the full suspension. I don't want to make the frame rigid as my back would not take the hard ride. I'd like to go to wire wheels with the same size tires on the front and back, short fenders, different handler bars and a solo seat. I need to sit almost straight up and want to find some handlebar suggestions that might accommodate that. Below are the things I would like to do in a list:
1. Change the rear brake to disk. Suggestions on where I can buy a kit or new parts that would bolt on. If I have to buy something used, please let me know what model and year bike I can get it from.
2. Mount a solo seat and springs. Is there a mounting kit that would provide all the mount points to set a seat in place or a bracket kit?
3a. One option I like is wire wheels, but I want the front and back to be the same diameter and use taller white wall tires. I really want to get new wire wheels. Anybody know a set that will just bolt on after I have the tires mounted and use disks in both front and back?
3b. Other wheel option i like is using newer mag wheels and have them polished or chromed. Maybe something like the style of a new gsxr600. Not sure what model bike I should look for to get these wheels and if the brake disks will line up.
I have some good mechanical ability, but it's mostly in building automation for manufacturing. I can handle some grinding, cutting, etc..., but I don't have access to welders or milling machines.
Thank you in advance to all who help me. I will be truly grateful for the wisdom you share. For those who offer nothing but smart a$$ comments, I will just ignore them. I'm not here to amuse myself or you. I just hope to find some guidance and help with making this bike my own.
Cheers,
Brian
PS. I saw this image and like the wire wheels and rear wide whitewall tire.
http://www.kingbirdmotoring.com/GS550/images/07202004/left_view.jpg