Katana 750 + GS550E

[scott s]

I'm back!! I got locked out for quite a while after the forum upgrade and was finally able to get through to a webmaster and get access again. I had a thread going here about my project. It was lost in the forum upgrade, unfortunately.
I have a 1980 GS550E that I bought for $100 and, for the last 18 months or so, have slowly been swapping in the running gear and suspension from a '00 Katana 750.

I'll try to start from the beginning, so bear with me while I get back up to date.


(Well, apparently not all the bugs are out...I can't post pics or add attachments)

[Kreylyn]

I'm back!! I got locked out for quite a while after the forum upgrade and was finally able to get through to a webmaster and get access again. I had a thread going here about my project. It was lost in the forum upgrade, unfortunately.
I have a 1980 GS550E that I bought for $100 and, for the last 18 months or so, have slowly been swapping in the running gear and suspension from a '00 Katana 750.

I'll try to start from the beginning, so bear with me while I get back up to date.


(Well, apparently not all the bugs are out...I can't post pics or add attachments)

Currently for pics, you will need to load them to an external server, and you can then link them here with the advanced editor option (click the A in upper right of posting box, then pick the image tab).

Sorry about the lost data for some posts, unfortunately the loss was a result of a server crash, and the data was lost due to it. While recovering, it was decided to upgrade the forum to a more supported version, but as with any upgrade, we are still working out the performance of the update.

Krey

[scott s]

The GS550 donor

[scott s]

The donor bikes; a 1980 GS550E and a 2000 Katana 750.

I have *GOT* to find a better pic hosting service.

[scott s]

Here's a test for a new way to share pics.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rj5SNzZarW3BV4p9A

[ZukiFred]

Here's a test for a new way to share pics.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rj5SNzZarW3BV4p9A

Oh, porn. She is naked..

[Kreylyn]

Imgur.com for hosting pics. Their mobile app makes loading pics real easy.

Krey

[scott s]

Imgur.com for hosting pics. Their mobile app makes loading pics real easy.

Krey

Does imgur just use the link or can you insert pics?

[scott s]

(testing imgur)

This is an abbreviated version of the build. I have plenty of pics, but just trying to get caught up here, since everything was lost in the upgrade.

I had new engine hangers made to fit the GSX750F engine into the 550 frame. The aluminum front spacers were later replaced with Delrin.

[scott s]

Converted the swing arm to dual shocks, using ZRX1100 shocks.

[scott s]

Picked up a Yoshimura exhaust and welded on a hanger.

[scott s]

Rick at OldSkool carbs rebuilt the carbs. I went with BST-36 carbs from a '96 model. Supposedly, these are a little more forgiving for tuning. I won't be able to run an air box on this swap. Yes...I've read all the horror stories about pods, etc. But, I'm stuck with this.
Talking with some of the guys in England that have done similar swaps successfully, I found some Bandit 1200 manifolds and rubber velocity stacks. Those will go inside RamAir filters. These are dual throat filters and I can incorporate the velocity stacks. I know I'll have some tuning ahead of me.

[scott s]

Forks were rebuilt and paint detailed. New brake pads installed and braided stainless hoses made. I used a GSX1000 fender for the front.

[scott s]

I used a GSX600 top triple, Katana 750 lower triple and new tapered bearings. I drilled the top for bar risers (Bandit, I think). The dash is from a Bandit 400. It's supposed to be nearly plug and play with only one or two wires to move around. I installed a speedo drive on the front wheel. Waiting on the speedo cable, but I'm 95% sure the Bandit 1200 will be long enough.
Used the throttle and choke cable for the '96 carbs, '00 clutch cable.
Renthal bars and ProGrip 714 grips.

[scott s]

And this is pretty much how she sits today. Having the front fender painted, as it has to go on before the front wheel. After that, I'll bleed the front brakes. Rear brakes were bled this week.