My bike, Mike (1981 GSX 450)

[Shiny Things]

I woke up not quite 2 months ago and said to my hubby "I want to start building a fighter. Now." Hubby (80s freak) was rather pleased about this, especially once he saw me frantically scanning eBay for an affordable (i.e. dirt cheap) LAMS bike, since I don't even have my learners permit - and still don't.

What I ended up with was a 1981 GS 450, purchased from Oldskool. Some of you may remember this bike, you had made the following offers for this little beauty in the past:
Scotty: 6 pack of beam cans?????
Latheboy: Thats a good offer, i would have started with a 6 pack of VB.
Kevkatana: And a pack of whinnie reds
Just remember fellas, this is now my pride & joy now so show a little respect! :D

After inspecting the poor dusty, cobwebbed bike at Dylan's, the hubby advised it was a sound little bike so I decided what the hell, itll do, even though it was older than I had planned on originally getting. While riding home pillion, it gave me half an hour to come up with a plan since I didn't have the option of nagging, being muffled up in a helmet & all ;) By the time we got home, the finished product had sprung, fully formed, into my mind. And here was the inspiration behind it:
http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278888246.jpg


Mike the bike, named for Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc was born. Now... I just have to build him!

As you have probably guessed, I know nothing about bike building so this is an apprenticeship of sorts, under the able guidance of 80s freak. It's going to be a pretty boring thread to start with as Mike is going to be stripped back & put to standard for roadworthy & registration. After that...the real fun can begin :D

[RevHead]

pictures i need pictures hhhmmmm

[Shiny Things]

Mike was in a seemingly sorry state when first collected. Here he is, outside TK's place, with 80s freak trying to see through the dirt lol:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278892146.jpg


http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278869705.jpg


Who the hell decided that a rear mudflap that looks like a huge flapping tongue looks good?

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278937436.jpg


Despite appearances, I had a plan & was really happy with it. Then TK pulls out a gorgeous tank, drops it onto the frame & suggests a cafe racer. My confidence in my choices evaporated. Bastard! Lol. I decided to stick with what I had planned anyway.

My list of things to do includes:
- strip off the rear brakelight & fist-sized blinkers & replace them with small LED units. This will leave the tail looking much smaller & quite sharp.
- drag bars.
- replace the huuuge original dash cluster with a digital unit.
- replace the original single headlight with something smaller & very modern. I described the shape & style I wanted to the freak. He then rummaged around under his workbench & pulled out the headlight off a GRX-R 1000 K8. It was exactly what I wanted. (Baby, you rock!)
- get rid of the front blinkers. Apparently the new headlight can incorporate the blinkers into the sides of the light. If that doesn't work, LED ones will be fine.
- after repairing the dings in the fuel tank, fitting a flush filler cap.
- get rid of the side covers.
- replace the airbox with pod filters.
- move the battery into the duck tail.
- relocate the fuse box under the seat.
- decent foot rests, because the originals are monkey-butt ugly
- smaller (much louder!) can
- eventually, when I have the dollars & the right parts come along, USD forks & a banana-shaped rear swingarm off a post-91 RGV 250.

Apparently, the changes to the exhaust system & pod filters should take it from about 30 bhp to a massive - wait for it - 35 bhp. Watch out!! :D

After a bit of searching online, I was pleased to find a pic from a guy in Canada who had started to mod the rear of his GS 450 in the same way I plan, and it looks pretty good:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278913297.jpg


The cosmetic bits will be satin black engine, wheels, frame, etc etc. Only the body work will be coloured, the green of the current Mazda 3. Will add green spark leads, green reflective rim stickers & polished stainless engine bolts for contrast. I will eventually get Mike from Monsters, Inc airbrushed on the tank.

The seat is off to Sydney to kev@vcm for a complete makeover. Going for black & carbon fibre with green piping & the Monsters, Inc logo "We Scare Because We Care" embroidered on it. Should look great when it's done.

[KATO ZX7]

Mike is going to look awsome!!

Proud of ya shiny!

[Shiny Things]

So, my apprenticeship began with getting Mike to actually work. But only after sitting on the bike, making brum! brum! noises & grinning like the idiot I am, of course.

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278881425.jpg



First job, taking out the carbs, stripping them down & cleaning them. I also learned which end of a spanner to use :D

Carbs in bits:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278856990.jpg


Fortunately, since I work at a bloody massive scientific/medical supplies company with an equally massive, comprehensively equiped service department, I have access to a very large ultrasonic bath. A day spent marinating in it had the carbs sparkling, so they got put back together, re-installed & then Mikey fired up instantly. Yay! I then learned how to balance the carbs & tune an engine. Easy, on an old & simple one like Mike's.

After that we (I really needed freak's muscles for this, though I had to do the spanner work) removed the engine for media blasting. At 30 years of age there is plenty of corrosion to remove. Thanks to the wet weather, this is being done as weather permits.

Mike, looking very naked indeed with his guts yanked out. (Freak's GSX 1100 looking big & muscular in the background.)

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278881795.jpg


The engine, degreased, power washed & ready for media blasting:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278906080.jpg


As I said, thanks to uncooperative weather, the engine finishing is ongoing. Being an eager newby, I have my shiny new engine bolt set sitting on my desk, to fondle while I'm on the computer ;)

Next job was replacing the fork seals. Messy in parts, but not too hard. Of course sprayed the fork legs while they were out.

[Shiny Things]

quote:Originally posted by KATO ZX7

Mike is going to look awsome!!
Proud of ya shiny!


Thanks Kato! I'm getting writers cramp from typing, if that makes any sense?

When are you due to produce the next generation of fighter fanatic? Must be getting very close.

[sharky]

good on ya Shiny...
Best tip I had was when you take something off/apart always try to put it back on looking better.
As ya shopping list grows post it up...most of us have heaps of crap in boxes...
What about an XR 750 tail unit
?

[KATO ZX7]

If not before, the big day will be next Tuesday morning (20th July)


OMFG!

[Shiny Things]

At the moment, it's mostly cosmetic work to get Mike back on the road, nice & legal. Hey, it's gotta look right on paper!

I was keen as mustard to get the new front & back ends, then reality (and poverty) slapped me up the side of the head & told me to be sensible. So I'll pretty Mike up a bit but leave the current rolling gear in. That way I can get in some riding experience & Mike'll look half decent at AFR 2011 even if he's only half finished. At least, after it's rego'd, I can start customising the tail & install the new dash & headlight, so he won't look too out of place around the real fighters lol.

I've been keeping myself occupied with learning about prepping body work. Found a nice metallic green similar to the final paint colour I want, available in pressure pack from a local auto supplies store. It will do nicely for an interim colour.

The front mudguard had been cracked & repaired at one point. After I had sanded back the paint I found the crack needed filling. So I was introduced to the joys of spray putty & wet sanding. What a thrill.

Getting close to done:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278852220.jpg


After 3 (or 4?) putty'n'sanding rounds, it was good to go. Primed it, sanded yet again, added a few coats of silver then finally the green went on:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278870545.jpg


Now I only have to do this for the seat side strips, duck tail & fuel tank. Suspect I'll be sanding in my dreams.

Also had a quick dummy fit of the headlight & it looked good (suck on that TK!!!). Photo doesn't do it justice, but suffice to say all the lines matched up nicely. With this headlight, Mike'll look small, lean & green, kind of like a praying mantis, once he's done:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278943425.jpg

[Shiny Things]

Kato, I'll be keeping an eye on the calender & wishing you well. You are a braver woman that I!

Thanks Sharky, it's something I'm trying to do. Mike has been a pleasure to work with. He is a genuine 1 previous owner bike (Olkskool never had it on the road) with records of his full service & rego history & low miles. So far every surprise has been a good one. I actually like the body work. Yes, it's narrow & angular, and the crap hanging off the tail is awful. But once that gets replaced with LED lights I think it's going to look good.

[Shiny Things]

My keychain. Of course!



http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278867099.jpg

[wackyrider]

Looking good

[slipon]

looking nice Shiny :)

keep up the good work ..

and yea i also dreem about wet sanding .. Ooh well atlest its a wet dreem :D

thanks God I only need to paint my front fender and Im done .. well and engin covers .. but not much wet sanding ther .. I hope :D


and its summer here now .. like 30 degress :D and sunn .. so cant let the bike alone .. want to driv all the time :D

lets see have a 3 days camping trip pland with a friend tomorrow .. some fishing .. babarcueing and a lot of random driving :D

after that ill see to it .. (still waiting for my new suzuki logs for it aswell .. so no point in removeing them and painting them now when I dont have the Logos .. will look nice Im sure .. original ... "looking" atlest for only 8 € a pice


and yea I also have writing cramps :D guess Im bit of a spammer to ;)


about size of engin and HP ..
well I actualy thinks them 30-35 will be fine .. I mean after all it is a streetfighter .. right ?

in my world (might be wrong here ? dont care tho) its made for .. dahhh the streets .. no need for +150 HP and a top speed of 300 kmh.(let them RR Ppl. keep that)

I mean Ppl. cant do 300 in the city/streets anyway and and ther is no point in doing so much work and haveing sutch a nice looking bike if nobody have time to watch it and admire it :D

crusing around with 50 -120 kmh is enoug for me (tho my lil suzi can do close to 185 on the clock) Im in no hurry ..

actualy if you ask me .. its much more funn driving etc. on a forrest road with a lot of curves with 80 -120 kmh then going strait out on the high way with 250+ haveing a nice trust at low and middel rpms is much more funn for me .. acctualy thinking about going down from a 16 toot spork at front to a 15 or maybe even 14 (have em at hand)

just to get more funn in the lights and maybe even be able to lift the front from the road and not just feel its getting lighter :D


also 2 cylenders for a streetfighter rocks ! if you ask me 1 could also be nice .. 4 more sounds like them RR guys I was talking about ;)

so dont listent to Ppl. who tell you otherwise .. that 450 gs is fine enough .. atlest for a start .. as you said .. some rider experiance dont hurt either .. dont want to end up like all them stories about 21 years old newbies who got a 1000 RR and died 2 hrs after they got ther licend ..

[Gitzy]

I think Mike's going to be very entertaining to watch transform, nice one Shiny..

[latheboy]

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1278943425.jpg


Are you going to have the headlights pointing in your face seeing as the clocks are at the front?

Good work young lass, It'll be worth much more than my first offer when finished:D

I should have a Bike Dyno on the floor in about a month so you can bring it over and we'll spin it up.

[TurboKat]

The headlight is poo. ;)

[Fight_fan]

Thats a nice little project! Cool to see the both of ya gettin stuck into it!

[RevHead]

if u want any bits im updating a 400f 81 model ive got the whole rolling front end twin disc,s etc,

[Shiny Things]

Replies galore!

Slipon, what is it with guys & wet dreams?! Lol. As for the mighty 30 horses, a more powerful bike would be worse than useless to me as there are restrictions on the power-to-weight ratios of bikes for learner & probationary riders in AQustralia. Not a bad thing in my case since I'm chronically clumsy. Let's just say that I'll be fitting crash bars over the engine to deal with any little slip ups... Also sounds like you're making the most of the summer :)

Ivan, you'll be begging to give me TWO slabs of Johnny in exchange for Mike when I'm done! p.s. Has Jen got her learners yet? I hope so, we were both planning on it in January...but I'm still stuck in boxes with 4 wheels.

TK: poo right back at you, Barry!

Pete: thanks for the offer, but those are the bits I'll eventually be getting rid of. I even have a new home lined up for them as they become available as a friend is fixing his ratty old same-generation GS 250

Fight fan, ta mate! Geoff is too busy working on his 1100 to do the work for me. Besides I want to learn. Why have a fighter unless I build it myself? Must say Geoffreak is a patient teacher. He must have been around some really shit apprentices if he thinks I'm doing well!

[80s freak]

She really is a good apprentice, honest.

[ALBI]

well good on ya for getting in and having a go!!
now can ya have a yarn to me misus !!

[latheboy]

quote:Originally posted by 80s freak

She really is a good apprentice, honest.


Good boy, you just keep that up and you'll be fine:D

Jen hasn't done it yet, i've put the CB 350F in the corner so i can work on my shitfighter and keeping the pushies up to speed ...
Too busy to work on it now..

Got any skinned knuckles yet?

[Blackkat]

I like mike
I have the same headlight on my bandit.

[OLD SKOOL BANDIT]

Headlight is Awesome Anthea, might just slip one onto my Bandit. She's gonna be a little beaut mate, keep it up.

[Shiny Things]

I grinned when I saw your new headlight Bryn, our taste is very similar. (Especially in naked blokes...keep your hands off my tart of a husband!! Lol) Your Bandit is hot & I'm glad you've kept your customer headlight fairing, looks great & I love the thinking behind it.
P.s. thanks for the encouragement the day I got Mike, it was a real boost! But i still think you're a cheap whore & need to keep your hands off the freak :D

Thanks Blackkat, I love the light. Another member who shall remain nameless scared the crap out of me last week by suggesting it may not suit the build. Since I can't imagine Mike in any other format I got very, very worried indeed. Fortunately it looks just as I imagined it would [^]

[OLD SKOOL BANDIT]

I made some headlight brackets and painted it up last night. I'll post some pictures if I remember. Not really happy with the way it looks, may need a re-think. Yes, I have been known to spread the love a little but your bloke is so damn hot !! Move over sister, Geoff loves me too !

[80s freak]

I'm not a piece of meat you two.

[Shiny Things]

quote:Originally posted by 80s freak

I'm not a piece of meat you two.


Yes. You are.

[holyman_999]

quote:Originally posted by Shiny Things


quote:Originally posted by 80s freak

I'm not a piece of meat you two.


Yes. You are.

Nice! One question though, who's providing the <s>baby</s> gravy?!?!?[}:)][:0]
On a less disgusting note, looks like a great start for your first fighter... can't wait to see the outcome!!!

[Shiny Things]

Not a lot to report at the moment, just stripping effing stubborn 30 year old stickers & lots of sanding.

Got an early anniversary gift on Friday. Did the freak give me pretty flowers, shiny diamonds, sweet smelling perfume? Hell no! I got the front & rear end off of a 2000 Kawasaki ZXR 250C. Big fat fuck-off USD forks & a monoshock arse end. How many shades of awesome is my husband?!? [^]

Piccies below, probably won't install them as I'd like to actually learn to ride before AFR 2011...

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1280169063.jpg


http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1280191655.jpg

[Large]

Now we're talking. Onwards and upwards baby!

[kev@vcm]

looking very good , this is going to be a cracker of a bike when its all done

[Gitzy]

Top stuff Shiny, ^^^^^^ what that man said X2

[el sammo]

baller!! that front and rear end should go nicely hey

[OLD SKOOL BANDIT]

The forks and swinga would look the biz polished Anthea. Would make that green you plan to use really pop !

[Shiny Things]

quote:Originally posted by OLD SKOOL BANDIT

The forks and swinga would look the biz polished Anthea. Would make that green you plan to use really pop !

I'm sticking to the black everything plus the green bodywork. Thinking I'll do the rear hugger in that carbon fibre look wrap though, it'll look great.

[Shiny Things]

The new Acewell dash arrived this afternoon, Apparently it has "engine temp, air temp, fuel gauge, volt meter, ride timer, total ride time, average speed, max speed, odo to 999,999km, 2 trip meters, digital tacho to 19900rpm, 99 lap timer, IP67 waterproofing, mounting bracket, RPM sensor wire, reed switch kit, wiring harness, and PT 1/8 temp sensor." I believe it, the supplied wiring loom is complicated. I ordered it in the anodised black with the 12000 rpm tacho.

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1280840916.jpg


http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1280749434.jpg


And the funny this is that once it's installed it'll double the value of the bike cos it cost more than Mike in his original form did ;)

[Gitzy]

Mikes gonna be all like.. " Oooh what the fark is this thing, oooh thats tingly" lol.. that should look great Anthea, nice choice..

[Shiny Things]

Been neglecting Mike the past week or so, though finally getting my learners permit makes up for that a bit. I was planning on getting the front end back in today but doubt I'll get that far. You see, while changing over the old engine bolts for a shiny new set, something went "plink" inside the engine [:0] I was suitably alarmed & consulted Geoff, who cheerfully informed me that this weeks lessons would include removing the cam cover, fishing around for the mysterious bit that made the fatal plinking sound & replacing it. Crap!

Despite the setback, I'm still well chuffed with how the engine is now looking:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1281288244.jpg


And this is how the wheels will look, with a contemporary original wheel (off an 1100, not a 450 but still same styling) for comparison:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1281308418.jpg


Is it at all obvious that green is my favourite colour? When the new front & rear go in next year they'll be done in the same colour scheme.

[latheboy]

All you did this arvo was break something[:0]

Well it will learn you good like

[Gitzy]

I know its an Overseas helmet, but I reckon you would look awesome on mike with this thing Anthea..

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1281825579.jpg


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CRAFT-HELMET-RX6-GREEN-RX-free-simpson-decal-rx7-MEDIUM-/370410353531?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Helmets

[Fight_fan]

The craft RX-6 is compliant here tho! I have one! U could always jst buy one n paint it green if u were so persuaded!

[Gitzy]

Ahhh tis too.. I forgot about that..

[Redmohawk]

Hmmmm liking the look of that helmet and About time for a new one .

[Shiny Things]

Been ages since I posted an update. I have a couple of major jobs that I couldn't finish myself (results below) & the ultra crappy Melbourne winter weather hasn't been conducive to painting in an unheated shed.

Anyway, I would like to thanks Keven at VCM & Gibbo for their help with the seat & tank. Both are great blokes & I am willing to blow a lot of sunshine up their respective backsides.

Poor Keven got sent this tragic mess:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1284889475.jpg


and turned it into this:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1284948418.jpg


Excellent workmanship, thanks a heap there Keven!

And Gibbo removed the dents & rust from the tank & out it into primer for me. It started off in this woeful condition:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1284925324.jpg


And this is how it now looks, during a dummy fit with the seat:

http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1284949929.jpg


http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1284882329.jpg


So now it's just a matter of paint & reassembly unitl off to Mr VicRoads. I have my hope chest (as I refer to a certain cardboard box) full of new LED blinkers & brake light, exhaust heat bandage, a stubby exhaust, new dash, new headlight etc to chuck on once it gets it's rego... and it must be confessed I can hardly wait to cut out that revolting, chunky, clunky, dogs-balls-ugly airbox & stick on some nice K&N pods. I *loathe* the airbox. Geoff reckons every time I see it I get a scary expression on my face. Thanks because I'm trying to hold back from going it with a hacksaw!

[Shiny Things]

What the fuck happened to the start of the previous post? Fuck I hate computers. (See, my apprenticeship is paying off, I can swear just like a real mechanic.) Oh well. In it was much praise of Keven from VCM, who resurrected the tragic mess that was Mike's 30 year old seat. He painted it, added mounting points for the strap (really appreciated as I removed the pillion grab bar), added new foam & did a beautiful job on the cover. And also thanks to Gibbo for removing dings & rust from the tank & returnoing it in nice smooth primer. Another top bit of work. Thanks guys!

[kev@vcm]

i cant wait to have your bike on my site as a feature darl awesome stuff and to all that are envolved well done ,

[Miss Montana]

So to do the whole girly squeal thing.....
OMG Mike is soooooo cute!! Just the most adorable thing I ever did see!
I'm so impressed at the theme, and so in love with your seat :)
You were right, I spent all weekend in the shed learning bits & pieces and can't believe how much I enjoyed it,
My poor study is feeling a little neglected.
At that the moment I'm kind of throwing different ideas around as to what exactly I should be doing & how I want my bike to look. Every time I settle on an idea, I see something else I like & get a little confused :( I think it will continue to evolve as time goes on.
Anyhow... best show my homework some love,
Cheers!

[80s freak]

Because Shiny things is watching Iron Chef it's up to me to upload a couple of progress pics.
She got the headers all wrapped up today, after I had modified them into a sprung joint. Looks great in the black wrap.
As a side note Thermo-tec heat wrap is done dry, so it's alot easier than wet wrap.
http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1285462179.jpg


http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1285460288.jpg


http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1285438424.jpg


http://www.asfphotos.com/upload/1285471718.jpg

[Shiny Things]

The Thermo-tec wrap may be easier as it's done dry, but I recommend wearing gloves as the fibreglass splinters it gave me are incredibly irritating.

[oldskool]

I love you but the wrap looks gay!
You have been doing some work to that bike looks good.

[rock hard]

your starting to get some good results for all your hard work.love the seat

[KATO ZX7]

Hey babes your doing an awsome job with Mike, bout time we gave him a spin out with the girls....

Call me, call me now haha
my bikes fixed too [}:)]

[KATO ZX7]

are you on the road yet Mrs Freak?

[Shiny Things]

quote:Originally posted by KATO ZX7

are you on the road yet Mrs Freak?

Nope :( But the swingarm & rear wheel should go back in tomorrow. It'ss be 2 weeks before I can afford rego. Roll on, next payday!

[Shiny Things]

It has been FOREVER since I last posted. Quite a few changes on little Mikey:

1324
Twin spots - for the eager, bug eyed look, Acewell dash, new brake master cylinder, drag bars & bar end mirrors. The twin spots are temporary & will be replaced with an over/under unit when the USD front goes on this winter.
(P.s. ignore the shitbox in the background, it belongs to a friend. All money raised by 80s Freak for working on the thing will go towards fightering his latest project. Honestly, the thing ain't ours!)

1325
Same stuff, different view.

1326
Current side view. Today's job was cutting out the rear guard. Much nicer lines now. I've had my heart set on ripping off the damn thing since I got Mike, along with the airbox & replacing it with K&Ns. Now with both jobs done, the side panels chucked out, the electrics shifted to under the seat & the battery painted black to blend in things are looking much tidier. Also the massive rear light has been replaced with a nice little LED unit. When the new rear goes in I'll make an undertray (no doubt with much swearing & skinning of knuckles) to tidy it all up.

So this winter the old front & rear will be yanked out and replaced with the USD forks & monoshock rear from a 2000 ZXR 250. Something a bit different for such a small capacity bike. It's so easy to forget what an ugly duckling he was when I got him:
1327

[OLD SKOOL BANDIT]

Nice work Anthea !! Looking heaps better minus the side panels and rear fender. Top job chickie. ����

[Redmohawk]

Looking tidy, some life in the old girl yet.

[rock hard]

Nice work there shiny things..

[Bob]

Nice.