1974 Suzuki GT550

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

I just wanted to build a café racer. Something just fun to ride, but reliable.

What motivated you to start your project?

I had a seized GT550 motor from a previous restoration and other misc. parts. I wanted to see if I could build a bike from a bunch of parts and pieces

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

I made some minor modifications to the frame/suspension to make the bike lower, look and feel “smaller’

What are you most proud of?

I like the look, but most important is that this things starts right up, no drama, no tweaking with the carbs, absolutely reliable and fast. Faster than I need to go!

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

I live in the Texas panhandle (Harley country). Most people here have never seen a café bike and would be caught dead on anything but a Harley. They are impressed with the look. Most say, “That thing looks fast, just sitting there!”

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Submitted by: Mike B

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1974 Suzuki GT550

Fondly known as: Scary Fast

Time spent: 300+ I

Motorcycle cost: $150.00

Money spent: $1700

Engine: Suzuki GT550 rebuilt by me. New top end, modified heads, new bearings, oiling system, and seals as needed. Electronic ignition

Intake: Rebuilt, re-jetted stock Mikuni carbs, new after market air cleaners

Exhaust: Custom 3 into 1 exhaust by Jemco exhaust in Texas. Was going to build this ourselves, but soon realized the difficulty and decided to go with the guys that know what they’re doing

Transmission: Standard 5 speed set up with sprocket change to get a little more grunt to the acceleration curve.

Frame: Stock frame modified to accept new tank, seat, etc. Steering head modified with new All Balls roller bearing kit.

Suspension: Rebuilt/modified front forks with new seals, slightly heavier oil. New swing arm bushings, new after market shorter shocks. The overall result is that the bike is about 1 1/2″ closer to the ground and handles much better than stock.

Wheels, tires and brakes: Re-spoked the original wheels after a good clean up. New front brake pads and rear shoes. Stock tire sizes 3.25-19 up front, 400-18 rear. After market brake line for front disc, much better than stock.

Finish – Paint: Here’s where I got in a hurry to “ride”. Was going to do a metallic, but had the red. As it turned out, I think the simple red suites the café bike. Engine a combination of black paint and polished aluminum.

Accessories: Low aluminum bars, grips, instruments, small windscreen, Halogen head light and LED tail light. We had to build a new oil tank for the two stroke oil