Topic: -Project Suzzie-

[toytuff]

As much as I like the Roadriders (have 'em on my Z1) want more on a vintage tread. 

Steve, have you checked out Heidenau tires? Many sizing options with vintage look.There is a great tire chart in PDF format worth downloading for reference.

My next set will be the bias tires. Radials are not to my likening on this motorcycle. Although the sizing is correct it's the rim width that is wrong for the tire. According to the GS forums this will get better as the tire wears in the center.

The IRC GS11 tires would of been a better choice. Will see how it goes when the mileage increases. Not a big issue given the riding I now do.

[Stev-o]

As much as I like the Roadriders (have 'em on my Z1) want more on a vintage tread. 

Steve, have you checked out Heidenau tires? Many sizing options with vintage look.There is a great tire chart in PDF format worth downloading for reference.

My next set will be the bias tires. Radials are not to my likening on this motorcycle. Although the sizing is correct it's the rim width that is wrong for the tire. According to the GS forums this will get better as the tire wears in the center.

The IRC GS11 tires would of been a better choice. Will see how it goes when the mileage increases. Not a big issue given the riding I now do.

Have not checked Heidenau tires, didnt think they were available in the U.S?

I do like the look of this one:

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/heidenau-tires-k36

I like IRC, good budget tire.  I really like Continental, just bought em for my H2, but was surprised and disappointed they are no longer manufactured in Germany.

[grcamna2]

I am enjoying long mileage on my ContiGo tire,they're still a well made tire.

[toytuff]

I am enjoying long mileage on my ContiGo tire,they're still a well made tire.

Problem today is sizing. It might have been you that asked if I was going with the stock bias tires when starting this project. I went with radials.

The sizing is correct but with a narrow rim the tire is somewhat pinched. It gives a wobble effect on some surfaces. The GS forum says the handling will improve as the tire wears in the center. Width of rim is frt 1.60 rear 1.80. It also appears German models had larger tires than Canadian models. Can't verify but tire size is different depending where you look. A few GS forum members have laced 2.15 width rims.

It's not a safety issue otherwise they would come off. Just a weird feeling at lower speeds.

[toytuff]

It's always the little things. After pondering for a bit I decided to order up some more decals. I had Brian at BD Designs out of Canada make up a set in White. 1982 were black with the E being in red.

A lot of measuring and luckly had the right cover for reference. The angle on the top of cover throws you off but I used blue 3M tape to get a straight line.

There were black strips in the front of the covers as well as model identification.



One side...






Then the other...



It's the little things...



Jumbo pic...

[grcamna2]

That looks very nice 

[toytuff]

That looks very nice 

Thank you. Decals were never my forte but it turned out nice. It needed it, completes the look.

[grcamna2]

That looks very nice 

Thank you. Decals were never my forte but it turned out nice. It needed it, completes the look.

I had the red 83' GS1100ED w/ the black engine and exh.,really Much more bike than I needed and if I had the choice between my 1100 and the 400 you have there,I would want the 400. 
I really never needed all that Big top-end power of the 1100.

[toytuff]

It's a kick for sure.

Now if I could only find one of these close by...

[toytuff]

Memories?

[grcamna2]

Memories?

Oh yeah   
 I bought mine on Cape Cod in the early 90's and then took it back onto Martha's Vineyard Island where the speed limit is 45 max.. I then did a big engine building project on it w/ special ported head,balanced crank,etc. with Mikuni flat slides and Web cams Wiseco 1170cc kit and all on that little island full of tourists in the Summer.    The bike was more than I needed  even on the mainland.
Who needs 160mph+ ? I slowed way down and now I'm enjoying the 'Journey' Much more 

[toytuff]

Agree. The 400 is just where I'm at these days. All good.

[grcamna2]

Agree. The 400 is just where I'm at these days. All good.

I like when I can keep my speeds to the point where I can see/remember the peripheral part of the ride;the speeds I was going everything was a blur before.

[Restoration Fan]

That looks very nice 

Thank you. Decals were never my forte but it turned out nice. It needed it, completes the look.

That it does.  You have done an incredible job on this bike.  Simply stunning.

[toytuff]

That looks very nice 

Thank you. Decals were never my forte but it turned out nice. It needed it, completes the look.

That it does.  You have done an incredible job on this bike.  Simply stunning.

Thank you very much. Compliments on this forum means a lot to me.

[grcamna2]

Very excellent Suzuki GS400EZ  8