dirtbag chopper build, even though the event is no more

[GPzPop]

well, look what followed me home, thanks, Pete.

1982 Suzuki GS850GL project bike

Price: FREE.99

location: SF

Giving this bike away since life got in the way and I don’t think I’ll ever get around to turning it into a cafe racer. Was told the bike ran when I got it a couple years ago and previous owner was in the process of restoring it. Hate to send see this end up at the junk yard. Hope to see it rebuilt or used as parts. Have most of the remaining parts in a box

Title issue: South Dakota title but never transferred into my name


Update: Picked up by GPzPop

I think I will build a rat chopper out of it.
with absolutely minimum of cash expediture.
I will endevour to bring BARF along for the ride

 

[GPzPop]

 

[budman]

Cool.... look forward to watching the build.

I always have dug the chopper look.

I assume you meant dirt bag.. so I edited the title. If I overstepped just let me know

 

[GPzPop]

I assume you meant dirt bag.. so I edited the title. If I overstepped just let me know

what did my fat thumbs originally type?
thanks for the edit !

 

[budman]

dirtbike instead of dirtbag.

I was fascinated to see what a dirtbike chopper would look like actually

 

[augustiron]

Dirt bike chopper

 

[budman]

That is proper.

 

[Pushrod]

Tell ya' what this build thread is like. . . .

. . . . . it's like watching a good friend take up with one of my old girlfriends. I know what the attraction is, yes I do, and I wish her all the best. You go guy.

 

[GPzPop]

Tell ya' what this build thread is like. . . .

. . . . . it's like watching a good friend take up with one of my old girlfriends. I know what the attraction is, yes I do, and I wish her all the best. You go guy.

I know , right? Fortunately this is not my first rodeo in this regard.
Step 1 : Simon vs. the DMV
Once again, I am made aware of how DMV hires staff for their cheery dispositions.
Out of state title, sold to a second in-state person (Pete) who wrote me a Bill of Sale. To get a Non-Op title in my name is only $50, but to proceed,
I need to get the vin inspected, either CHP or at the DMV itself - I think CHP will be easier (likely more friendly)

other milestones:

• bike looks complete,
• not too much shaft drive spline slop,
• transmission shifts,
• motor turns by the back wheel in 5th gear,
• carbs pulled and look kinda crusty, but all 4 slides move.

 

[auntiebling]

CHP usually wants an appointment and those can take days/weeks. I've had pretty good luck showing up when the DMV opens, or maybe 20 minutes late to get the first surge of people through the inspection line, and just get the VIN verified. At my local office, the VIN inspection is completely separate from anything inside so you can jus get in that line without any appointment.

personally i'd see if i could get it to fire up before bothering with the DMV. starter fluid is enough for proof of life.

 

[PorradaVFR]

CHP usually wants an appointment and those can take days/weeks. I've had pretty good luck showing up when the DMV opens, or maybe 20 minutes late to get the first surge of people through the inspection line, and just get the VIN verified. At my local office, the VIN inspection is completely separate from anything inside so you can jus get in that line without any appointment.

personally i'd see if i could get it to fire up before bothering with the DMV. starter fluid is enough for proof of life.

(1) What a fun project to take on, I look forward to updates.
(2) Just curious - if the bike is currently non-op do you still have to take it and show it works for a VIN check? Can’t you just submit the VIN online to confirm it’s not reported stolen and advise them of the sale?

 

[auntiebling]

(1) What a fun project to take on, I look forward to updates.
(2) Just curious - if the bike is currently non-op do you still have to take it and show it works for a VIN check? Can’t you just submit the VIN online to confirm it’s not reported stolen and advise them of the sale?

it doesn't have to run to get a vin check. if a vehicle is on non-op, it's already registered in CA and you don't need a vin check to reinstate the registration. this bike needs a VIN check because it's not registered/titled in CA

 

[GPzPop]

gonna hafta get the bike more together before vin inspection, its kind of a stripped roller right now

 

[GPzPop]

carbs are suprisingly cleanish

 

[GPzPop]

Simon vs DMV round 1: winner DMV
went in, upon review of paperwork, I needed a VIN inspection. nice officer at Dublin CHP obliged.
BUT, he checked the " can't find the emissions sticker" box on the form.
Red flag for the DMV dude. Can not proccess paperwork because of this detail.
(have I mentioned how dead accurate the portrayals in the documentary "Zootopia" are? DMV dude was totally the sloth guy)
turns out the bike has the appropriate sticker, but it is on the inner rear fender. ( would be under the seat in stock configuration) sitting in a box of parts at home,
so I have to get the bike reinspected (once it is more together)

 

[budman]

Red flag for the DMV dude. Can not proccess paperwork because of this detail.
(have I mentioned how dead accurate the portrayals in the documentary "Zootopia" are? DMV dude was totally the sloth guy)

A sense of humor will help keep your sanity when dealing with the D M V.

 

[GPzPop]

today' s update, I have new bars on and all the controls and wiring are sorted to the point that it will crank reliably with a fat spark.

next up: de-rusting the gas tank, tractor seat and tail light install.

 

[GPzPop]

mocking it up

hereby dubbed "the snail bike"

 

[GPzPop]

!!! ITS ALIVE !!!
DMV : Sorted
basically just a super mild chop, fender delete, added crash bars, bags, pod filters, a sissy bar (found at Urban Ore), and drag bars
rides and stops like it should.
desperately needs new tires
snail was once a "Party Light" candle holder, now an auxiliary brake light
as per my signature, "rust is my thread locking agent"
still a work in progress, of course
pix attached

 

[N4teTheGreat]

I like it!