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[matap]

I know most here don't give a rat's arse about Harley-Davidson's, but I do.  As most of you know, I can't leave "Well enough" alone, I love to customize and work on my bikes.  So last year my project was my 1978 Suzuki GS550 which some of you got to see at the Lone Star Rally Roundup at LSR.  While I won't be entering my hog in the rally roundup, it might be entered next year.  

Anyways, Here are some photos. See newest post on some photos.

Stock when I bought it.  Most have seen this photo.

Not much long after, I installed some 12" Mini Apes.  I ran all cables thru the bars, which while it wasn't a pain in the arse it was time consuming.  But first time around and all in all it took about 4 1/2 hrs of actual labor time.  I did have to remove the front outer faring as i had to disconnect all the wiring.  also ran my mirrors down low to keep a more profile look and to avoid the insect antenna look.

also, I installed a Corbin Classic Solo that i also purchased a passenger pillion.  Much more comfortable than stock (as most all bikes) and looks way better.  Have noticed it doesn't suck in water like the Ultimate X seats when it rains.  So that is a good thing

installed some exhaust slip-ons from RC components.  YOu know those guys for making really cool billet wheels.  Well, they make exhaust that sound real good and pretty badarse billet tips.  For some reason this is the best pick i have showing them.  was on my Rio Grande Valley trip.  


I knew from the get-go that I wanted me some stretched saddlebags so I got on the ball and started my project on that.  

Bags came in dirty as snot and needed some prep work so I got started on it.  They also came in with lids, so that was a plus.


Did a little prep work and a portable home made paint booth.


Also picked a new extended rear fascia to match the length of the new stretched bags.  preped it and primed it.



Preped lids


SO I got the bags all painted up.  Did it myself as I usually try to.  I used a paint called John Deere Blitz Black that is pretty much almost identical by about 98%.  Hell if you see a difference it's not because of the color, but because of the finish, but it's pretty damn close and probably as close as anyone else will get.  Now I still need to have the red pinstripes painted on, but the guy who did my bobber will be doing this bike as well.  I want those pinstripes to be perfect and this guy has been doing this for close to 30 years.  I'm pretty sure he will knock it out easily  











As I get more done, I'll post up my workings.  

[Gumbo]

Mexicans and Cajuns just can't leave well enough alone 

[matap]

Your damn straight!!! 

[larry_357]

Looking good Paul hope to be completely finished with mine trying to juggle time between work and seeing the wife does not leave much time.

[Chad]

LOOKING GOOD PAUL!! 
Just be easy on those corners! 

[Xulli]

good job bro... looking forward to ride with ya this weekend

[VTXLady53]

I love it.................Looking Good.

Black is the Fastest color no matter what brand.

I am always telling people this and I mean it.

" If I had my Rathers, I rather have a Harley Davidson but I could only afford the H so I bought a Honda" But if i ever could I would.

[VTXLady53]

Mexicans and Cajuns just can't leave well enough alone 

Same goes for them there Chinawoman..............

[DEMON]

 

looks bad Cranberries...  I need to get Ron's bike painted, could you get the the paint info?   I know that he wants the same color you have.

[matap]

Believe it or not, that paint is a single stage paint from John Deere called Blitz Black.  But if he wants the harley denim, I can get those codes as well. 

[Gumbo]

Talked to a guy at the rally that had what looked like a copper plated bike, but it turned out to be paint 
Not that I would ever want that, but it was really impressive job.

[hogcowboy]

So had you already removed the cat before you added the slip-on's? Or are you not going to do any engine mods?

[matap]

So had you already removed the cat before you added the slip-on's? Or are you not going to do any engine mods?

I actually had the slip-ons first, then about a month later i gutted the cats, welded back up and.  gained a little more sound and cooled it off significantly.  I won't be doing any major work until the warranty has expired and then I'll probably go with some cams and the sort, this way they'll add the warranty back on.  I will be getting an air cleaner soon though with some kind of fuel managment. 

[hogcowboy]

Good luck with fuel management. That's where I am right now. Don't know if the previous owner never had anything or just took it with him but it looks like I need something. Pipes turning yellow all the way back to the muffler on the right side. The pros and cons on all the devices are over whelming. I'm lean toward a Power Vision though. You'll find all kinds of when you get into cams and the like. You're lookin good so far.

[MRVTX]

Looks good!  But it still looks like all the other SGs rollin' around out there.