Rearsets for GT500 -adapt/make?

[joolstacho]

I want to do a 'mild' caff job on my GT500. Just norton straights, rearsets, keep the rest pretty standard... maybe a sexy seat. (There's a lot I like about the GT500, but I can't get along with that 'sit up and beg' riding position). So hopefully this thread might sort out good economical ways to do it.

Rearsets: I want to find rearsets off another bike, -something I can pick up at the wreckers at a reasonable price, and adapt to fit the GT. In a PM I Asked Eric what he had done... see his answer below: (I had seen references elsewhere to GSR rearsets, but Eric apparently uses GSXR rearsets).

Jools, First off, what exhaust are you using. There are several ways to mount rearsets. Mine were by welding tabs on the frame to bolt the GSXR rearsets too. You can also use and aluminum plate like what was done on Frank Whiteways bike for the Production series at the Isle of Mann.
Eric Kalamaja

My reply...
Hi Eric, thanks for your reply.
I want to retain the standard exhaust if possible and I'd like to keep the rest of the bike as original as possible too, (i.e. avoiding cutting/welding frame etc). But I'm ok with fabrication of adaptors or brackets, and changing linkage lengths etc. I'm hoping that I can find some rearsets off another bike that I'd be able to get from a bike wrecker/dismantler at a reasonable price, and adapt to fit the GT. Obviously I could work it out myself, (which involves a fair bit of mucking around at wreckers with vernier gauge, and worse, getting the bike on a trailer to take it to the wrecker for reference!), but I'm sure other blokes would have done this before, so I'm hoping to get an 'inside run' and get info on what rearsets to look for. Obviously the gearshift spline needs to be right, and lever shapes... i.e the brake lever needs to have it's 'tang' in the right position to operate the brake cable, (Probably need to add a new cable 'stop' on the frame to suit).
Obviously there will be other tweaks involved. So... any input welcome.
Cheers,
Jools

[titan performance]

I don't think you will find modern rearsets to bolt on without adapting the frame of your 500. Take a look at how ours work......
http://classic2strokesuzuki.weebly.com/ ... -shop.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[joolstacho]

I know mate, I've seen your rearsets, and very nice they are too. Problem is there's no way I could afford them, that's why I'm looking for a cheapskate DIY solution!
Cheers,
Jools

[titan performance]

I understand that Jools.....I wasn't trying for the hard sell. I thought seeing how they fit might give you some ideas of what is needed, or even consider making your own. The back plates and levers are waterjet cut from aluminium plate.....It might be worth pricing up the manufacture of these items if you can find a workshop with these facilities near your home. You will need some 10mm rod, 4 rose joints, and some fasteners. The hardest part to make, would be the brake cable puller, but if you don't mind cutting the stock lever, you could use that. You will also need a spline block for the gear change, but these are very cheap.

[joolstacho]

Cheers buddy, you're a 'scholar and a gentleman'! Your advice is gratefully accepted.
I'd anticipate some fabrication, mainly plates that adapt to the frame mounts that I decide on, to which I can mount the pedals, but hopefully I shouldn't need to outsource too much. (I've got a little ol' lathe and a mate with a CNC Milling machine) (I know... we all need a mate with CNC eh?!) Mind you, this mate has a LOT of mates! (Wonder why).
The gearshaft spline is normal Suzi so that shouldn't be hard to find something to adapt there. Rose joints are easily gettable locally. Looks like the brake might be best arranged so that the cable departs the lever 'tang' vertically so a cable stop will need to be fabricated and fitted. Come to think of it I've got rearsets from a GS500 'round here somewhere, maybe that'd be a good starting point.
Anyway we'll see how I go,
Jools