1991 Suzuki GSX-R 1100M Restomod Part II
Here’s the second installment of Neil de Jager’s restomod build of a 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 1100M that he purchased for $1500.
This is always a nerve racking exercise. The strip down is where you realize just how badly a bike can be treated in the wrong hands. On first inspection of my 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 1100M, I found nothing really out of the ordinary.
I could see the leaking fork seals, the collapsed rear shock, and the wave shaped sprocket teeth. This is to be expected from a bike in this price range. What I wasn’t banking on was the mutilated wiring harness that was mercilessly hacked into for the sake of installing StreetGlow LED lights. And they were everywhere.
I found the secret switch after removing the tail unit. A tasteless, poorly executed add on. Its no wonder the seller failed to mention the additional feature.So the wire harness has to be meticulously repaired cleaned and insulated, ready for install in the coming weeks.
Another harrowing discovery was that the left steering stop had snapped clean off during one of the previous owners learning experiences. This isn’t the end of the world however, as the right side stop will be carefully removed as well, to make way for the new Busa set up.
Besides that the frame is in good shape. Just how the subframe survived all of this debauchery almost totally unscathed is a testament to legendary indestructible nature that is the GSXR.
I say “almost” because somewhere along the way, an over zealous StreetGlow installer over tightened the battery box and stripped out a few of the thread rivets in the frame. No biggie but repairs add time to my build which now has a deadline to ensure things move at a more consistent pace.
So at this stage the bike is completely stripped down. The motor is out on the bench awaiting new billet machined side covers as both sides were damaged. The frame is cleaned and waiting mock up fitment of wheels and suspension before it goes out for sandblasting and powder coating.
I have decided not to repaint this engine. The stock paint is in excellent condition and although there are some amazing high heat paint products on the market, nothing will stick as well as original. Compression and leak down tests were all acceptable so there is no need for engine surgery at the moment.
I had previously mentioned a modest budget for this build. Taking into account the average price for a 2015 year model sport bike hovers around the $15 000 mark, If I can keep the total cost of the GSXR between $7000 and $8000, then we have achieved our goal.
Stay clicked to Ultimate MotorCycling for future installments.
For more, read 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 1100M Restomod Part I | The Plan
