1981 Suzuki DR500

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What was your intended objective when you started the build?

Low, light, and lean bobber

What motivated you to start your project?

Parts that I’ve collected over the years waiting to come together as a perfect amalgamation

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

Modifying 1960s dirt bike forks to work with the build.

What are you most proud of?

How lightweight and slim it is. Feels like a bicycle on speed!

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

They don’t know what to make of it. It looks nothing like what it was originally designed as, so they’re usually confused but in a pleasant way!

Videos

One Comment

  • Denise says:
    August 21, 2019 at 6:38 pm

    I’m usually not a fan of bobbers, but this one is something special. I love all the little details and how you made such a random pile of parts into an art piece. She’s somethin!

    Reply

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Submitted by: Kiley O

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1981 Suzuki DR500
Fondly known as: Ground Pounder
Time spent: 100+
Motorcycle cost: $100
Money spent: 1100
Engine: 1981 Suzuki DR500 498cc single
Intake: Modified Keihin FCR39MX flat slide carburetor, all magneto ignition. No battery used at all.
Exhaust: Hand made stainless high pipe with Cone Engineering muffler
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Frame: Handmade frame, 4” ride height and 4” stretch.
Suspension: Leading link front forks with vintage Works shocks up front. Hard tail rear with sprung solo seat.
Wheels, tires and brakes: 21” front wheel with 320mm wave rotor and Brembo caliper from a KTM. 18” Cush drive rear wheel with Nissin caliper and EBC wave rotor. All stainless spokes. Dunlop D404 tires front and rear.
Finish – Paint: Fully powder coated frame and forks with cleared patina tank.
Accessories: Hand made leather seat, superbike handlebars, Lowbrow grips. Magma front master cylinder with hand made braided brake lines, 1932 American LaFrance fire truck headlight with top indicator and H4 LED bulb. Bicycle headlight flipped and used as a tail light.

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