The Skinny
Mike, our customer and good friend, has an eye for detail. He knew exactly how he wanted the build on his '95 electric start Suzuki GN250 cruiser to look, which was a street scrambler with the capability of some light offroading.
Since this was his first proper bike after passing his test, he didn't want anything too big so this was the perfect choice. Sourced locally and in mint, low mileage condition, the motor just needed servicing, even the case paint and laquer were great.
The first job after all the bulky bodywork was stripped off was to alter the stance of the bike as, being a cruiser, it was high at the front and low at the back. The forks were stripped and modified to lower them and a set of longer fully adjustable remote gas reservoir shocks raised the rear. Now it sits more level, steers a bit quicker and is more composed though the twisties.
The rear frame was shortened and a new loop fabricated along with a custom seat base which was clothed in a lovely soft but hard wearing tan leather with matching grips.
A pair of lightweight brushed alloy mudguards were fitted for the offroad look and a set of alloy 'fat bars' with billet alloy risers and an Acewell speedo/tacho slimmed everything down and improved the ergonomics.
The electrics weren't forgotten and although the stock switchgear was retained, the new lightweight Lithium Iron battery was relocated under the swinging arm and as the airbox was now gone the rest of the electrics were now stored on a custom tray under the seat. This gave the bike a really clean look and opened out the centre of the bike.
Micro LED indicators and a small round LED tail light give the bike a little modernity.
Of course the large whisper quiet silencer had to go and in its place a black and chrome reverse cone megaphone not only saved lots of weight but also sounds much more fruity without being offensive.
The carb, now fitted with a free flow airfilter was re-jetted to suit and now pulls really cleanly all the way through the rev range.
A set of dual purpose tyres were added not only for the look but for the occasional offroad foray and Mike duly demonstrated the bikes newfound capability by competing in the Malle Mile offroad event this summer.
The icing on the cake, though, is the lovely paintwork finished in a pearlescent cream with candy apple red sides.
It's an easy, fun bike to ride and as Mike found out, a perfect stepping stone to something bigger (watch this space)!
Side Rock Cycles