Regrettably, it must be acknowledged that a significant number of Suzuki Bandits have found their way to the motorcycle afterlife, lost to the world forever. Not because they were subpar, quite the contrary, but rather due to most being dismantled and obliterated during the Streetfighter craze. Sadly, only a handful of unaltered examples remain. Nevertheless, a resourceful DIY builder has ingeniously devised a method to amalgamate the finest aspects of those Suzuki years, resulting in a timeless classic. Hailing from Germany, our friend Gunther Schmidt has meticulously scoured the Suzuki scrapyard, toiled away in his garage, and emerged with a remarkable bespoke creation – a cafe racer endowed with ample power.

Die-hard enthusiasts of the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer are probably scrutinizing the bike at this very moment, attempting to discern precisely which model and year each component hails from. To spare you the suspense, here's the fundamental breakdown. The frame is sourced from a 1985 GSX 1100, the engine is a 1997 1200cc unit plucked from a Bandit, and the tank is a 1983 metal reservoir salvaged from a GS1100. Several other GS and Bandit parts are seamlessly integrated into the bike's design. However, it's a common misstep to assume that merely procuring the parts is the hard part.

The real odyssey for any builder equipped with such an array of components is the intricate task of ensuring they all harmoniously function together and determining which parts are genuinely interchangeable. Far too often, advice on online forums suggests that a component is a direct fit, neglecting to mention the grinding, welding, bearing changes, and the shedding of blood required to make it a reality. Fortunately for Gunther, he is well-versed in the world of Bandits and has always been an avid rider of substantial air-cooled motorcycles; thus, only his day job presented any hindrance.

Given the twelve-year gap in frame technology, Gunther recognized the necessity of reinforcing the '85 steel frame to accommodate a more potent engine and furnish the bike with a robust chassis. He undertook the task of fortifying crucial areas, such as the lower center posts, subframe supports that also serve to prevent torsion near the swingarm pivot, and cross-bracing throughout the frame. Superfluous tabs and brackets were excised, the entire frame was meticulously smoothed, and a sleek black finish was applied.

Subsequently, Gunther incorporated a distinctive touch that discerning Suzuki enthusiasts have already noticed and that he ardently desired. "My favorite detail is the placement of the oil cooler in the frame triangle. I aimed for an uncluttered appearance from the motor's front view, a feature I've never encountered on a motorcycle." This alteration lends the bike an exceptionally clean aesthetic and permits the robust engine to be exhibited without any interruptions. To mitigate the heat generated by the robust engine, an oil cooler 20% larger than stock, with improved flow characteristics, was meticulously selected and mounted at the rear.

The final phase involved achieving the desired aesthetic, and classic styling commenced with a meticulously sculpted tank from the 1983 GS. The custom tail unit complements the tank beautifully, featuring an ageless form, a black leather seat, and a single headlight, ensuring that this motorcycle will forever exude coolness.

Finally, to draw attention to the major components, the entire wiring harness was extracted and a brand-new, inconspicuous system was meticulously reconstructed. While Streetfighters had their moment in the sun, I must admit that I, too, briefly admired them. However, Gunther has masterfully created the quintessential Bandit – abundant torque, minimal weight, and an aesthetic that's never looked better.

#Moto #Bike #Custom #GSX1000