Suzuki 2 Strokes

Lots of gorgeous projects on the BB have inspired me to give it a go. Probably my last project due to declining health.
I've got a low mileage (7100) 1976 GT500 I'm going to take down to the frame and rebuild/upgrade over the next year. I plan on doing most of the work myself, but will have to use third parties for any lathe/machining jobs.
My overall goal is to end up with a nice looking, reliable, light-ish, comfortable ride that's unique and will stand out among a sea of over chromed Harleys and extended swing arm GSXRs. Here are my opening questions:
1. Will a T500 fuel tank fit? I like the look of the older style tank.
2. Is there a source for reproduction tanks? Most of the ones on e-bay are pretty raggedy looking.
3. I'm going to go with modern pattern tires, Avons or Dunlops, probably. I'd like to go with lighter rims for the unsprung weight. Is there a consensus on the best path for swapping OEM rims for aluminum ones using my existing hubs? Will going 18" in the front be a problem?
4. I'm looking at Progressive Springs in the front and Hagons or Chinese e-bay reservoir shocks in the rear, with springs appropriate to my weight. Comments?
5. Is the EBC MD3019RS rotor a direct bold on?
6. I'm thinking Jemcos for the chambers. Comments?

Sorry no "Before" pic of the bike. Can't get the img or attachment process to work.

Thanks in advance to all.

Always good to see another custom 500 being put together on here.

I agree about the T tank being better looking than the Gt. Unfortunately they don't interchange without any work. The front mounts are in a different place. You will need to cut them off, and re-attach in order to use the earlier tank.
Can't say I have come across any repro tanks, but as long as you get one that's not too rotten, cosmetics don't much matter if you are going to paint it anyway.
Check out our flickr gallery, you may get some good ideas and inspiration.
http://classic2strokesuzuki.weebly.com/ ... llery.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Stick with the inch measured tires. I put a set of metric measured tires on, bike felt odd, but the main problem was they lowered the bike enough that it is harder to get on and off the centerstand. The aspect ration is different from inch measure to metric measure. I finally wore out the metric tires and am switching back to OEM type tires.

Titan Performance, you would make me look at that gallery. I want them ALL! Well almost. I pass on that thing with the 20" wide rear tire Sometimes you need wonder WHY? Like THIS!

I think that's one of those Johnny Pagano or Pago(spelling??) bikes Coyote...250cc choppers.....saw a guy pull into a gas station on one, hair slicked back, chain on wallet, leather coat and pants....he was all of 4'-0" & 90 lbs soaking wet but he got off that bike like it was a 106CI Harley and he was 6'-6" weighing 260lbs and swaggered over to pay for his gas. My girlfriend started to laugh but I reminded her that he was just living out his fantasy of being a bada** and wasn't hurting anyone else.....more power to him!!


jeff

It looks like one of those chinese 110cc jobs to me......