Frankenbike

Norcoastal · Jul 8, 2020

I have been looking at this seat for probably two years and now I own it. The gel coat is in amazing shape, it shines and I haven’t even polished it yet. It has the same weight and heaviness as the tank

I think it looks great, the problem is, the fairing would look great also..

The fairing is definitely a Gus Kuhn and and if you look at a GK catalog, it wasn’t supposed to have a lower fairing. I’m still thinking about it.

Anyway, here it is...

What do you guys think?

Norcoastal · Jul 8, 2020

Here’s the original GK catalog. They call it a 3/4 fairing and it clearly is the same one.

Norcoastal · Jul 8, 2020

Is it worth $765.00 to my door or should I wait until a JPN fairing becomes available? The problem with a JPN fairing is that I love my GK tank and I would have to change and buy a different tank which is more $$$.

Conrad · Jul 8, 2020

I'm weird so don't consider my opinion - but the condition its in with the stickers would be worth 765 to my door. Where are you going to find another one? Sorry about thinking there was a bottom half, I thought there was, but the description says 3/4 so... Every time I think I can't believe what something is worth, I find out that the price is right - I would bet the fairing wasn't cheap in the first place, so you have that point of view also.

NPeteN · Jul 8, 2020

Did you try to haggle with him? Can't imagine there is a large market for old fairings of dubious origin.

Will 800$ break the bank or will you forget you even spent it in a months time?

If money is important, it is better spent elsewhere, say... the engine, gearbox, suspension, etc... It is going to get expensive.

If you finish the bike, the fairing is still available and you haven't changed your mind

then buy it. I know this isn't the fun route, but it is probably the most responsible.

Norcoastal · Jul 8, 2020

Conrad said:
I'm weird so don't consider my opinion - but the condition its in with the stickers would be worth 765 to my door. Where are you going to find another one? Sorry about thinking there was a bottom half, I thought there was, but the description says 3/4 so... Every time I think I can't believe what something is worth, I find out that the price is right - I would bet the fairing wasn't cheap in the first place, so you have that point of view also.

I actually agree 100% with you and don’t apologize about the lower fairing, I think everyone else thought that also.

And you’re right, it’s a piece of history. The camel race series I believe came from the early 70’s. Where are you going to find another one.

It’s only credit card payments right?

Norcoastal · Jul 8, 2020

NPeteN said:
Did you try to haggle with him? Can't imagine there is a large market for old fairings of dubious origin.

Will 800$ break the bank or will you forget you even spent it in a months time?

If money is important, it is better spent elsewhere, say... the engine, gearbox, suspension, etc... It is going to get expensive.

If you finish the bike, the fairing is still available and you haven't changed your mind then buy it. I know this isn't the fun route, but it is probably the most responsible.

Pete, you’re a practical man.

I tried negotiating but he won’t move a dollar.

I don’t have the money, but I have a credit card. Is this the most responsible thing to do with a credit card? Absolutely not, but these aren’t practical hobbies. Most of the decisions we make I would have to imagine are on impulse and emotion. And haha...I change my mind a lot! It may be different next week. I’m not known for my decision making when it comes to designing and planning what you want. I think you get there eventually, but it is a process.

I’m leaning more now about getting it, but I’m going to sleep on it.

Next weekend I’m getting the trans and I have a lead on an engine. I have matching number engine and trans cases that go with the frame and title. I just need the internals. This trans is going to do the trick!

I have to be patient on the engine. I have a guy helping me. I’m getting it from the guy who’s selling the brand new in the crate JPN colored Commando, but it could take a little while.

NPeteN · Jul 8, 2020

Practical on the internet yes...
In reality, I'd have bought it already!

Good luck with whatever you decide. Money is for spending, buy what you like.

Norcoastal · Jul 8, 2020

NPeteN said:
Practical on the internet yes...
In reality, I'd have bought it already!

Good luck with whatever you decide. Money is for spending, buy what you like.

gortnipper · Jul 8, 2020

Buy it on the cc. You will never see another one. The patina i$ worth it.

Bernhard · Jul 9, 2020

Norcoastal said:
Pete, you’re a practical man.

I tried negotiating but he won’t move a dollar

If you are in no hurry to get it, I would sit on the sidelines for a whole month, then get back to him with your offer. If he has had no other offers he might accept. Patience is sometimes a virtue.
I hope hes not reading this, then your tactic is blown right out of the water!

EstuaryBoy · Jul 9, 2020

Norcoastal said:
Pete, you’re a practical man.

I tried negotiating but he won’t move a dollar.

I don’t have the money, but I have a credit card. Is this the most responsible thing to do with a credit card? Absolutely not, but these aren’t practical hobbies. Most of the decisions we make I would have to imagine are on impulse and emotion. And haha...I change my mind a lot! It may be different next week. I’m not known for my decision making when it comes to designing and planning what you want. I think you get there eventually, but it is a process.

I’m leaning more now about getting it, but I’m going to sleep on it.

Next weekend I’m getting the trans and I have a lead on an engine. I have matching number engine and trans cases that go with the frame and title. I just need the internals. This trans is going to do the trick!

I have to be patient on the engine. I have a guy helping me. I’m getting it from the guy who’s selling the brand new in the crate JPN colored Commando, but it could take a little while.

I'd say if you haven't bought it yet and you CAN: 'Sleep on it'..... then you don't really want it that badly! A 'must have' you wouldn't think twice about, and would have kept you awake!
Just my two cents worth, no shame in sticking with plan A.... But, your call, of course

(Would there be a sense of relief if he said: 'Sorry, it's gone?'

Norcoastal · Jul 9, 2020

EstuaryBoy said:
I'd say if you haven't bought it yet and you CAN: 'Sleep on it'..... then you don't really want it that badly! A 'must have' you wouldn't think twice about, and would have kept you awake!
Just my two cents worth, no shame in sticking with plan A.... But, your call, of course
(Would there be a sense of relief if he said: 'Sorry, it's gone?'

I think if it was gone I’d be upset not relieved. Where am I going to find another 45+ year old GK fairing?

I may try to haggle.

EstuaryBoy · Jul 9, 2020

Norcoastal said:
I think if it was gone I’d be upset not relieved. Where am I going to find another 30+ year old GK fairing?

I may try to haggle.

Good luck..

Bernhard · Jul 9, 2020

Norcoastal said:
I think if it was gone I’d be upset not relieved. Where am I going to find another 45+ year old GK fairing?

I may try to haggle.

Without fittings . . .

Norcoastal · Jul 9, 2020

I don’t have photoshop so I hacked up a PowerPoint image.

Pretty terrible, but you can almost imagine what it could look like.

Norcoastal · Jul 10, 2020

I did it, I bought the fairing. I got him down some, but not much. It’s expensive but where are you going to find an original GK fairing from the ‘70’s again?

grandpaul · Jul 10, 2020

I figured you would.

I'm also guessing we will see several shots of it on the bike, with the wrapping still settling to the floor!

Norcoastal · Jul 10, 2020

grandpaul said:
I figured you would.

I'm also guessing we will see several shots of it on the bike, with the wrapping still settling to the floor!

Of course you will!

grandpaul said:
I figured you would.

I'm also guessing we will see several shots of it on the bike, with the wrapping still settling to the floor!

Maybe I post too much? It CAN be annoying

Richard Tool · Jul 10, 2020

Norcoastal said:
Maybe I post too much? It CAN be annoying

I think we all enjoy your enthusiasm - keep it up !
Plus, it’s fun to speculate what the next iteration of your bike will be after you paint the GK fairing several times in several different colors!

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