Ghost's full suspension build

[Ghost0]

Intro
Well I though maybe I would document this one instead of just one day out of the blue here it is. Should be a fun journey but probably won't last as long as I would like. Building is most of the fun but somehow I think this one is going to be more fun to ride.

The Bike
This is a GT LTS frame from the late `90's. It just screams put a motor on me and go find some dirt. I picked up the bike from a friend who is into refurbishing and reselling high end bicycles of all kinds. Cost me $100. He also does some motorized bikes and is the one that got me into this hobby 2 and half years ago.

 

[Ghost0]

Progress so far
I was able to secure a new wheel and front disc brakes from the guy I got the bike from, he has all kinds of cool parts laying around. Not the best stuff in the world but pretty decent.

Next I rebuilt the front forks. They were old and rusty inside and hardly worked. I have them working pretty nice now. Was also able to get a new stem and bars that will make it feel more comfortable and more like a dirt bike. Installed a spare rear wheel I had with a new mega-range rear cassette. Also installed the bottom bracket, cranks and front freewheel along with some cool pedals my buddy also hooked me up with.

Fenders, controls and engine next, stay tuned.

 

[wheelbender6]

You chose well! Should be a relatively straight forward installation. The LTS is a 4 link suspension (vice single pivot), which reduces chain tension changes. We look forward to pics of the completed installation.

 

[DasKapitan]

Ghost 0 -
Glad your documenting this one. It'll be fun to follow plus a sweet off roader.
Das

 

[crgintx]

Way cool handlebars. It gives the bike a classic 60's/70's motorcross look. Just need some knobby-style tires on wide rims with fat spokes and a beavertail fender.

 

[Ghost0]

Made a little more progress today. Finalized the chainrings and derailleur, set up the grip shift. Installed the dual pull lever and adjusted the brakes accordingly. Fenders and gas tank done. Got some sweet Scott motorcycle grips. Engine install is next.

 

[Easy Rider]

Sweet Ghost! I'll be checking out your progress. I had a LTS but left it a hard tail because I didn't want to alter the frame to make the Morini work. I always thought it was the perfect frame for your Jackshaft.
From my experience, Its a good solid frame.

 

[Goat Herder]

Very cool that looks like it will be fun. I looked for those frames and finally gave up. My buddy has one like it sorta a specialized. I teased him pretty good by riding my J shaft creation daily around him.

 

[Ghost0]

Another update, engine installed, used our new oversized mount for my big 2 inch down tube. Next I need to install the electicals and then make a new seat.

 

[DasKapitan]

You SBP guys are always innovating. So many frame have the larger tubes

 

[Ghost0]

Well today was the maiden voyage. Everything went well except my intelligence. For some reason I had the head off this engine and forgot. So I went to start it up and it would fire but wouldn't run. It also sounded like it had an exhaust leak but being that it had a new exhaust that didn't bother me. Well I forgot to tighten the head down and the spark plug was loose. After I got my intelligence back, I think anyway she fired right up an wow is this cool. Wheelies are so easy. Still have to tune the carb and some other minor tweeking but overall I like it. Can't wait to take it to some dirt and open her up. Now where is that jump my buddy was telling me about?

 

[Rockenstein]

Nice build Ghost...looks like it'll be a very comfy ride. Unique frame that one, think I've only ever seen one up close and personal.

These 2 quotes scare me man...lol...my age maybe ??

Wheelies are so easy

Now where is that jump my buddy was telling me about?

Do post a vid if you can, would love to see and hear it in action.

 

[Ghost0]

OK Rock you were right, I should have been scared too. Had a minor incident while doing one of those wheelies, skinned my knee up a bit and damaged my pride but no damage to the bike. This thing is way too awesome for words. I will be taking it to a buddies house the second week of August and will take some video of it in action.

 

[DasKapitan]

That's one awesome machine. It looks factory purpose built.

 

[Ghost0]

You want some video, well here you go.
http://sickbikeparts.com/SBP Video4.wmv

 

[Easy Rider]

The bike looks and handles the dirt great Ghost! Many props and good job on the bike!

 

[Goat Herder]

Nice Video Great work. Thanks for sharing. These J shafts are awesome!

 

[Rockenstein]

Sweet deal Ghost0...looks like it's working real well

 

[Ghost0]

Thanks guys, it was fun building and even more fun riding. We just scored Pablo one of these frames and we will see if we can squeeze one of our new 4 stroke shift kits into it.

 

[Pablo]

Shoot. That was supposed to be a secret!