New old bike

[IndieSol]

Picked up a '82 GS1100G mile eater this evening. A $950 Craigslist find. I was pleased to pull into the driveway and see an immaculate, well equipped garage with 8 or so bikes in there. The bike is titled in the owner's name, has current tabs and runs and rides amazingly. It's got 35k on the clock, but I've heard that these shaft drives are pretty solid and I figure it's got a lot left in her. That was his asking price, and there was no room for negotiation, but honestly, I feel like I stole it from him in the middle of the night.

After talking with the guy for a bit, I get the feeling he's pretty into having his bikes well maintained. I checked out his other bikes and they were all in fantastic condition with nice, tight, well lubed chains.

This one needs a cleaning, but the dirtiest part is the engine and it's not bad. I was actually shocked at the condition of the bike when I saw it. It's quite nice.

I'm probably going to throw on some euro superbike bars I've got in the garage, get rid of that windshield, maybe some paint at some point but it's not at all necessary, and call it good (aside from the usuals of oil change, fork seals, shaft oil change).

Small pics are out of the CL ad, the larger pic is a nice example I found somewhere or another.

I'm really not sure when I'll be able to make these changes, but hopefully sometime soon.

 

[Big R]

wow man, looks to be in great shape. Some engine degreaser, kerosene, and a garden hose should take care of the motor pretty good.

 

[IndieSol]

I'll give the kerosene a try - haven't before. Any tips for application? I've got some engine cleaning brushes for inside the fins and such.

 

[Big R]

No open flames to start with. Just a big drip pan and some brushes. I kinda gave up on normal engine cleaning brushes - they tend to be overpriced and very limited to size / shape / ergonomics. Head down to the local walmart or somewhere and get all kinds of brushes for doing dishes.

 

[valvesprung]

Very cool scoot man, definitely a hell of a power upgrade over the CJ ;D

 

[IndieSol]

Very cool scoot man, definitely a hell of a power upgrade over the CJ ;D

Definitely. Increase of 64 or so hp. But you know what they say about riding a slow bike fast......

I imagine I'll still ride the CJ more when it's done, but this will be nice for longer rides or flat out comfort.

How are your new bikes treating you?

 

[valvesprung]

They look pretty-ish sitting in the garage Haven't had time to tear in yet, hopefully soon though...

 

[IndieSol]

Picked up the bike tonight. Rode it home in the 29 degree weather. Cold as hell, but the bike did well.

I forgot how smooth the in-line fours are. And power for days. Someone even put an aftermark cruise control on there.

Immediately pulled off the windshield, as I already have it sold. On friday I'll pick up a service manual for this thing and get on changing the oil and filter, brake fluid and shaft drive oil. Also going to pick up some fork seals.

I want to swap out these handlebars soon. I know that the wires don't run through them as they do on my Honda, but I'm wondering if there are locator pins on the controls like the Hondas that I'll have to drill holes for. I'm hoping for an easier swap.

Man, that engine is dirty. I hope Kerosene will be able to put a dent in that.

 

[Big R]

I dont think there's any locator pins in Suzuki bars, but I could be wrong.

And whenever you go to clean to bare aluminum on the motor, remember there is probably some of the factory "clear coat" on it. Cover up any surrounding painted surfaces and get some aircraft stripper on there.

 

[IndieSol]

Yeah....that stuff is nasty when it comes off. I'm guessing Autosol or something similar to protect it after cleaning....?

 

[IndieSol]

Threw on some euro superbike bars I had in the garage. Much better.

Very minor stuff left to do for now, just waiting on a service manual. Paint in the spring, 4 - 1 exhaust as soon as I find a good deal on one. Leaving the stock air box.

 

[thralldad]

NICE GS!!

 

[IndieSol]

Thanks, man. I'm diggin' it so far.