Before and Almost After 79 GS1000

[Guest]

Well, I have come a long way's since January when I broke my bike down. I know some of you have seen the first pic(the before) and the after pic is new with the superbike bars. The kids ended up sick and with pneumonia, so that derailed my little project a bit but I have managed to get her back together and running great. It's a L model but I quickly learned I hated those bars. The impracticality of riding a cruiser has completely ruined my opinion of those bikes. anyway, here is a list of what I've done and a before and after pic...I'll take more as I go if yall would like.

what's done:
Superbike handlebars (rerouted the lines and everything worked perfectly, no issues and the bike rides beautifully now!)
R/R: replaced with electrosport r/r. it had a mod in it already which i pulled out, stator works great and seems to be a replacement, i have an electrosport stator as a spare now.
all electrical connections replaced with new weatherproof blade connections
fuse box pulled apart, cleaned and all fuses replaced
progressive forks installed and new fork seals
all new wheel bearings
replaced missing rear wheel hub spacer
new battery
used 1000G exhaust instead of straight pipes from PO(new gaskets/new bolts)
Rear master cylinder rebuilt and rear caliper rebuilt then replaced cuz bleeder valve stripped out, new pads
Front calipers rebuilt/replaced/rebuilt again....reduced to single caliper system until a late model master cylinder that holds more fluid can be found. it seems that this stock master cylinder can't hold and push enough fluid for 2 calipers. I'll update as I experiment. New Pads
Valve adjustment
Carbs cleaned and some o-rings replaced, carbs weren't completely disassembled because they were actually really clean inside. one of the fuel mixture screws had to be replaced because the point was broke off.
new tires
I made a taillight bracket just to work until I can find or make something to work the way I want it to.

what's left to do, so far:
replace idiot light cluster and tach with one i just got in the mail from a member yesterday.
new chain (530 conversion, will be here friday)
new float bowl and top cover gaskets for the carbs(this is a funny story actually, i had ordered these already, or so i thought. the whiskey goggles made me order just one of each instead of all four during my first parts order....in the immortal word of Rick Perry, "Oops.")
find used late model front master cylinder that fits.
find/make a better rear fender and taillight assembly, I don't like the stock one.

[mighty13d]

Wow that's really coming along! Keep up the good work and keep us posted. I'm excited for you. Seeing bikes that have really been messed up by POs and coming back to something rather nice with some careful TLC.

[gearhead13]

Everytime i see a bike with ape hangers, makes we want to upchuck.

[chucksuki]

finally found a tailpiece I could make work. Was at a junkyard and found a '79 750E tailpiece including all lamps and inner fender for 75 bucks. Made it fit, the box that came on it didn't fit so I have that sitting to the side waiting for a home. whatchyall think?

[chucksuki]

:UPDATE to those interested

Well, I've gotten a lot done I think. She is running fantastic, despite the mechanic trying to break her. "Remember, never trust someone else to work on your stuff." That's what my dad always said right before he taught me how to do something. I was forced to go back and do the job with greater attention to detail.

to catch up, this was what was done in the spring to get her safe and reliable for the summer.
what's done:
Superbike handlebars (rerouted the lines and everything worked perfectly, no issues and the bike rides beautifully now!)
R/R: replaced with electrosport r/r. :UPDATE: old stator taken out and electrosport installed....runs great!
all electrical connections replaced with new weatherproof blade connections
fuse box pulled apart, cleaned and all fuses replaced
progressive forks installed and new fork seals
all new wheel bearings
replaced missing rear wheel hub spacer....drove it for awhile without it....YIKES!!
new battery
used 1000G exhaust instead of straight pipes from PO(new gaskets/new bolts)
Rear master cylinder rebuilt and rear caliper rebuilt then replaced cuz bleeder valve stripped out, new pads
Front calipers rebuilt/replaced/rebuilt again....reduced to single caliper :UPDATE: have new master cylinder, waiting on cash to get braided lines.
Valve adjustment....:UPDATE:robably needs a check now
New intake boots and o-rings
Carbs cleaned and some o-rings replaced, carbs weren't completely disassembled because they were actually really clean inside. one of the fuel mixture screws had to be replaced because the point was broke off.::UPDATE:: this is where the mechanic could have paid more attention, i found a small spring style key ring in the top of the #1 carb, just hanging out i guess. The brand new #2 intake boot was pinched down and had cracks in the rubber because he didn't find it necessary to make sure the carbs had been properly installed.(he replaced the part, he's a good guy) i pulled apart and cleaned and installed all new o-rings from cycleorings. bench synced and am waiting for check to get a vacuum sync. Runs pretty awesome right now though.
new tires
530 Chain conversion
:::::UPDATE::::::
Carbs correctly cleaned by me, new orings
Realgasket silicon gaskets for breather and valve cover get the torque right so you don't have to replace a cover like I did...sheesh....
Stainless hexbolts to replace all the old screws on the whole engine.
New Petcock and cleaned the tank with Evaporust. New fuel lines and filter.
Dyna S Ignition, Coils, and Wires
New Oring on oil pressure switch

I'll post some pictures later today of the project, got to get them off my phone. I'll post the parts list of the next phase of upgrades.

[chucksuki]

Well I got some things done in the last few weeks despite many headaches. I didn't get pictures of all the work but I have a few of how she looks now.

[chucksuki]

a year in transition



There is one more transition point that I can't figure out the location of but you can scroll up and see the sissy bar if you like. Anyway, she rides great and runs like a sewing machine. Thanks to everyone on this site for making it possible.

[Brian79]

Dude beautiful bike. gets me excited because I have a 79 GS1000L I am rebuilding as well.

[chucksuki]

Thanks man! Treat her right and she'll give more than you'd imagine. I was riding yesterday and at 110 she was still pulling hard when i let off to avoid the speed trap coming up. I've gotten a lot of comments around town, I'm sure you'll get the same. I had a guy walk out of a restaurant before I had my helmet off to come tell me about his old yamaha and how he wished he never sold it. Hope you don't mind talking to people. Any way I can help you out man just let me know.

[chucksuki]

Just synced the carbs with the vacuum sync and man does that make a difference. I wasn't too far off with the bench sync but the number 1 was real high. they were dang near straight across when I finished. Thanks to Rockgs1000 i got my neutral light working, just had to run through it again and bam, she lights up. New Hagon shocks and Dave Quinn made them good and stiff, real sporty ride. The SS brake lines make a huge difference, I'll probably install the rear one next week while it's raining. man, with all the new cables and steering stem bearings it rides like a whole new bike. I owe a lot of thanks to everyone on here who's helped me.

[sedelen]

That's a really nice look'n bike, looks like a good rider and fun too.

[chucksuki]

Love it, reminds me of when I was 19 and had a '66 Corvair convertible. Everywhere I go I get comments. But nothing feels better than breaking the ton on a bike you rebuilt and it rides straight as an arrow and pulls hard all the way. I don't want to beat the old girl up but she just likes to go. Anyone else have this curse?

[chucksuki]

Shorter tail

anyone notice the shorter tail end? That's a 750L fender on it and I think I like it A LOT better than the longer 1000 fender.