1980 850g low budget build

[EngineeringKid]

Hello guys and I'd also like to say first post in the forum!

So hear it goes my dads always been a motorcycle enthusiast. He recently bought a Harley and me and him both ride it a lot and motorcycles is the way of life for our family.. I also race sleds and motocross and do most of the mechanic work myself.

My dad also has a 1980 gs850g in the our garage, hasn't ran in close to 15 years and he bought it new... We pulled it out and I realized I could have a nice project for the summer on my hands. The bad news is I also have a low budget to work with.

Pulled it out keys still in it, needs a battery. Tires aren't dry walled and seem in really good condition. Bike has 18k on it, not so bad. My buddy's a race mechanic he wants to clean up the carbs. Bad news is the gas was never drained.... The bike had no issues ever! My father just stopped riding and put her away. If it gets to become to expensive, ill end up selling it and get more than it's worth in scrap metal. I really can't tell you guys much more until I get the time to clean it up and take it apart!

 

[eil]

That's a good bike you have there. If it's as you say, then there's no reason to think you'd get more money out of it from a scrapper than you would by selling it to someone who wants to rebuild it.

But if you think you're man (or... woman?) enough to bring this thing back to life, then you're in good company. BassCliff will be along shortly with his patented Mega Welcome that contains everything you need to know about maintaining your machine.

Rebuilding the carbs: good! Make sure you (or your friend) follow the tutorials we have on how to do this the right way. Don't buy a full rebuild kit from some vendor, they're worse than useless. Get an o-ring kit from cycleorings.com instead.

Tires: If they're 15 years old, they're junk. They might look fine, but they've hardened to the point that you're gonna low-side through the first decent lean you try to make. The good news is that tire technology has come a long way and you can get a pretty decent set for between $150-$200. Search the forums for recommendations and vendors, the two most commonly recommended ones around here seem to be Shinko 230 Tourmasters and Avon RoadRiders.

Brakes: You didn't mention brakes, but I will. You should tear down and inspect all parts of the braking system. 15 years of stagnant brake fluid can do a number on the lines and seals. Definitely replace the lines with new aftermarket stainless steel braided ones and buy new OEM pistons/seals/boots as needed.

You can have a look at my thread below to get a taste of what you're in for.

Welcome and keep us posted!

 

[EngineeringKid]

Awesome awesome awesome! Yes brakes and tires will be a must. Battery a must. I hear of this stuff to reseal your gas tank as well.

Hope to hear more!