1980 GS 1000 L Project

[eheron]

This past summer I decided I wanted to learn to ride. I picked up an old GS1000 because the price was right. I've worked on old Volvos and new Mopars in my spare time, so I figured that I could handle the couple of things that needed to be done.

Currently the list is:

Rebuild the carbs
Replaced the faulty petcock
Figure out why it does not like to turn.

If I get a chance the tank could use a polish as well. I have had it out enough times to know that it is a little too powerful for a new rider like me. Right now my goal is getting it running well enough to trade it for a smaller one. I'll post pics when I get a chance.

 

[eheron]

The bike came with a vacuum petcock, but I am not a huge fan of it. Is it possible to convert it to a normal setup?

 

[mrl1000l]

How's it going eheron, it looks like you've escaped the all-seeing eye of basscliff. You could switch your bike to a manual petcock. You would need to successfully block the vacuum port into carb 3.

You might be just as happy replacing the petcock for a new one. The PO of my GS1000L put a K&L petcock on similar to this one and it has been working great.

 

[Steve]

You could switch your bike to a manual petcock. You would need to successfully block the vacuum port into carb 3.

It would be better if he blocked the vacuum port on carb #2, but EVEN BETTER, why not just get the vacuum petcock to work properly and not have to worry about it?
On mrl100l's bike, it is, indeed on carb #3, but on eheron's bike, it's on #2.

The worst part of it is that you have the "dreaded '80 petcock", which was (thankfully) a one-year-wonder.
Unfortunately, no other vacuum petcock from Suzuki will fit there, but once it's working properly, it works just fine.
Personally, I would fix it and forget it.

Eheron, when you say "it does not like to turn", are you referring to the fact that it only goes in a straight line or that the engine does not turn over?
If it's the engine not turning over, do you mean that it won't even try to rotate, or will crank (rotate), but not fire (start up)?

Also, one of the very important things that should be on your "to-do" list should be valve adjustment.
Too many times, this little task has been neglected, because it costs too much at the dealer.
The clearances on these bikes are preciously small, so it is rather critical to keep them in-spec.

.

 

[eheron]

The worst part of it is that you have the "dreaded '80 petcock", which was (thankfully) a one-year-wonder.
Unfortunately, no other vacuum petcock from Suzuki will fit there, but once it's working properly, it works just fine.
Personally, I would fix it and forget it.
.

I was not aware that the 1980 part was different than all of the others. That is good to know.

Eheron, when you say "it does not like to turn", are you referring to the fact that it only goes in a straight line or that the engine does not turn over?
If it's the engine not turning over, do you mean that it won't even try to rotate, or will crank (rotate), but not fire (start up)?
.

It does not like to turn. I admit that I don't have a ton of experience riding such a big bike, but my co-workers seem to think that even for a big bike it is not handling right.

It warmed up today so I was able to get a start on my list. The carbs, tank and petcock are all off. All that's left to do is everything.

 

[Rockgs1000]

with a bike that old the steering bearings in the neck of the frame is probably rusted or bad with flat spots on them. you will want to take that apart and check them. they are taper bearings so not as cheap as a set of wheel bearings. make sure you keep the dust cover for the top and bottom if you have to remove them and replace.