Fixing up a 1982 GS650GL

[VintageLad]

Hey everyone, I'm new here. As the title says, I picked up a GS650GL on Easter Sunday that I'm working on. It was running, but needed some work. I've always liked older bikes and I was up for a project.

This forum is an awesome resource to have, I've spent a lot of time looking through threads so far, as well as reading through BassCliff's website. I'm loving how welcoming and informational this place is, figured I might as well join up. This is my second bike I've owned, I rode a Hondamatic around town for 5 years and just sold it to fund this purchase.

I bought my GS for $450 and it needed carb work, a new rear tire, and a new battery. I ordered the tire and battery and have them already. I've also placed an order through Mr. Robert Barr for o-rings and fasteners for the intake and carbs, in addition to new bowl gaskets and a few other assorted odds and ends. This weekend I should get the carbs rebuilt and start looking at the valves. Otherwise everything appears in great running shape, and I can't wait to get it out on the road!

Thanks for having me here

 

[jsandidge]

Welcome and good luck! How about some pics of the bike?

 

[VintageLad]

Here she is! This is the only one I have so far, I took it quick when I bought the bike. I've cleaned it up some since then, the chrome is all looking fantastic. As far as I can tell everything is stock on it except the highway pegs. 21k miles on the clock.

 

[Gorminrider]

Hi! Very nice! A real deal! good for you!

 

[Steve]

That doesn't by chance have a dent on the right side of the tank, does it? :-k

One of our members sold one that looked a lot like that, but it might have been an '83.

.

 

[Guest]

That's the same color scheme I have on my '82 1100.
Very nice bike and a good deal. Welcome to the forum and your going to enjoy that bike.

 

[Guest]

I restored a 1981 GS650GL in 2014 - you can check my blog to see how it went. Maybe something I did will help you along the way. Without the help of the wonderful folks on this forum I never would have been able to restore the bike successfully. There is a goldmine of knowledge here!

Cheers, and welcome!
K

 

[kerrfunk]

I love my 83 650GL, only complaint I have is it doesn't hold a lotta gas, gotta stop every 100 miles. Welcome!

 

[tom203]

Have a good look at rear wheel drive spline- 82's had softies that got chewed up. Make sure you lube spline well - I use hightemp lithium grease, but basscliff's site has more specific ones.

 

[kerrfunk]

Oooh yeah. I had to replace the drive spline hub on my 82 1100GL.

 

[jsandidge]

Yeah, I had to replace the hub on my 82 850L. 82 was a bad year for those, no matter the size of the bike. They all used the same hub.

 

[VintageLad]

Thanks for all replies, I appreciate it. I'm hoping to take the rear wheel off to get my new tire mounted this weekend, I'll make sure to look over the drive system, change the hypoid oil, and take a look at the splines while I'm at it.

Brent

 

[BigD_83]

Oshkosh, b'gosh! Welcome to the GSR.

Looks like you've got a great starting point.


They'll be the dominant model on the forum at the rate 650s have been popping up over the last year or so.