GS 1100 E "Resto-Mod"

[JungleJustice]

1) V & H 4-into-1s are on order.

2) HD rear Progressives have shipped.

3) Fast from the Past fork-brace is on the way.

4) Wheels are in for powder-coating (flat-matte black - no polished edges)!

5) New Avon's are ready for mounting - just as soon as the wheels are back from powder-coating!

6) All colour-coded parts are in for paint (Dark metallic "Gun Metal" gray - base/clear...)! Am I banned yet!?

7) New GS1000S clutch cable should be here tomorrow.

8) Ditto for the new air-box boots!

9) Cam-cover is off for valve-adjustment.

10) Brake-lines are removed and ready for duplication in stainless steel-braided!

 

[jwhelan65]

Pictures are required...

 

[JungleJustice]

Yep - working on getting a photobucket account or something - kinda sucks not being able to just post it directly into the thread/post (at least in a restricted size then...)!?

The forum won't even allow me to post a picture that I posted in my first greeting here (its the only BEFORE that I will have)! Can server storage space be THAT expensive!? I notice that threads get purged as well!

That limits searches and explains why searches for some of my dumb questions delivered no results! Causes the same questions to be asked over and over publicly (if you asked me - which nobody did)!

 

[JungleJustice]

So, the V&H vendor shipped the wrong (drag-version) of their pipes; correct one has now been re-shipped!

HD rear Progressives are installed.

Fast from the Past fork-brace is here - ready to be installed once we have the wheels back on and once we align the bike.

Flat-matte black powder-coated wheels are back now and the new Avons are installed and balanced. Looks GREAT!

New wheel-bearings - front and rear - are here and ready to go in on Monday!
Fork-oil drained, flushed and refilled.

Subaru dark metallic "Gun Metal" gray - base/clear body-parts are done and ready to go back on!

New GS1000S clutch cable installed (this bike is a GS1100E and the routing is a bit better but the clutch is still tight)!

New air-box boots are installed!

Valve-adjustment is done - new valve cover gasket installed.

New custom-made stainless-steel braided brake-lines - front & rear - installed and system flushed - ready for refill and bleed.

New Dynatek green coils are headed this way (as are their grey DW-800 suppression wires)!

All electrical connections have been PB Blasted/WD40/Contact Cleaner-treated/Dielectric Greased and replaced in places. We have also run a new heavy-gauge ground-strap from the regulator to the battery and improved the ground from the battery to the engine!

New plugs are gapped and reinstalled - did another oil-change (and replaced the drain-plug copper o-ring).

Can't WAIT to ride this thing again!

 

[blowerbike]

why don't you change to dot 5 brake fluid while your doing the lines?
higher temp rating and it does not damage paint or draw moisture.
it is expensive but what to hay!

 

[JungleJustice]

I wanted to, but I was advised against using DOT 5 on these older machines!

Can I - should I...?

Any way, here's a link to some pictures! http://s880.photobucket.com/albums/ac1/JungleJustice/1980%20Suzuki%20GS%201100%20E%20RestoMod/

How do I post pics directly IN the thread!?

 

[driverofLYN274]

Subaru dark metallic "Gun Metal" gray - base/clear body-parts are done and ready to go back on!

I love Urban Gray Metallic. I drive a 2003 Platinum Silver WRX while my GS is in pieces. If I had picked a newer model, though, I would have definitely picked UGM as my color.

Good luck with the Resto-Mod! I plan on doing something similar once I get this old gal charging right.

 

[blowerbike]

I wanted to, but I was advised against using DOT 5 on these older machines!

Can I - should I...?

Any way, here's a link to some pictures! http://s880.photobucket.com/albums/ac1/JungleJustice/1980%20Suzuki%20GS%201100%20E%20RestoMod/

How do I post pics directly IN the thread!?

you have to flush the system with rubbing alcohol.
dot 5 is the only way to go if you care about your bike and its finish.
FYI
ever had or known of someone jumping on there bike in the spring just to find out when you hit the brake they lock up and the bike will not move...
thats because dot 3 4 attracts moisture.
dot 5 silicone does not.
:clap:

 

[Steve]

How do I post pics directly IN the thread!?

Did you notice the IMG link that is associated with every picture?

Copy that link and paste it in your message. Please also put a blank line between the pictures, you can post up to 10 per message.

etc., etc., etc.

.

 

[JungleJustice]

Very cool - thanks for doing that!

OK then, I'll swap to the DOT-5 fluid. Any issues with the seals not taking it...?

 

[1100E]

Yep - working on getting a photobucket account or something - kinda sucks not being able to just post it directly into the thread/post (at least in a restricted size then...)!?

The forum won't even allow me to post a picture that I posted in my first greeting here (its the only BEFORE that I will have)! Can server storage space be THAT expensive!? I notice that threads get purged as well!

That limits searches and explains why searches for some of my dumb questions delivered no results! Causes the same questions to be asked over and over publicly (if you asked me - which nobody did)!

Your comments are a bit unfair, did you know:

This Forum isn't run by a multi-million dollar company with teams of development people, it's just a few dedicated guys who put in long hours at work and then put in even more hours every evening just to keep the rest of us informed about our Suzukis.

It also isn't free, if you want more functionality and server space maybe you could help by donating a few bucks (like the rest of us) to ensure those few guys who so selflessly give their time don't also have to fork over their own hard-earned cash, too.

The pics you have are great! Rather than use a photobucket account you could create an album (here, on the Forum) and add your pics to posts directly from the album. An album also allows members to stop by and admire your bike, even when you're not posting.

Your bike looks very cool, is that a Sargent recovered seat? Good luck with the build and thanks for posting!

 

[JungleJustice]

WHOA! Slow down there, Hoss! I never intended any offense; I simply asked the question since I am very active on numerous other car and bike forums (and I also personally maintain a family forum and run two other websites of my own). I am then intimately familiar with the actual costs of maintaining such a forum.

Hence the question; 1) Is the reason for the purging of threads simply an issue of server space? 2) Is server space really that expensive for the purveyors of the forum!? What can be done to remedy the problem.

I am more than glad to make a donation (it is very typical on the other forums that I frequent to either have a donation drive from time to time, or even for a forum to charge a membership fee for expanded service over and above the most basic of membership services...)!

Either way, I never called the baby ugly and would never presume to; forums such as these are INVALUABLE to the community and it truly is a labour of love for those charged with maintaining it! They have my complete and utmost respect! It's just that it doesn't take a "multi-million dollar company with teams of development people" to simply store or archive more and not purge crucial info (that saves the senior members from answering noob-questions...)

Any way - thanks again for those who toil tirelessly; what's the PayPal address for donations? I will donate the entire proceeds from the sale of the standard pipes off of the bike (in reasonable shape), standard rear shocks in known-good condition and standard brake lines (for those seeking standard hardware and lines in good working order), to the GS Forums! Any takers?

In any event; the seat was apparently a 3-400 dollar rebuild/restore, but I don't know who did it for the PO. All I know is that it is super comfy and it keeps my butt firmly planted when I crank her ear!

Your comments are a bit unfair, did you know:

This Forum isn't run by a multi-million dollar company with teams of development people, it's just a few dedicated guys who put in long hours at work and then put in even more hours every evening just to keep the rest of us informed about our Suzukis.

It also isn't free, if you want more functionality and server space maybe you could help by donating a few bucks (like the rest of us) to ensure those few guys who so selflessly give their time don't also have to fork over their own hard-earned cash, too.

The pics you have are great! Rather than use a photobucket account you could create an album (here, on the Forum) and add your pics to posts directly from the album. An album also allows members to stop by and admire your bike, even when you're not posting.

Your bike looks very cool, is that a Sargent recovered seat? Good luck with the build and thanks for posting!

 

[1100E]

Oh man, another case of being misunderstood in an electronic format. If we were just talking you would have probably figured that I was just sharing some insight and not calling you out.

I only meant to say we're all here to share our love for bikes, specifically Suzukis. I like where you're going with yours, good luck with the rebuild and thanks for sharing some pics. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

 

[JungleJustice]

Sorry Tom - my fault - too much explaining and detail from the new kid on the block... I didn't mean to come across as indifferent to the efforts of the forum's admins!

Thanks for the encouragement with the bike - I need it; just got screwed on a set of V&H pipes. Sent me the wrong pipes, had to pay more to get the correct pipes, now they're not sending the pipes; simply decided to refund a portion of my money from the eBay auction and to keep penalties and auction fees and re-stocking fees and shipping both ways!

Ah well - just bought the set from Jim - thanks Jim!

Cheers bud!

 

[blowerbike]

Very cool - thanks for doing that!

OK then, I'll swap to the DOT-5 fluid. Any issues with the seals not taking it...?

just flush the system real good.
if you feel like it take your calipers a part and also your slave cyl.
thats up to you.
dot 5 = no paint damage or sticking calipers over extended periods of non use.
it does cost quite bit more than dot 3 and 4 is the only down side.

 

[Texasgs]

Dot...............

Dot...............

Guys I have done some professional engineering-consulting on brake systems, so I have got the real deal as far as info goes on the brake fluid lowdown. Here it is, don't confuse any of this with trolling, this is something I know well on a professional level.

There are a lot of misconceptions about brake fluids, and you will hear all types of stories. The only difference between DOT 3 and 4 is 4 has a higher boiling point, which means it will hang in longer if you are getting medieval on the brakes. Once the brake fluid boils it is all over, even if the pads are still with you. Also Dot 3, & 4 both are Deliquescent, which simply means they absorb moisture like crazy. The two things that make brake hydraulic systems go south are corrosion from moisture in the fluid, and wear. Did you ever notice how master cylinders, and bottles of brake fluid tell you to keep them sealed...deliquescent, moisture magnet in liquid form.

Dot 5 really rocks, because it is not deliquescent, and that totally stops the abrasion of the corrosion in the hydraulic part of the brake system. Dot 5 is made of silicone, and it is a super lubricant, so it virtually eliminates the other chief enemy of the hydraulic system..WEAR. So no Deliquesence, radically reduced wear, and if that isn't enough it has a super high boiling point far above the boiling point of dot 3, or 4. And it doesn't rapae your paint.

You could mix a little of each one of these in a jar and shake them up, then use them and it would work fine, but it would have all the demons of the cheap DOT 3, because it has dot 3 in it, and it isn't pure. So if you are going to go to the expense to use dot 5 clean out the cheap stuff. It would really be best to break the system down and assemble it with DOT 5 as a lubricant, it isn't that big of a job. Pain in the but not that bad. Leaving some of the old crud in it is like taking a bath and putting on your dirty underwear. It just don't work as good.

 

[Nessism]

Guys I have done some professional engineering-consulting on brake systems, so I have got the real deal as far as info goes on the brake fluid lowdown. Here it is, don't confuse any of this with trolling, this is something I know well on a professional level.

There are a lot of misconceptions about brake fluids, and you will hear all types of stories. The only difference between DOT 3 and 4 is 4 has a higher boiling point, which means it will hang in longer if you are getting medieval on the brakes. Once the brake fluid boils it is all over, even if the pads are still with you. Also Dot 3, & 4 both are Deliquescent, which simply means they absorb moisture like crazy. The two things that make brake hydraulic systems go south are corrosion from moisture in the fluid, and wear. Did you ever notice how master cylinders, and bottles of brake fluid tell you to keep them sealed...deliquescent, moisture magnet in liquid form.

Dot 5 really rocks, because it is not deliquescent, and that totally stops the abrasion of the corrosion in the hydraulic part of the brake system. Dot 5 is made of silicone, and it is a super lubricant, so it virtually eliminates the other chief enemy of the hydraulic system..WEAR. So no Deliquesence, radically reduced wear, and if that isn't enough it has a super high boiling point far above the boiling point of dot 3, or 4. And it doesn't rapae your paint.

You could mix a little of each one of these in a jar and shake them up, then use them and it would work fine, but it would have all the demons of the cheap DOT 3, because it has dot 3 in it, and it isn't pure. So if you are going to go to the expense to use dot 5 clean out the cheap stuff. It would really be best to break the system down and assemble it with DOT 5 as a lubricant, it isn't that big of a job. Pain in the but not that bad. Leaving some of the old crud in it is like taking a bath and putting on your dirty underwear. It just don't work as good.

I strongly advise against using DOT 5 brake fluid. First off, it's not compatible with 3 & 4 so you MUST perform a full system tear down, and replace the brake lines which are sure to have scale on the inside (always a good idea regardless of what kind of fluid you are going to use). DOT 5 will create a spongy lever feel too which is a negative. The fact that DOT 3 & 4 brake fluid absorbs water is a good thing, it keeps corrosion at bay as long as you change the fluid every few years like the manual calls for. I see no advantages to DOT 5 at all, and lots of negatives.

 

[Chris]

Nessism-san,

I understand your reservations with and points about the use of DOT-5 brake fluid. Without meaning to give offense I must disagree and have to say that my experiences with both DOT-3/4 fluids and DOT-5 have lead me to the conclusion that DOT-5 fluid is the better pick. I haven't experienced the problems with spongy levers that are usually attributed to DOT-5. I have had the paint on my BMW dissolved by a broken front brake line spewing DOT-3 all over the tank and fairing. Flushing out the system with DOT-5 when I replaced the rubber lines with braided and deleted the ABS system was pretty straigtforward. (Incidentally, deleting the ABS and installing braided lines gave the exisiting Brembos on the Bimmer much better feel and apparent power. The brakes went from OK to superb and the bike is at least 20 pounds lighter.) After 2 years I flushed the system again and replaced the existing DOT-5 fluid with fresh DOT-5. The old fluid was notable for coming out as clean as it went in making me feel pretty good about probably eliminating the possibility of corrosion within the system by using a non-hygroscopic brake fluid. I have since replaced the brake fluid in the brake systems of my old '79 GS-S with DOT-5 as well when I installed braided brake lines with no problems whatsoever. The greater cost of DOT-5 fluid is negligible when compared to the benefits such as reduced system maintenance and increased component life.

That's my experience with and conclusions about using DOT-5 fluid.

As always, your mileage may vary...

 

[JungleJustice]

STEVE! What happened to your (my) pictures that you posted...!?

Anyway, got the tank and other parts back today! Wheels are coated and new tires on - looks great in person!

 

[rapidray]

The bike is looking good! Just KNOW that those star pattern 82 wheels would be a LOT easier to keep clean if you had gone GLOSS black instead of matte or flat! Let me know if you have any questions about more power or the things you need to do to bullet proof the engine. Ray.