GS750 Bobber Build

[rednine12]

Recently I have gotten into the idea of building a bobber. I was originally thinking of a Triumph but 1) couldn't find a frame with an engine in my budget, 2) couldn't bring myself to cut one up if I could afford it, and 3) loved the reliability of Japanese bikes and the looks of the 4 pipes out the front. I picked up a '78 GS750 that was once, according to the title, a GS750L. Got it home and put it right next to my dad's '80 GS850G. Can't even tell they were once so similar!

As any person who wants to live a little longer, I decided it would be smart to check the welds. Battery box, which was a mess (PO pulled the wiring harness and did...something), came out along with the seat and tank. The welds are not by any means pretty, but seem to be sturdy. Some places need to be redone and I'll probably add gussets for a slightly cleaner (in my opinion) look and the added strength.

Since the wiring harness is tangled and cut in a box, I can't start the bike. I'm sure it'll need a good carb cleaning at the least before it starts up as well. I don't want to pull the engine to work on the frame until I know the condition of it. What is the bare minimum I need to start one of these things? It has kickstart and I plan on making my own wiring harness so I'm okay with buying nice, new parts. On the wiring harness topic, are there any good links to making one? I've found a couple that give the basics, but none that are descriptive enough for a newbie like me.

Any help is greatly appreciated as this is my first build and I'm still learning how to do some stuff. Pictures will come soon!

 

[rednine12]

Here's how she sits now. Ditched the idea of trying to start it until it's a safe bike that can stop and is safe. Needs fork seals and dust seals replaced. Have a brake rebuild kit on the way. Will hopefully get the front end done and the engine pulled so I can strip the frame and paint it properly. PO rattle canned primer right over the old paint and it's flaking and just looks terrible. Haven't accomplished much in a month due to just starting a new job. Now that more money is flowing in I hope to get more done and post more.

 

[Fjbj40]

Easy, buy a used harness http://www.ebay.ca/sch/Automotive/6000/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=gs750+wiring+harness&_sop=2

 

[rednine12]

Got the forks apart and decided that the peeling clearcoat was no good. Had some leftover paint and they turned out pretty well. Waiting for paint/clearcoat to cure before assembling.

 

[rednine12]

Got front forks done and needed to move the bike so I put the wheel on. Everything looked good when it was off the ground. Lowered it and it still looks good...

 

[rednine12]

...And then when I turned it it did this. The only thing that I didn't put back on was the brake caliper (being rebuilt) but I can't imagine that would cause my wheel to sway when turned...? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Steve]

I picked up a '78 GS750 that was once, according to the title, a GS750L.

To the best of my recollection, the "L" models did not start until the '79 model year.

Check the VIN tag on the steering stem for the production date and the year suffix.

Note that some of the '79 models were made as early as August or September of '78, so some paperwork is in error if it lists it as a '78,

.

 

[Nessism]

As any person who wants to live a little longer, I decided it would be smart to check the welds. The welds are not by any means pretty, but seem to be sturdy. Some places need to be redone and I'll probably add gussets for a slightly cleaner (in my opinion) look and the added strength.

Of all my years on this motorcycle forum and others, the only guys I've ever heard about checking welds are the modder (bobber/cafe) guys. There is nothing wrong with checking, but 99.9% chance there is nothing wrong unless the bike was crashed, and even at that, the % only drops to 99% unless something is badly bent. You are pretty much wasting your time by adding gussets, unless said gussets involve modding the frame by hardtailing or what have you. In that case the concept of safety goes out the window though.

 

[Guest]

View attachment 46453
...And then when I turned it it did this. The only thing that I didn't put back on was the brake caliper (being rebuilt) but I can't imagine that would cause my wheel to sway when turned...? Any help is greatly appreciated!

The only way that can happen is if you are missing spacers or the wheel bearings are completely fubar. Some side and quarter shots of the hub area would help with figuring out what is wrong, that pic shows none of the details.


Mark