Hello, from the new guy

[suueeet]

Just joined the forum so wanted to say hi. Don't know the best place to do this, but I've got a project in the infant stages. Just picked up two GS bikes from a friend. A 1980 850 and another 1982 1100. The plan is to create resurrect two cafe racers from the bones. They are both in good mechanical condition, although not running at the time of purchase. I have begun the strip down process, pics to follow. I'm open to all advice and direction from those that have taken this path. If there is anyone in the Dallas area I can lean on in the event the internet does not offer up its secrets I'd appreciate it. The goal is to get this thing completed by spring 2015. Thanks.

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

Well then hello and welcome.

 

[Guest]

Hi suueeet.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[bomber737]

Welcome and enjoy those bikes, they are both great rides. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people on this forum so ask as many questions as you want. I will be in Dallas for 6 to 7 weeks starting Oct 8th. Pm me if you need any help. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Flyboy]

Welcome and pull up a floor board and make yourself at home, pictures are mandatory video even better, we all like pictures.
Will be watching for the rebuild threads with interest, but I have to ask, why a cafe racer?
I do believe that the general biking population has lost sight of what a cafe racer really was and the spirit in which they were built. Cafe racers were exactly that, racers, light, nimble machines, a 500lbs shaft driven buffalo hardly qualifies as a suitable candidate for a cafe racer.
Don't get me wrong, I love the G series bikes, and have just finished the restoration on mine, go check it out, link in my signature, and would not get rid of it for anything, but it is fantastic in the roll and for the purpose which it was designed.
Hey, but that is just me, show us what you got.

 

[suueeet]

Here is the pic of the 1100. Only things missing are the carbs for the 850 and the airboxes for both. I removed the carbs from the 1100 before the pics. The big bikes don't lend themselves well to cafe racers. The intention is to keep the restoration simple and focus on the necessities.

 

[suueeet]

Stuck engine bolt

Stuck engine bolt

Well I'm this close to pulling the engine BUT there is only one last bolt that I can't get out. It is a single bolt under the stator on the left side. I have not found a tool to grab the nut on the other end of the bolt. The bolt spins freely just can't remove the nut. All my sockets are too long and when I feel with my finger don't even think they would be thin enough to slip over the bolt. Any ideas would be appreciated. Pics to follow once the motor is pulled. Thx.

 

[Charlie G]

If this is the 1100, from the tank, it looks like a shaft model. The bolt you are speaking of shouldn't have a a nut one it, but a rather pointed egg like, threaded piece of steel. No tool needed if it's the stock part. Welcome!

cg

 

[Charlie G]

Part #29 is what should be there.

cg

 

[suueeet]

Thanks for the diagram and info. It would appear that that egg piece is MIA so I will be drilling out the bolt this afternoon. Yes, it is the 1100 shaft model. You guys are the best. Thanks for getting a bigger picture. All I could figure out were thumbnails. Pics to come this evening.

 

[JTGS850GL]

You could use a set of needle nose vise grips to grab the nut and keep it from turning. You can pick them up at most home improvement stores for less then $10. A good item to have in your tool chest.

 

[suueeet]

Quick update. The engine is free and in the frame. Can't seem to shake it out, but might just need a hand with the frame to lift it off straight. Hoping to get some pics as soon as it is out and opened. Oh, and shingles suck

 

[William Groebe]

I found removing the head first from my 82 GS650GL gave me more room to get the engine out of the frame.

 

[suueeet]

Holy thread revival batman! Wanted to give a brief update as the motor is out and ready to be broken apart. I've been talked out of the cafe racer style as it is a bit bulky for that so going to go ahead and bob it instead. While I realize that there are some out there that would want to keep a classic intact, I'm not one of them. If there is someone out there that wants to buy it to save it I'm all ears, but it's probably going under the knife in February. Also decided to lose the instrument cluster so if anyone wants that they can PM me. Here are some pics.

 

[suueeet]

And here is a pic of the engine. Gonna need to spend some time searching for engine tear down instructions and maybe get to buy some new tools. Anyone know of big bore kits that might work with this motor?

 

[JTGS850GL]

If you're thinking of selling it off, you might want to put your location in your profile so others can see where the bike is located. No reason to even consider it if it's half way across the country or the world.

 

[suueeet]

Good idea. The bike is located in Dallas, Texas. USA. I was into classic cars before and loved originals. Don't feel the same way about bikes, but some of my bretheren might. I've had cars saved from chopping for me, just wanted to pass it on.

 

[BigD_83]

Gotta say that I'm not a big fan of bobbed shafties, they usually end up looking heavy and unwieldy to me, but I have seen a few conversions of Gold Wings that worked out really well. That being said, if your eye sees it, go for it, and build as you see fit. I'll follow along regardless.