New owner 1982 Gs650e

[Kdogg49er]

Just made a winter purchase of a 2 owner 1982 gs650e with 26k , love the look and was thinking of doing a cafe build , but after doing research might just restore it as much as possible and upgrade bars , suspension , pipes (Mac 4 into 1 ) ?? , and enjoy !! Let me know if any other rec upgrades . Thanks

 

[Griffin]

It's your bike, do what you want with it.

That being said, "caf?" bikes are all over Craigslist (I pretty much never see one on the road though, hmmmm....), but minty-looking GS650Es are a rare breed indeed.

I recommend keeping the stock exhaust and installing a K&N OEM style filter (part # SU-5500), drilling out the plugs over the air/fuel mixture screws in the carbs, and backing them out so they are about 2 1/2 turns from closed.

If you do replace the stock exhaust (and it is as nice as it looks in the picture), I would like to buy it from you.

Just some suggestions......

 

[loud et]

How much do you want for the bike?
I know a few people who would buy it or trade you another bike for it to avoid seeing you cut it up.
Ps. I have the same bike.
Fast and nimble and big enough for longer rides.
If you make a "dream bobber out of it, it will be far less rideable due to a number of reasons, rider position, handling geometry, seat comfort. Etc.....
Gotta say, it's your bike so do as you wish.
Please remember members here ,including myself value these bikes and the parts so if you decide to hack it up.....we like nice used parts.

 

[Kdogg49er]

I also value these bikes , I remember as a kid going to my neighbors house and sitting on his dad's gs750 all the time , my dad had a couple kz's and a 900 eliminator ,when I came across this just didn't want to pass it up , I basically just want to change the bars , give it a little better sound , and clean it up , the carbs were just synced on the bike , I saw a Mac 4into 1 setup and just didn't know what people thought , I value the info Griffin on the k&n filter and the drilling fix .

 

[Kdogg49er]

I am shooting for something like this , I think the shocks in back are longer etc

 

[loud et]

Tastefully modified is a great way to go. (sometimes we get too many people on here hacking bikes up and ruining classics and we get a bit testy) lol
That looks like a really nice bike. Out of the 4 GS 's I have its my favourite one to ride.

 

[lurch12_2000]

Yup, drop the hbars a few inches with something better, leave the seat alone but remove the grab strap, put some decent rear shocks on, leave the stock exhaust on to avoid jetting issues, and ride it anywhere. Then when you tire of it you can sell it for what you have into it. My '82 GS650 was very comfortable, sufficient power for 2up riding or all loaded up with camping gear, light and easy to handle, and had good gas tank range. If it needs tires now, consider going with some dual sport tires to take off the beaten path some.
It's your bike and mod it anyway you like but what I stated above is what I did and was very happy with the bike without losing any $.

 

[Kdogg49er]

Got the bars on