Possible new owner - What's the consensus on GS1000G?

[Nessism]

Ha, I found the OP asked the same question on reddit. Answers, not much different. I wonder the same question is on a Triumph site? Ha ha. Sorry to break nuts.

It seems to me that the OP has been cycling through fix/flip projects with some regularity. It seems doubtful that either of these bikes will stick, but only he will know. Maybe won't know until the bike is fixed, even. Anyway, I'd go for the Triumph. Newer, better resale.

[sacruickshank]

Ha, I found the OP asked the same question on reddit. Answers, not much different. I wonder the same question is on a Triumph site? Ha ha. Sorry to break nuts.

It seems to me that the OP has been cycling through fix/flip projects with some regularity. It seems doubtful that either of these bikes will stick, but only he will know. Maybe won't know until the bike is fixed, even. Anyway, I'd go for the Triumph. Newer, better resale.

Yes, I did ask a similar question on reddit, although this question started a little more specific about the 1000G's reputation within the GS line. Sometimes there are nuances, like the 8V/4carb 550's are a better option 16V/2carb variant that came later. You typically only get that level of experience from a platform specific forum. And "no", I didn't ask the same question on Triumphrat.net.. No worries on breaking nuts, if I had a barn, I'd buy both, as some of the redditors suggested.

And it's a fair point if either would stick. I rescue neglected bikes as a hobby (Buy, Fix, Ride, Sell) so there is a lot of turnover in my garage. If it were a business, the Triumph probably has the higher resale, but the Suzuki is more likely to stick since it would probably fit me better.

Cheers.

[sacruickshank]

Well, thinking most any "reasonable person" would look at these 2 bikes and would for sure pick the one with half the age, half the mileage, 25 yr. newer technology... Wondering if you, me, and a few others around here may not be too reasonable for even talking about this choice... Me not knowing anything about the Triumphs, would pick the Suzuki.

Yup, I'm probably in the "unreasonable" category.

[melchiro]

Hmmm, which PROJECT bike to pick...
For me, ANY bike that I decide to purchase, MUST HAVE, a valid TITLE. No exception on this!

The Triumph Triple? That's a water cooled bike & I don't have any desires to own a bike with a radiator/coolant.

That said, going with past experiences of buying "Project" bikes, I calculate what it would cost for replacement parts. The GS1000G parts are still attainable through Ebay & other various website.
Worst case scenario for the GS1000G that you are looking at, it may need another fuel tank, a full engine rebuild with new overbore pistons, possible wiring harness work, ETC. Obviously, the machine work for the new pistons will cost the most. Machine Shop labor is not cheap.

Time & money & garage space..That's what is needed for the GS1000G. Thankfully, I had that for my GS Project bike.

Have you read my, "New to me, GS1000GT", post in the, "Project/Rebuilds" section? My $140.00 purchase price project bike took nine years so far & I'm still not fully finished yet. But this bike brings a smile to me.

So if you have the dollars, the time & patience, my vote is the GS1000G for you.. Good Luck!

Regards,

Mel

[Big Block]

I think to make rideable, use for awhile and possibly flip I might think Triumph. I like working over bikes, riding them awhile and then selling so I can do it again. What I have found locally is it's getting a bit harder to find the everyday parts (brake seals for instance) and it can involve a bit of waiting when I do find them. Then when I go to sell, the GS' have been forgotten a bit and most people that appreciate the GS' already have one or they like to buy them for $500 and go through them themselves. Maybe that's just local but that's what's happening around here. Mind you I can't sell my 12 Honda either so maybe it's just everyone in my country has become broke over the last 10 years.

[sacruickshank]

Hmmm, which PROJECT bike to pick...

Have you read my, "New to me, GS1000GT", post in the, "Project/Rebuilds" section? My $140.00 purchase price project bike took nine years so far & I'm still not fully finished yet. But this bike brings a smile to me.


Mel

Mel, I scanned the post, but admittedly didn't read all the gory details. Awesome post and project, I'm just not that patient.

If I read it correctly, you bored out the cyls and used slightly larger pistons. Was that a choice or was there damage that required the process?

The basket case I'm looking at has the cyl and head off, but I'd prefer to re-use the existing pistons without boring if possible.

[Grimly]

The basket case I'm looking at has the cyl and head off, but I'd prefer to re-use the existing pistons without boring if possible.

At this stage, the best thing to do is get your micrometer out and measure up.
It might have been stripped because of oil consumption caused by worn rings - it's a common enough complaint that new rings will solve.
The other common reason for stripping the top end and barrels off is to remedy a chronic base gasket leak and by that time it's usually best to fit new rings anyway.
I'd not be at all surprised if your pistons and bores are perfectly good.