I just bought a forgotten relic. Need advice on how best to get it in tip-top shape.

[850GT_Rider]

.....I'm currently hemorrhaging money on parts....

Yup. Welcome to the asylum!

[Dogma]

You want a series regulator, the Shindengen SH775, Polaris part number 4012941. Steve has been shopping, check his thread.

For brake lines, if you don't want to take time to assemble your own, get some braided stainless by Goodridge from Z1, one of our favorite suppliers. Unfortunately, I don't have size recommendations, but that's a solid brand.

Get started on the valve adjust while you wait for parts. At 6000 miles, the cam cover has been off at most once since the bike was assembled, probably in the first half of the 80's. You'll need time to carefully remove the remains of the gasket. Having parts ready to go in will make you rush and gouge the head.

Apart from the newly covered seat, that looks like a perfect stock example. The spline on the rear wheel will tell you if it really has only 6000 miles on it. While you have it off to get a new tire put on (I get a break on mounting cost if the shop doesn't have to take the wheels off), get a good look at that spline. You need to take it off the wheel to see the wear unless you're already very familiar with what wear looks like on these. The '82 spline does wear out, and if the odometer is lying, a stripped spline will leave you stranded.

[wymple]

While I personally would try getting it ready for a very long haul in less than a month, and then take it, I'm also not quite right in the head. There are too many variables on a bike that's been out of service that long. When you get it up to snuff your 850G will be your favorite bike, as is mine.

[klylor10]

Update:

I finished cleaning the carbs yesterday. There was one stuck float pin, and the bottom of the float bowls was absolutely caked with sediment from gas sitting in there. After a carb dip and ultrasonic clean on all metal parts they're looking like they just came out of the factory. I just received o-rings and gaskets in the mail, so these should be reassembled soon.

The spline on the rear wheel will tell you if it really has only 6000 miles on it. While you have it off to get a new tire put on (I get a break on mounting cost if the shop doesn't have to take the wheels off), get a good look at that spline. You need to take it off the wheel to see the wear unless you're already very familiar with what wear looks like on these. The '82 spline does wear out, and if the odometer is lying, a stripped spline will leave you stranded.

I also pulled the rear wheel yesterday (there was some confusion as the procedure in the GS850g manual on BikeCliff's site seems to differ quite a bit from my bike) and after cleaning the grease off the spline had a look at the wear. I now feel secure that this bike is as low mileage as it is. That spine looked nearly as fresh as the day it was born. Off to get new tires tomorrow (I think my shop does free mounting/balancing with tire purchase).

You want a series regulator, the Shindengen SH775, Polaris part number 4012941. Steve has been shopping, check his thread.

Looks like I did my research well! I just ordered the SH775 before you posted your comment. Thanks for the pricing research, Steve; very helpful.

[klylor10]

So I just checked all the valves (no adjustments needed, thankfully) and cleaned off the old valve cover. I bought a new valve cover gasket and breather cover gasket, as well as half moon seals. All are stock from my local Suzuki dealer. I had a couple of questions about putting in the new gaskets:

-Should I use sealant on the valve cover gasket/breather? I have done some research and have seen things go back and forth on here about that. Any recommendations?

-What about sealant on the new half moon seals? and if they're new, do I need to turn them around like has been recommended by some?

-In terms of sealant if I should use it, what kind do you recommend?

Thanks!