New member from Norway 1983 GS1100ES

[Guest]

After tons of confusion and failing google-fu, I finally found this place. So far it's helped me fix faulty charging system and ideas for improvements I probably should make when trying to restore this bike. Emphasis on trying. I'm completely green, but in my own opinion willing and not least able to learn.

I got the bike since my other bike have spent most of the motorcycle season here in Norway in the shop, and will spend the remainder of the season there. I decided to get an old cheap bike because I wanted something to learn how to maintain and fix myself without losing tons of money if I messed it up. It's not that I do not trust that a mechanic will do a good job on my bikes, but there are few places that fix motorcycles and the wait times are insane. So in order to spend as much time on the road during the season as possible it's time I learned how to do it myself and do it right.

With the faulty charging system fixed, I think the only other new item I need before the snow and ice arrives, is a new petcock. 90% sure it's broken from the posts I've found here. Just have to double check a few things. If I am correct, one of the POs have done something really weird with the fuel line and vacuum line.

Hopefully the pinned posts and my search-fu will prevent me from posting too many questions that have been asked before and/or should be obvious.

Also think the correct model designation is GS1100ESD, at least that resembles the Haynes diagrams and drawings most.

Cheers from Norway!

[Charlie G]

Welcome to the forum! It is admirable that you've mastered the search feature and I assume you've seen BassCliff's site :

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Doing your own work can be rewarding in many ways. Pictures please

cg

[azr]

Welcome to the site. Like CG said, it's great you've figured out what the search function is for. That 1100ES is a nice looking bike, would love to see some pictures.

[dorkburger]

Welcome....
Spiff is from Norway and recently sold his 83 1100es (black and red)....Makes me wonder.....

[Viking73]

Besides the fact mine is all black, reading spiffs posts he seems fairly knowledgeable(might be an understatement, but I'm completely green so hard to gauge for me), and not knocking the previous PO too much, but when you hook a stator wire to the battery sensor lead and can't figure out that the charging is off(and claiming that it's charging well) and you have a Haynes manual....... Also if he'd been a member here, he would have read the post from posplayer(I think it was) about the stator/RR mod, and followed it when swapping out the faulty RR.

I got my work cut out for me, I'll post pictures and my huge list of stuff I will try to do this winter later.

Today I'm ordering a petcock rebuild kit from a shop here, while I try to find somewhere that can get me a new one in less than 3 weeks. International shipping is slow it seems when looking at ebay, thinking I'll just use the recommended Z1 and order from them. Hopefully the local store can get me the kit in a few days. Getting a new one is 3-4 times the price of ordering for Z1.

I miss living in the US.

[Ecklund]

Welcome to the forum! It is admirable that you've mastered the search feature and I assume you've seen BassCliff's site :

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Doing your own work can be rewarding in many ways. Pictures please

cg

Hey, what ever happened to that BassCliff guy. He used to greet every new member and thank them for their indulgence.

Not that its not a good thing that you did here. Nice job welcoming a new member.

[OldVet66]

I was in Arendelle when in the Navy years ago. I certainly envy such a beautiful place to ride in. Good luck on your project. My bike started as a basket case and I was certainly green when I started.