Newbie here from Oregon!

[oregonjake]

I am reliving my youth (as if anyone else here is not) and decided to sell my pristine 1981 Honda CB650, last of the SOHC fours and look for something else. Having been riding for the north part of 40 years and owning many makes and models (CB750 my favorite) I just began browsing Craigslist of the West Coast and found many and interesting machines. I contacted a few of the more intriguing ads and waited to see who would respond. It appears my youth has reared it head, and I will, as of Sunday take possession of a 1983 GS1100E. I do not yet know the VIN but I will post when I get the bike.

I used to have a 1982 GS1100G in my younger days, so I guess the gods have spoken and I am being dragged back in time.

I love it. I am attaching one picture from CL, will have more once I have her in my hands. 12K miles, stock motor, pipes and airbox. Let me know what you think.

Thanks, glad to be here.

Barry Sommer
Eugene, Oregon

[steve murdoch]

Welcome to the site, Barry.
Having the stock pipes and airbox is always a good thing.

[dorkburger]

Welcome. An abused 83 1100e is what hooked me on old GSs. Good luck with the pick up.
Im fairly certain ive seen that bike before, possibly when searching Google images or something.

[Charlie G]

I've watched that bike on Craigslist since last fall. The headlight, gauge cluster and bars are aftermarket. I'd familiar myself with their replacement cost with stock parts and question why they were changed. It would be good for you to know (through research) every part that is non stock. Welcome! Give me a PM if you would like more of my thoughts.

cg

[dorkburger]

Yep, I knew it looked familiar. I like it. Hes calling a cafe, id call it a mild custom. Thankfully he didnt cut it to bits....

[Charlie G]

Yep, I knew it looked familiar. I like it. Hes calling a cafe, id call it a mild custom. Thankfully he didnt cut it to bits....

Yes, that's the one.

cg

[oregonjake]

Thanks all for the welcome, and I had a feeling someone would have seen this bike. I spoke at length with the seller, a young man named Lucas Morgan (familiar to anyone?) who seems nice and respectful. I know, be careful, and I will, yet my gut feeling is positive. The title is California, clean and has a CA plate. Below is the link to the CL ad...

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/5460393925.html

My plan is to replace the clip-0ns with a bar that is above the triple clamp, with a rise of about 2-4" and width narrower than stock. Hopefully in black if I can find them. I like the look of the small gauges and headlight, will most likely keep them for now. I do need a seat, or a way to redo the current back to stock pattern and look. I also am planning to replace the turn signals with something more period (but small) and I also noticed on a stock one there is a small grab rail, I could use one of those as well. Oh, a chainguard, but I think I can find a nice one on Ebay. Otherwise I like the looks. Lucas says he has some original parts including the front fender, he is including all those parts with the bike. I am also thinking of changing out the R/R to a Shindengen(?) model, I read the Stator Papers and it seems that is the way to go to avoid stator and R?R problems.
I offered Lucas $1600 and he accepted, I felt that was a fair price for the mileage and custom work/parts. Was/am I wrong?

I am looking forward to getting her Sunday. Expecting a long and happy life with the old girl.

[Charlie G]

Get the old parts from him! The stock headlight and gauges especially. This bike appeared about the time one from my neighborhood ( Ashland/Norcal) stopped being seen. I was afraid it was the same one, which was a bit crunched in the tank and the other parts that your are missing. Great you are reading up on the stator and such. The SH775ba is the R&R to get.

Good luck.

cg

[alke46]

I would say you got it for a very fair price. Congrats on a nice find and welcome to the forum.

Larry

[bobgroger]

IIRC the ebay ad said he had most of the original parts, so get whatever he will give you. Once you go through everything it will be a very reliable ride. And if you can, join Charlie, me, and 20 other crazy guys in John Day June 9-12. Look in GS Meetingplace for 8th (7th actually) annual PNW rally. Much beer will flow, and Trevor will lead the way and collect all the tickets.

[oregonjake]

Thanks for the added info. I saw the ad originally in the Ashland listing on CL, and the kid informed me that he had just moved to Portland and had not changed the ad. So you say you saw the bike when it was "crunched?" Can you tell me more? I would imagine that the reason he replaced the gauges and headlight was that the originals were damaged. From what you say, that might be a correct assumption.

When I saw the article on the R/R I figured it was there for a reason, I am very glad I read it so I now know what to upgrade to extend her life. I am going to do the upgrade in the next few weeks, before riding season kicks off.

[oregonjake]

At age 62 I hope I am not the oldest her. Wait, did I hear laughing? Anyway, I saw the ride posted and have a question, if it is appropriate here on this forum. If not, point me to the right place. How much will the hotel rooms cost> As a student (yes, I went back to college for my degree) with little funds, as well as someone who has not filed for SSI yet, thought I'd work a few more years, I have to budget very carefully. Knowing the cost of lodging would help me greatly. Gas and grub, no problem.
Thanks for your words of wisdom(?) and I hope to make it in June.

[oregonjake]

Thanks. Nice to know I have yet to reach the old fool stage. Codger, yes. Curmudgeon, of course. But fool, soon but not yet.
Glad to be here.

[Charlie G]

I'll continue my comments via Private Message. Above right is Notifications. There will be an Inbox there for Messages.

[bobgroger]

There will be several in John Day who will be older than you There is camping available a couple blocks from the motel, and some shared rooms booked. I'm sure Charlie has filled you in. Hope to see you there. Last year was my first, and I was apprehensive about everyone leaving a newbie in the dust. No worries, travel at your own speed, and Vince will be behind as sweeper.