Seems like ages

[Guest]

Hello all, it seems like ages since I have been here, I was last around in August of last year and my bike started having some problems and then my Daughter was born and I didn't have the time nor the money to get the bike running right. And now winter is winding down in ND and I am trying to decide what route to go. I had the bike running OK at the end of last year but it still needs work, I am trying to decide if I keep it and get it fixed up and reliable to run some longer rides or sell it and buy something a little better for me and the wife on longer runs. On one hand the GS is my first love, first bike I have owned that is rideable, the bike I have I learned alot on and a blast to ride. On the other hand it takes a lot to keep running and the maintenance of a 35 yr old bike can be costly. I really enjoy working on it though. I would love to be able to keep it and buy a new one but at this time it doesn't seem financially possible.

Any way good to be back. Maybe being back here will sway me...

[phydeauxmutt]

Should not be much of a problem getting your bike reliable, but, unless you are vertically challenged, you might want to reconsider the "L" for longer rides. At least change the handlebars. I have not heard of anyone finding the "L" bars comfortable, not to mention the riding position they force you into. The seat is another matter. If you are short, it might be OK, but your passenger will definitely suffer if she is big enough to cast a shadow. Then there is that thing about the small gas tank. ...

Reliable? Definitely. Desirable? Maybe.

[dorkburger]

First, congrats on the baby.
Having owned my ES since '99, I now understand why people here recommend giving a bike a full inspection and updating of maintenance at purchase and / or before putting into full service.

That being said, I just got mine going after purchase with a carb clean and clutch fiber replacement and off I went, addressing issues as they came up over the years. Other then being stranded once far from hone with a burnt stator, it's been a reliable and fun bike to own, but PO hacks reared the head from time to time, including clutch issues found last winter.
Had I fully gone thru it at purchase, all of that (hopefully ) would have been found and addressed.

[Slycox]

The things I need to make it reliable for both of us to be on the bike hours from home are mainly the electrical and mechanical issues. Minor and I can deal with them on my own just fine if something pops up 400 miles from home but with both of us it adds a different aspect. Handlebars are definitely on the list to be changed just a matter of when.

Talked with the wife, she is on board with keeping it and getting another bike. So I can slowly work on getting the GS reliable and running great and down the road we can take it on some longer trips with a lot more fuel stops...