First bike, first project in Victoria, BC. New to the GS community.

[Guest]

Hi folks,

Not only am I new to GS motorcycles, I'm new to motorcycles altogether. My fiancee grew up with motorcycles and as soon as I bought this '77 GS750 she found me immediately more attractive. I figured that we have just over a year before we're hitched and start making babies, so I should get myself a project while I have the time. Well, I found one:

20160412_153801.jpg

I also figured, why get right into riding without knowing all the inner workings of what I'm going to be sitting on? That being said, this bike hasn't been started in over 5 years. I bought it off a gentleman who parked it while it was "running perfectly" and now my task is to get it running, take it apart, then rebuild it to it's original glory. In the meantime, I will be learning how to ride a motorcycle. The photo does it quite a bit of justice (well, aside from the seat). She's good from far, but far from good. The front brake cylinder was seized, so I blew it apart (don't have an air compressor for the piston, but I farted around with a bike pump and elbow grease and damn near blew the tip of my left ring finger off when the piston popped out) and got a rebuild kit. Piston is pitted, so I'm in the market. Also tinkered with the petcock (removed, disassembled, cleaned) and fixed a small leak. After buying a battery and tinkering with the key cylinder (taking it apart, cleaning it and putting it back together), I've got her turning over. Now if only I could turn her on. I've got no sparks to my plugs and after a little time with my multi-meter the diagnosis isn't plug caps or wires; surprisingly it's the coils. So that's where I am, looking for coils. This forum has been instrumental in my success so far, so I figured it's about time I introduce my project.

I've immediately found myself in very good company in Victoria, with a number of fellow GSers available to offer advice and guidance (thanks Trevor).

I look forward to being a part of this community.

My best,

Jonny

[azr]

Welcome aboard jonny. She looks to be a fine starting point, all the major parts are there and any that aren't or are need will be easy to get from the locals or on here. Now you need to get a cloud account somewhere so you can start posting larger pics. I see you've already meet Trevor, he's like our Walmart greeter for GSR in these parts.

[trevor]

Welcome to the forum Jonny.
gret chatting with you today and I look forward to meeting you in person.
"Walmart greeter"???? Why I ought Aughta!!!lol

[Charlie G]

Jonny,

Welcome! Quick, move to Vancouver!

[alke46]

Welcome to the site. My only advice would be this: don't be so quick to think the coils are bad. I have read a lot on this forum and most of says that the old coils hardly ever give bad results. Maybe something else is causing voltage not to get to the coils.

Good luck and once again, welcome aboard. Lots to learn on this site.

Larry

[jonnybhall]

Haha! Thanks folks! Must say one can't always trust youtube videos. There's a chance I may not have tested the coils appropriately. That being said, this is all a great learning experience that I'm enthusiastic and ready for.

[jonnybhall]

Hah! Can't afford it...although salvaged parts may be cheaper...hmmmm

[BigD_83]

There are enough of you Islanders that you should have your own sub-forum by now.

Welcome to the GSR. Maybe one day you'll be able to join a rally or ride.

[sam000lee]

Look up the coil relay mod!

[Redman]

welcome to GSR.

Not that often do coils go bad.

I was going to say:
- are a few other GSR members in BC.
But I see you found some of them already.

- probably need not take stuff apart, to get it going, except for the carburetors.
But I see you have had to take apart a few things, although haven't mentioned the carburators.

[Sandy]

Hah! Can't afford it...although salvaged parts may be cheaper...hmmmm

Welcome aboard. I you need parts get hold of AZR (Rob), he's a parts wh0re. If he doesn't have it you don't need it. LOL.

[AndrewinVictoria]

Hello Jonny, I was also trying to buy that bike on used vic. I would check the wiring and connections leading up to the coils. Mine were in bad shape. I would love to come see what you are up against. Does your old lady ride too? Mine does and we are always looking for new riding buddies. We both just started riding last year so we still have a lot to learn. Goodluck with your bike and I hope you have it on the road soon.

[jonnybhall]

Thanks Redman!

Yeah, did some more sleuthing and retesting. Coils are good. I'm now sparking on 2&3, so that's progress. Once I get all four sparking I'll likely move on to something more advanced (carbs).

[jonnybhall]

Yep! On to the wiring. I cleaned and timed the points yesterday and was able to get sparks on 2&3. Also retested the coils (the right way) and they're good. I'd be more than happy to show you what I'm up against! My lady and I will both be riding (once we get some training). She rode once in her parents driveway...right up a tree.

[AndrewinVictoria]

Hahahahaha. Mine was better than me from day one. She rode dirtbikes as a kid. Carbs are not fun but follow the steps on here and it will make it a lot easier. Good luck and let me know when I could come take a look.