First post after a lot of lurking. 81 GS850G.

[Tactical_Porkchop]

I picked up an 81 GS850 back in April, it's a work in progress. I got it charging, breathing clean air and new tires on it now. I found a lot of useful information on this forum! I plan on tearing it apart this winter, valve clearance, carbs, clutch springs/disks, seals, gaskets and rebuilding/servicing the suspension. Right now I'm amassing parts and tools. If anyone has any ideas from their own experience on what to look at, take care of or replace while it's down for maintenance, please let me know. I'm not sure how well it was maintained or how long it was sitting before I picked it up.



New Bike.jpg

[Tactical_Porkchop]

Changing tires.


Tire change.jpg

[Steve]

What tires are going on?

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[Rich82GS750TZ]

Definitely brakes. Bleed new fluid through at a minimum. Strongly consider stainless steel brake lines. Might as well pull the Master cylinders and calipers apart while you have the wheels off to inspect all the components. If they’re grungy, a full clean and new caliper and MC pistons or at least new seals may be in order. Bike looks like it was well loved. Nice find, and welcome to the forum. Definitely take Steve up on his offer of his valve adjustment spreadsheet.

[Steve]

Definitely take Steve up on his offer of his valve adjustment spreadsheet.

Would you believe that he already did that?

I sent him one five weeks ago.

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[Rob S.]

Too bad there aren't more 850 shafties owners here.

[Redman]

Nice !

[Redman]

Welcome to TheGSR.

I see you have already found Steve.

Good that you got it charging. (that is often a new members first post)

You asked what else to check on your 81 850G.

- Hub in rear wheel. Maybe called "spline". Is called joint assemebly in the microfische.
They wore more on 82s, but I would suggest checking it on your 81. If no one ever lubed it it could be worn and near failure. It should be lubed with every tire change. Anyway, do learn about the hub in the rear wheel. I could yack more about it. Maybe you still have th rear wheel off. Look at the splines in the hub IN the rear wheel (not on the final drive, but IN the rear wheel). And dont just look at the end that can see easy (that end doesnt wear). Try to look inside its entire depth. Better yet, remove the hub for better inspection.

[salty_monk]

My favourite colour of the G's...

[steve murdoch]

My favourite colour of the G's...

Mine too.
I remember seeing one here a couple years ago with that paint and a matching S fairing. It was beautiful.

[ddaniels]

If the spline is steel gray in color, you are lucky enough to have a good steel one. If it is gold(ish) in color, chances are it is worn and needs replaced.

[salty_monk]

If it's worn you'll be able to see it... My 1100G has a gold one but no noticeable wear.

[Tactical_Porkchop]

I put the Dunlop 404 tires on it. They seem to be a nice handling tire.

[Tactical_Porkchop]

Definitely brakes. Bleed new fluid through at a minimum. Strongly consider stainless steel brake lines. Might as well pull the Master cylinders and calipers apart while you have the wheels off to inspect all the components. If they’re grungy, a full clean and new caliper and MC pistons or at least new seals may be in order. Bike looks like it was well loved. Nice find, and welcome to the forum. Definitely take Steve up on his offer of his valve adjustment spreadsheet.

I contacted Steve a while back and got the spreadsheet. It's stopping pretty well, but the rear rotor is a little worn for my liking. Might as well replace some 38 year old seals while it's apart.

[cowboyup3371]

I put the Dunlop 404 tires on it. They seem to be a nice handling tire.

Be careful as you ride - these tires turn really evil when they get old.