might buy a bike with tranny issue?

[mcompton1973]

looking at a 79 GS1000E
seller says in 4th it rattles but shifts and drives fine.
Any idea on what that would be and how scared of it?
Also says slight oil leak near valve cover but not enough to cause issues between changes.

Thoughts on how bad this would be?

[Nessism]

You can fix the valve cover leak when you pull it off to check the valve adjustment. Easy fix.

I've never heard of anyone with a rattling 4th gear. Normally the GS transmissions are bullet proof. Not sure what to say other than judge it for yourself.

[Octain]

By the time the bike reaches fourth gear speed the noise he is hearing could be a lot of different things. Perhaps the chain and sprockets need replaced? A lose nut or bolt that only rattles in certain conditions? Who knows?
I'm sure the trannies in these bikes go bad under the right conditions but I really cant recall hearing or reading much about it.
I'd bet it's something other than the transmission.


If you can get it cheap and its in otherwise good condition I'd go for it.

Oh, welcome to the forums!

[1_v8_merc]

It's probably something else....
Besides, you can get tranny gears on ebay, for cheap.

[matt1100]

Not trying to freak you out but look at "ever seen this?" thread. Not saying it is but could be a similar issue...

[sedelen]

I believe I saw that bike posted here.

http://omaha.craigslist.org/mcy/3180274169.html

About the tranny, if indeed you need to tear it down, it's quite alot of work.
Well beyond my capability anyway. However if you're a capable mechanic that rattle should drive the price down I would think.

This is what they look like with all that "stuff" off (Mine).

[sedelen]

You might do better with this one.

http://masoncity.craigslist.org/mcy/3192804474.html

I own one like it, and I also own a '79 GS1000E. The two bikes are fairly comparable as far as size, handling. The 1100 sits a little higher, has more power, but it only rides as fast as you want it to. Parts are a little easier to come by also, some of the GS1000 parts are getting quite scarce. You're out of luck if you need some air box boots, they never sold them separate for the '78 & '79 models. A Turn Signal Control Unit will cost you a fortune, unless you want to rewire the bike to work without one. The valves are easier to adjust on the 1100.
If the 1100 runs good, I'd probably choose that over the one with the bad tranny, that is unless you want to put the $500 differential in price towards the repair of the tranny, that is should it need repair.