Repainting/Restoring '85 GS1150 ES

[danrpat]

Looking for information on repainting my '85 GS1150 ES that sat out in the sun for 7+ years. The fuel tank has some deep cracking in the paint. It is the blue on white paint scheme and that is what I am planing on sticking with. Next, what color material is supposed to be on the seat? It currently has a lighter blue material on her and all photos that I have found of these bikes show them with black covers. Also what or how is the frame painted with? is it a regular silver paint or is it coated? Last thing is the motor, how do you clean it up or re-coat it? Something else that I just thought of, the fairing insert, mine is a dull gray right now, what is it supposed to be?

I am working at restoring this bike but also make it a clean rider as I will not just make another museum piece. I love to ride and drive classics. I have a '66 Dodge Charger that I drive as often as I can and my fellow Charger owner's (Another forum I belong to), think that I am nuts for driving it as much as I do as there are only a very few of them still around. But, I believe that these classics are built to drive and enjoy and not to sit parked in a climate controlled building someplace...

Thanks once again...

[GARY 154]

GS1150 Restoration

Dear Dan, Sounds like you have a long way to go with that one. After completely restoring mine, an 84 GS1150 ES, I can tell you that your seat set should be black as stock, but you can cover with any color you wish. The best thing to do with the frame is powdercoating, silver for stock, or whatever you like. I assume you mean the engine casings, well if they are real bad I would clean really well, then lightly sand or steel wool any rough spots, then repaint with high temp engine paint, black for stock. This holds up real well as long as you clean them really good first. You might want to get one of those degreaser sinks to do that with. Not sure what part you are talking about the fairing insert, maybe you could be more specific. The side covers are blue, the inside trim panels are black plastic, if thats what you mean. Hope this helps a bit and good luck, don't give up, there will be times when these bikes will make you crazy. Gary