I am being given a 1977 GS550 or GS750 for free...what should I check?

[Guest]

I dont know much about the bike yet, its really low miles and sat for a very very long time (40 yrs?). I have owned an old bike before, so I know the basics, clean the tank, clean the carbs, tires, etc. I am just curious if there is anything GS specific that sets this bike apart from say a honda CB550 (my previous bike) that I need to look at.
Thanks
Liam

[Big T]

The GSR is full of all of the DIY info you would possibly need
Go back up to the GS Owners forum, and click on the New Owners, Click Here! sticky and read through everything there.
Especially the Top 10 newbie mistakes.
You don't have to be a newbie to overlook things

[Steve]

Probably the most important thing to check, assuming you will want to ride it, is the status of the title.

After that is settled, all the usual things, like tank, carbs, valve adjustment, brakes, tires, charging system.

.

[gexdagecko]

You're right. I guess the worst case scenario if I can't get a title is I have to part it out, or find a titled frame.

[gexdagecko]

thanks you very much! I'll look there.

[Big T]

Just remember - free bikes generally cost you the most
They're free for a reason