GS850 frame swap for title reasons

[govburns]

I live in Washington DC and recently picked up a 1979 GS850GN for $200. It didn't run, but the main reason it was cheap is the title that was never put in any of the previous 3 owner's names. They did, however, fill out all the boxes on the title and of course I haven't been able to track them down. Bottom line is the title is worthless.

I'm thinking the easiest thing to do would be to buy a frame with a good title and transfer all my stuff over to it. My question is what year/years GS850 frame would I be able to use?

From what I have read on the forum it sounds like my engine case is slightly longer at the bottom because it has the kick start (which I am inclined to believe because on my 77 GS750 which originally had a kick start engine, I had to make longer rear engine mounting tabs when I dropped in a 78 GS1000 engine). Is this true of the GS850 kick start engines as well?

My goal is to keep the bike as stock as possible. It has 61k miles on it and it sat for a year, but I cleaned the carbs up and got it running the same night I picked it up! I love old GS's!

[Buddy]

There's a post in the parts for sale section that may be of interest to you.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=185399

We're not sure if anything is unique on the 79 850, but they do have a different part number than the 80 and newer 850 and 1000. My bet would be it's nothing that can't be overcome.

Buddy

[govburns]

Buddy that GS1000 is tempting, but I'm trying (emphasis on the trying) to limit the amount of projects I have going. I have a natural tendency to get carried away, so I'm looking for an easy frame swap i.e. hopefully not fabricating too much. That is interesting about the part numbers, thanks for your help!

[7981GS]

I happen to have a '79 850G motor and a couple of 1000G frames laying around.
I also have a '79 1000E and G frame around here.
If you send me the measurements that you need, there is a good chance that I could find out if it would fit for you.

Daniel

[govburns]

Daniel

that would be awesome. It might be until next weekend before I get a chance to take the measurements, but I will definitely do that, Thanks!

-Sam

Do you know if the 1000's came with a kick start in 79?

[7981GS]

Daniel

that would be awesome. It might be until next weekend before I get a chance to take the measurements, but I will definitely do that, Thanks!

-Sam

Do you know if the 1000's came with a kick start in 79?

None of the 1000's ever came with a kick in the U.S. anyway.

Daniel

[govburns]

roger, thanks Daniel

[duaneage]

You could look into ITS and see about a new title for around 200 dollars, might be easier than rebuilding it.

http://www.its-titles.com/

http://www.its-titles.com/motorcycles.pdf

[govburns]

duaneage,

That seems like it would be easier. To be honest though it looks a little fishy. Have you ever done it or know anyone who has?

[govburns]

I did some more research into these titling companies. Looks like they can do it by going though several different states and then giving you back a title in their name but it is signed over to you, so you can go to the DMV and get one in your name. Not a bad idea, although it seems about 450 bucks is the going rate for this at most places. ITS doesn't quote prices online, but I couldn't imagine it would be much cheaper.

It's a good idea, but when your bike only cost 200, it's hard to justify. Plus swapping everything would give me a chance to go through it all, so I really wouldn't mind that much.

[duaneage]

Yes, there is always the warm feeling of knowing you built it back yourself, i get that feeling everytime I ride my rebuilt 650G. I don't think it would cost 450 to do it, I've heard it is less. Quite a few people here have done it, start a thread and ask for stories/opinions.

Having done a frame off rebuilt more than one, i can tell you little things end up costing a lot. Actually, your 200 dollar investment was VERY cheap, so it actually helps justify spending money on the project. The bike in running shape with a clear title is probably a 700 - 1000 dollar ride as long as it's not beat to hell.

If you go ITS you can start riding in a two week period. A rebuild will take you 2 months or more. And that is from experience.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Prices have gone way up!! If the 1000G frame has a title I would grab it. Your 850 motor will fit with minor mods to the motor mounts

[BassCliff]

Greeetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. govburns,

Your titling issue has been well-covered so let me just dump a TON if information on you and share some GS lovin'.

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Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[TheCafeKid]

A 79 thru 81 850 frame will be bolt in. They got rid of the kicker after 79 but it was just blanked out in the cases. They're still the same size. However a 1000G frame would require a bit of modification. How much I'm not sure. The 1000 motor was the first G motor that never had a kicker, or the space for one. It would probably be alot like your 750/1000 job, except you'll have to take into account that the driveshaft will dictate where the motor must be placed meaning your front mounts will likely be the ones that have to be changed. Maybe not...but it sounds like a job either way.

[govburns]

Thanks for all of the help. And BassCliff, thanks for the warm welcome.

The GS1000 frame in the for sale section sounds like it doesn't come with a title. And from what it sounds like even if it did there would still be some modification. (not that I'm afraid of a little work, I'm just trying to make things easy on myself this time around)

I talked with a guy on here with a 81 GS850 frame up in Jersey, that I might go take a look at soon.

I make sure I let you all know how things turn out.

Thanks again, Sam