New to motorcycles in general.

[2wheels]

Hello everybody.
I'm totally new to motorcycles, and have recently obtained through a sale turned barter, a non-running 82 GS450t. I am told it only needs a battery to run. I don't know what else might be wrong.


My question is, what can i expect a bike that has been fairly neglected for at least a little while, will need? I assume: oil change, new battery... these motors are air cooled? I plan on a carb cleaning, and maybe new tires. What else should i look for?

A little background about myself:

I have wanted a motorcycle since I was a child. I've been a bit on the crazy side, and was fairly certain I'd kill myself on a motorcycle up until a couple years back. I'm married, a bit older now (in my 30s) and make wiser decisions. So, I'm excited to have a bike!

I'm very mechanically inclined. I'm a bicycle mechanic. I've worked on racecars, and I'm a welder/fabricator (TIG welding primarily). I'm reasonably capable of most mechanical endeavors.

I've never ridden a motorcycle before, but I'm very coordinated, and I have excellent bike handling skills on bicycles, especially mountain bikes, and fantastic slow speed bicycle handling skills. I plan to take a safety class that gives me the M class license upon completion. Any other advice?

I eventually plan to modify the appearance of the bike (big surprise) and since I'm able to weld and fabricate, I imagine I'll probably enjoy my new hobby quite a bit.

I would love to hear suggestions, common pitfalls, lessons learned, etc...
Thanks in advance.

-

[cowboyup3371]

Welcome to the site. You'll have a lot of maintenance to do to get it running correctly so please don't pull any shortcuts. Look in GS Owners section here for Basscliff's welcome package and set to reading. You'll find lots of invaluable information on his site which can be overwhelming but much needed.

And pictures are required

[tkent02]

You did the first step right. Getting the right size bike to start out on.
Yeah, Cliff will hook you up with everything you will ever need to know about all things GS.

[2wheels]

Welcome to the site. You'll have a lot of maintenance to do to get it running correctly so please don't pull any shortcuts. Look in GS Owners section here for Basscliff's welcome package and set to reading. You'll find lots of invaluable information on his site which can be overwhelming but much needed.

And pictures are required

Thanks. I have the winter to do what needs to be done. I'll do my best to not shortcut anything.
I in fact, do not have the bike in my possession at the moment. But i do have a picture.

[tom203]

2wheels said..."I'm very mechanically inclined. I'm a bicycle mechanic. I've worked on racecars, and I'm a welder/fabricator (TIG welding primarily). I'm reasonably capable of most mechanical endeavors"

With these skills you likely know folks who own dirt bikes- borrow one (even a 100cc) and you'll learn lots about motorcycling real quick with minimum risk of injury and you'll gain humility as your crazy side retreats.

[mrbill5491]

This is step #1 in motorcycling:

Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, just do it. Go to their website and find a date and course near you.

[tkent02]

With these skills you likely know folks who own dirt bikes- borrow one (even a 100cc) and you'll learn lots about motorcycling real quick with minimum risk of injury and you'll gain humility as your crazy side retreats.

+1, you will learn ten times more on a 100 than on a 450, and ten times more on a 450 than on an 1100.
Small is good at first.

[bellucci]

Yep, and Yep... I started on a 5 horspower Rupp minibike. And learned a lot... Bridgestone 90cc,Yamaha 125,250,490.Kaw 650,1100. Suzuki GS1100,1327. The horsepower I am at now is 175. It is the best way to learn... on a dirt bike if available. Or put knobby tires on your new bike and go tear up a corn field.
Curt

[GSequoia]

Carbs will at least need to be cleaned up. Look out for evidence that they've been messed with (a lot of people who have no business with any sort of wrench just love to monkey around with carbs).

Carbs aren't rocket surgery, just small parts that need to be put together right. Take an evening, do them one at a time, and do them at a nice table with plenty of light where you can sit down (i.e., stay comfortable).


Now for the new to bike thing...

1: Take the course. Not only is it worth it but in some states (such as California) it keeps you from having to do the motorcycle skills test (doing the circle of doom on a bigger bike is difficult).

2: This is the important one. Dress for the crash, not the ride. Textile riding gear is pretty cheap. Sure you look a bit like a storm trooper (see below) but if you fall off you won't get to know what wood feels like when it's being sanded.


Enjoy the ride, welcome to the cult.

[pete]

Welcome! Looks like everybody's got you under control with what to do, so all I can say is follow the advice and that little 450 will see you well

[mrbill5491]

Or put knobby tires on your new bike and go tear up a corn field.
Curt

I would not advise that, especially with the price of corn right now

[80GS1000]

Buy the best riding gear you can afford, and wear it EVERY time you ride.

This means: helmet (full face is best), and motorcycle specific (armored) jacket, pants, gloves, and boots. The money is well spent in the prevention of injury when you find yourself sliding across asphalt at speed. It can make the difference between a few bumps and bruises vs. broken bones and a whole heap of road rash.

Personally I wear the same gear on the track as the street (see below). A little overkill for the street maybe, but a few 80+ MPH crashes at the track with no injuries other than a very scuffed up suit and the need for a new helmet has proved to me that the gear works.