Ok, new(to me) 79 gs750

[Klay23]

Not running, where do I start?

It's been tinkered with for sure, not sure what's stock and what's not although after days of reading here, it's becoming more obvious.

Got it cheap, 400$ and have wanted for years to learn a few things about older engines, etc, what better way then do it myself, right.?

I've been on bike cliffs site many times but so much info and not knowing what I actually have exactly, don't know where to start,???? Help, direction, experts?

[tom203]

Doing it yourself is probably the only way! Basscliff's site can be overwhelming but there's lots to do if you want a reliable bike, rather than a neglected castaway. Have you noticed this link - bwringer's comments?

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/GSR_Greeting.html

Assume the worst about previous maintenance- it's a step by step process to sort out the issues.

[eil]

You can start pretty much anywhere you like, but most folks start with cleaning the carbs.

From there you can clean/inspect/repair the electrical system, do a fluid swap, rebuild the brakes, do a valve clearance adjustment, and then the rest of the rather considerable amount of maintenance your old bike needs to get caught up on.

[tkent02]

Start with posting your location. There are probably members here in your neighborhood with experience that would be happy to steer you in the right direction. We do it all the time.

[Steve]

There are probably members here in your neighborhood with experience that would be happy to steer you in the right direction.

Yep, sometimes we "steer you in the right direction", other times we just tell you where to go.

.

[Octain]

Change the oil and try to fire it up. That's what I do(most of the time)
Prolly wont run, or it will run like crap if its been sitting for a while.

Do you know any history on the bike? Sitting for a while? Broke down?
Stuff like that.

Got any pics?!!

[Klay23]

In Myrtle Beach, SC... Anyone close by?

[Klay23]

Any where to get original bolts or at least newer versions of the metric? I'm almost certain it's a cluster assortment of metric and sae bolts all over this bike. Ughhh

[Klay23]

Change the oil and try to fire it up. That's what I do(most of the time)
Prolly wont run, or it will run like crap if its been sitting for a while.

Do you know any history on the bike? Sitting for a while? Broke down?
Stuff like that.

Got any pics?!!

Changed the oil, looked black as melted dark chocolate. I'm pretty sure it'll fire up but as I was about to of just that, leaked gas all over under the number 4 carb.... Quit immediately, although I'm pretty sure it would have fired up. Yanked the VM carb off and started reading ever since, couple days ago...

[cowboyup3371]

You can buy bolt sets from Z1, Fastenal, or even cycleorings.com but some of us usually hit the local hardware shops like Ace.

[Klay23]

You can buy bolt sets from Z1, Fastenal, or even cycleorings.com but some of us usually hit the local hardware shops like Ace.

Hmmm, good idea... I'll try locally first. Didn't even think about it.... Lol

[tkent02]

There are usually metric fastener supply houses in larger cities, not so sure about a place like Myrtle Beach. All of it is available on line.

You may need some metric taps and dies as well.

[MisterCinders]

Make sure the engine turns by hand before trying to start it.