Barn find

[Guest]

Hi,
Just given a 1977 GS550 that has been in a barn in Vermont for the past 20+ years. Has not run since put there. Have been told it did when put there. Flat tires, missing terminal on battery, front fork seals leaky, and dusty. Both breaks work and release, so its got that going for it! Just wondering what I should look at before deciding to spend too much $ on. Should I clean the tank and fuel lines, change fluids and see what happens or are there recommended steps I should go through prior (pull and clean carbs..). Sorry if I sound like a total noob, but looking for more experienced advice before I get too deep.

Thanks.

[tkent02]

20+ years, you should look at everything. Especially everything that can toss you on your ass, like brakes.
Here's a good place to start:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

And we're going to require pictures.

[roeme]

In a similar position. You'll have to overhaul a lot in any case. The brakes releasing hints at above-average storage conditions; but not strongly.

If the carbs haven't been drained before going into storage (the condition you describe doesn't sound like it), you absolutely have to pull and clean the carbs.

So, Pix it is.

[wymple]

A bike that has been sitting that long is almost NEVER worth it, unless you are looking for a project for a hobby.

[Phred]

Without seeing any pictures, but through the description it sounds like you have a half decent bike there. It will be a bit of work but fun, figuring out all the ins and outs of the bike itself. I took mine all apart and rebuilt it - 850. Without this site and Bikecliff's site I would never have been able to figure out some of the more intricate things like carbs and brakes. I appreciate the bike a lot more now than when I first bought it in the mid 80's. Lots of good help on site and more than a few owners in your neck of the woods. Enjoy and welcome to GSR.

[Nessism]

A bike that has been sitting that long is almost NEVER worth it, unless you are looking for a project for a hobby.

Key word, "almost". This bike was purchased from the original owner a few years back. Guy parked it in 1980 after an ultimatum by his wife.

[Brendan W]

There are barns and then there are barns.
A tidy R80 got laid up in a barn near here for a year. The poor thing was covered in rust.
Oil pan has to drop imho.
Picture or two would tell a thousand words.

[Big T]

Ah, a "free" bike

Shouldn't set you back more than $1,200 is it's all there and not rusty

[tkent02]

Key word, "almost". This bike was purchased from the original owner a few years back. Guy parked it in 1980 after an ultimatum by his wife.

He should have parked the wife.

[JJ]

Key word, "almost". This bike was purchased from the original owner a few years back. Guy parked it in 1980 after an ultimatum by his wife.

Was that one stored in a barn in Vermont?

[Cipher]

No wife uttering an ultimatum deserves to survive one.
Sad so many bikes die because men lack the courage to be men.

[Runeight]

He should have parked the wife.

I thought the same.

[Jedz123]

Be wary man... VT barns are not forgiving I have to blast heat in mine to keep my shop dry. I live on farm land so when it rains my floors get soaked, even with the new roof...

I've restored a couple 550's that were parked barn/garage finds... They are pretty easy to work on and they ran like champs afterward. The VM style carbs on that bike are very rboust units so they clean nicely and usually work well after a simple yet in depth cleaning.

Your in Burlington? That's about 45 minutes north of me. If you ever need a hand or an analysis of what needs to be done shoot me a PM. I could scoot up there one afternoon after work or plan a trip to stop in. I got go up that way soon anyway to motivate some of my other motorcycle buddies to get their machines out from winter storage... Come on guys, it's May.

[Rafowe]

Thanks for the replies. I will get some pictures and add them as well as more background info on how it was put up. I sure feel I have come to the right place. Lots of great info here. Thanks!

[hjfisk]

He should have parked the wife.

Odd's are he didn't keep the wife either