Making a plan for the 81' GS1100E

[Cwoods]

So I finally got to replacing the broken bolts on the starter clutch and installed everything with a new oem gasket and started it today to confirm that was the noise in the bottom end of my $300 purchase with 19k miles on the odometer that hasn't been ran or tagged since the PO first heard the noise 15-ish years ago. It makes me smile to say it purrs very nicely now with 0 bottom end rattle sooooooo….. I will be following through with making a list of parts to purchase over the winter so come May 1st when Im off work for the summer I can dedicate a couple weeks to making this bike my rider.
I was hoping to list the items I know I need at his point and get feedback on where I may find them, best brands to go with, opinions on what I am planning and things I have forgotten altogether. I have begun using the search function but was hoping to get alot of info in this thread for me to keep going back to from all of you who have already learned the answers in the GS world. I hope its alright to ask for info in all areas in tis sub forum.
I spose I will simply start listing what I feel I need to do...

I will start with the clutch, in trying to find my bottom end noise I started with the clutch. What I found was a loose hub nut and plenty of play in the dampner springs on the backing plate. Although I torqued he hub nut to spec and tightened up the springs with a flat tip screw driver the noise persisted. On my list is an APE hub nut, backing plate/springs and rivets.

For the carbs I will disassemble and clean, buy an oring kit and perform my 1st ever carb sync. The intake boots appear somewhat pliable with no checking so I think Im ok there?

The front forks are in need of rebuild, need to source a kit and what about the springs wile Im in there? I figured I would also shop for rear shocks while Im at it.

For the brakes is there a source for a rebuild kit front and rear? I will also replace the hoses and pads.

The stock exhaust is in fine shape but I need new clamps and gaskets underneath.

A coupe other things, the fuel petcock is toast...OEM? Will get new chain and sprockets, wheel bearings front and rear as well as new tires(recommendations?)

I cleaned off a tremendous amount of oil from the front of the motor and in running it today it looks a its all coming from an oil leak on the valve cover, I see a lot of silicone there. I am also in need of a stock airbox assembly. I have nothing over the battery so I suppose its Ebay for that one.
I want this to be a safe smooth running ride, am I on the right track? Missing some things? Input or opinions?
The PO was thinking it was a main bearing or something serious causing the noise when he parked it so long ago, Im so happy its not and worthy of putting some money into. Lot of character in this bike, cant wait to freshen her up!

[Rob S.]

Pictures would be nice.

Historical note: for the second year in a row, your bike was Cycle World's quickest production motorcycle in the world (11.1 ET).

[Nessism]

Be careful removing the exhaust header bolts. If you force them off they are likely to break off. Use a small 1/4" ratchet handle and do NOT use a lot of force. If the screws don't back out easily use PB Blaster or similar and heat on the studs for a few days before attempting to remove them. Turn both ways until they crack loose and then back and forth with lots of spray oil and work them out.

There are tons of thread about parts sources (OEM), brake lines (I like Earl's), and tires (lots of choices.) The search function is your friend and good luck.

[Cwoods]

Pictures would be nice.

Historical note: for the second year in a row, your bike was Cycle World's quickest production motorcycle in the world (11.1 ET).

Thanks Rob, I have posted the same pics in another thread but this is the bike I'm working over.

[Cwoods]

Be careful removing the exhaust header bolts. If you force them off they are likely to break off. Use a small 1/4" ratchet handle and do NOT use a lot of force. If the screws don't back out easily use PB Blaster or similar and heat on the studs for a few days before attempting to remove them. Turn both ways until they crack loose and then back and forth with lots of spray oil and work them out.

There are tons of thread about parts sources (OEM), brake lines (I like Earl's), and tires (lots of choices.) The search function is your friend and good luck.

Thanks for the feedback, I already had the exhaust off the bike to do a little polishing on them but just reinstalled today just so I could start it up to hear the motor run....I ran the header bolts through the blast cabinet first to clean em up and installed with copper anti seize. They will come back off tomorrow to commence in the polishing fun.