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1980 GS450L (T)
Recently rescued from a parts-for-sale heap of all kinds of metric bikes in various states of age and decline.
No history, partially disassembled, parts missing. It had already been somewhat cannibalized, but most of it was there and it seemed to have a soul still. The last inspection sticker date was 1987.
Made it home on its side in the back of a pickup. I did a very minor teardown and cleaning (did not open the engine or transmission at all). Cleaned all the electrical connections and fuses.
Sprayed some WD40 on critical areas, and into the cylinders on top the pistons.
Let it set overnight so the WD40 could do its duty and also seep down over the rings. Did a fresh lube, oil, plugs and new battery.
Up on the center stand with the tank and seat still off, I stuck a large flathead screwdriver into the ignition switch (key mechanism was gone) turned the switch and all the lights came on (except LR turn). So I pulled in the clutch and bumped the starter button. It turned over! Smoothly!
I poured a little gas into the fuel line and bumped the starter again. It fired up immediately and ran smoothly until the little drink of gas was gone.
That's where I am now. Counting myself very lucky so far, I have not had it on the ground and engaged the transmission yet.
The O-ring on the stop-cock is worn and dried up and it leaks out the front like a waterfall, so the tank is still off awaiting that.
I am wide open to next-step suggestions in bringing safely back to life. Any cautions or advice in testing or waking up the transmission/gears in a nondestructive way on such a long dormant bike.
It is already looking very fine and soon to be ready for the road.
Thanks much in advance.
Recently rescued from a parts-for-sale heap of all kinds of metric bikes in various states of age and decline.
No history, partially disassembled, parts missing. It had already been somewhat cannibalized, but most of it was there and it seemed to have a soul still. The last inspection sticker date was 1987.
Made it home on its side in the back of a pickup. I did a very minor teardown and cleaning (did not open the engine or transmission at all). Cleaned all the electrical connections and fuses.
Sprayed some WD40 on critical areas, and into the cylinders on top the pistons.
Let it set overnight so the WD40 could do its duty and also seep down over the rings. Did a fresh lube, oil, plugs and new battery.
Up on the center stand with the tank and seat still off, I stuck a large flathead screwdriver into the ignition switch (key mechanism was gone) turned the switch and all the lights came on (except LR turn). So I pulled in the clutch and bumped the starter button. It turned over! Smoothly!
I poured a little gas into the fuel line and bumped the starter again. It fired up immediately and ran smoothly until the little drink of gas was gone.
That's where I am now. Counting myself very lucky so far, I have not had it on the ground and engaged the transmission yet.
The O-ring on the stop-cock is worn and dried up and it leaks out the front like a waterfall, so the tank is still off awaiting that.
I am wide open to next-step suggestions in bringing safely back to life. Any cautions or advice in testing or waking up the transmission/gears in a nondestructive way on such a long dormant bike.
It is already looking very fine and soon to be ready for the road.
Thanks much in advance.
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