new owner of '77 GS-550, charging and general questions

[braindead0]

I know all about the lame design of suziki charging systems (my '88 Cavalcade had the same issues). This bikes systems checks out ok now, I'm thinking I should probably replace the R/R just so that he stator doesn't get fried.. or should I just keep an eye on it?

I'll be tearing the motor down over the winter, the previous owner said the transmission locked up when shifting from 5th-6th. I was able to run through all gears with no problem, put heavy load on 5th/6th without any problems. I'm suspecting a shift-fork pin may have broken allowing a fork to pop out of the drum.. but I'll find out of course.

Besides the obvious things (check pistons, rings, cams, cam-chain stretch, gear lash.., etc), while I'm in there, is there anything I should replace just because I'm in there? I don't recollect any general issues with oil pump or the like, but figured I'd better ask so I know what to put on my shopping list.

One last question, I've read good and bad things about Vesrah gasket sets (well, I saw something bad here about head gasket consistancy being a reported problem).

Thanks!

[LW_Icarus]

on the vesrah gasket sets- I just assembled my GS850 top end with a set, and it all seemed good, Im gonna retorque tomorrow, got 250 miles so far, no leaks, everything looked to be good quality.

If Id have had my druthers Id have used OE throughout, but finances dictated some sacrifices .

[braindead0]

So true, I ordered the vesrah set. I'll probably mic the head/base gaskets and make sure they are at least reasonably even. I'm still not sure what all it comes with, the "complete set" description (both at dennis kirk and on the Vesrah website) talks about top-end gasket sets too, almost like I'd need one of those as well which is kinda weird.

Progress is going great, I've got the cases split and there is nothing wrong with the transmission. Judging by wear on the cam bearing surfaces, bore..etc.. the odometer likely hasn't been turned over (reads 19k miles). Haven't checked the rings yet, but the rod bearings appear to be in perfect shape as well as the transmission bearings. Of course I'll know more once I start cleaning and seriously inspecting.

I have a feeling that this'll be done in a couple of weeks.. perhaps I'll replace the roller bearings (output shaft and clutch side) just in case as they take the bulk of the load (and perhaps I can get them at a bearing house).

[skreemer]

Here's what I got in my kit... I think on the top end only kit you don't get the generator cover, clutch cover or oil pan gaskets..



It will work on all GS/GSX models 550 83 - 86

Vesrah kit # VG-3001 Complete set

1 Cylinder head cover gasket
1 Breather Cover Gasket
1 Cylinder head gasket
1 Cylinder base gasket
1 Tensioner Gasket
2 of one type of washer
12 of another type of washer
4 Intake O-rings
4 O-ring Cylinder base
16 valve stem seals
4 exhaust pipe gaskets
1 clutch cover gasket
1 generator cover gasket
1 oil pan gasket

[braindead0]

Okay, sounds like I don't get any oil seals in that kit (other than valve stem). I'm thinking that while I'm in here, perhaps replacing all the oil seals might be a good idea too.

BikeBandit the best place to get that kinda thing?

Thanks

[skreemer]

Bikebandit is usually the easiest place to get stuff, though usually not the cheapest try cycle recyclery out of indiana also...

[braindead0]

Bikebandit is usually the easiest place to get stuff, though usually not the cheapest try cycle recyclery out of indiana also...

I'll check that out.