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What repair/maintenance items needed on my "new" bike? '85 GS550ES

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    #1

    What repair/maintenance items needed on my "new" bike? '85 GS550ES

    I am picking up my '85 GS550ES on Sunday. I know it needs a new battery (see other thread), but the owner just cleaned up the carbs and took it for a ride - said it was running well.

    Any items I should check on before I get started riding it? Seals, oils, etc?

    Thanks.
    Tags: None
    #2
    Go to "The Stator Papers" on this Site in the Garage Section to check out the Charging System. I would Change the Oil unless I knew the PO really well and was Positive it had been done Recently. ALSO Take off the Side Cover and Check out the Air Filter. Good Luck with the Bike!
    sigpic2002 KLR650 Ugly but fun!
    2001 KLR650 too pretty to get dirty

    Life is a balancing act, enjoy every day, "later" will come sooner than you think. Denying yourself joy now betting you will have health and money to enjoy life later is a bad bet.

    Where I've been Riding


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      #3
      Will read those pages now.

      I do know the PO very well. I will ask when last oil change was. How often is standard for a bike? I am guessing more frequently than cars, but I honestly have no clue.

      I will check out the air filter - already considered stepping up to a K&N panel replacement filter.

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        #4
        Skimmed the Stator Papers. Luckily I know the charging system is solid. Just a dead battery from sitting too long without a tender.

        Good resource though if any problems ever come up. Thanks.

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          #5
          Originally posted by criticman
          Skimmed the Stator Papers. Luckily I know the charging system is solid. Just a dead battery from sitting too long without a tender.

          Good resource though if any problems ever come up. Thanks.
          Not to be a prick, but how do you know?

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by UncleMike
            Not to be a prick, but how do you know?
            LOL. Because the PO (very good friend's dad) knows his bikes and after cleaning the carbs, took it for a short ride yesterday and said the charging system was doing its job since it allowed the bike to operate and all gauges and lights to work with the dead battery on the bike. He used his truck to jump the bike in order to get it started with said dead battery.

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              #7
              Originally posted by criticman
              LOL. Because the PO (very good friend's dad) knows his bikes and after cleaning the carbs, took it for a short ride yesterday and said the charging system was doing its job since it allowed the bike to operate and all gauges and lights to work with the dead battery on the bike. He used his truck to jump the bike in order to get it started with said dead battery.
              One of the problems with the charging system is very often that it overcharges the battery, literally cooking it. Wouldn't hurt to give it a check anyway,...and might save you some money.

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                #8
                Originally posted by UncleMike
                One of the problems with the charging system is very often that it overcharges the battery, literally cooking it. Wouldn't hurt to give it a check anyway,...and might save you some money.
                Alrighty. I figure I'll have a week or two waiting on getting the battery and insurance, so I'll take the time to check it out. Thanks.

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