New member saying hi and question

[mklang]

I recently acquired a 79 gs1000, well most of one anyway. I want to get into riding and have a respect for these bikes, so I picked up somebody elses' abandoned project for cheap and would like to finish it. I know that everyone wants to say "you could buy a running one for less." This is probably true but I wouldn't learn anything that way. I am a Mercedes tech so I have a good amount of mechanical aptitude and this bike is far less daunting than a Benz with 150 computers and miles of wiring.

The gentleman that I bought the bike from was a GS enthusiast from Colorado and had recently gone through the motor and suspension. The motor turns over nicely and has spark, albeit week. I may need to work on the spark, but it needs a set of carbs before I start on that.

So my first question to the forum is...Where do I get a set? All I can seem to find is rebuild kits, but that doesn't do me any good. I have seen them come and go on ebay, but now that I am ready to buy I can't seem to find them. Does anyone sell new ones? Are there performance carbs for these bikes that people eventually step up too?

Thanks for the help!

[dardoonk]

You'll find a set on ebay, or from a member here.

If you need Mikuni VM26 carbs - Here's some now

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUZUKI-GS1000-GS-1000-MIKUNI-CARBS-WITH-CHOKE_W0QQitemZ110267183516QQihZ001QQcategoryZ35597QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here's some more,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUZUKI-GS750-1978-GS-750-CARBURETORS-27MM-MIKUNI_W0QQitemZ310063752254QQihZ021QQcategoryZ35597QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Welcome aboard & let us know where your located... A lot of guys here are willing to lend a hand.

[TheCafeKid]

I recently acquired a 79 gs1000, well most of one anyway. I want to get into riding and have a respect for these bikes, so I picked up somebody elses' abandoned project for cheap and would like to finish it. I know that everyone wants to say "you could buy a running one for less." This is probably true but I wouldn't learn anything that way. I am a Mercedes tech so I have a good amount of mechanical aptitude and this bike is far less daunting than a Benz with 150 computers and miles of wiring.

The gentleman that I bought the bike from was a GS enthusiast from Colorado and had recently gone through the motor and suspension. The motor turns over nicely and has spark, albeit week. I may need to work on the spark, but it needs a set of carbs before I start on that.

So my first question to the forum is...Where do I get a set? All I can seem to find is rebuild kits, but that doesn't do me any good. I have seen them come and go on ebay, but now that I am ready to buy I can't seem to find them. Does anyone sell new ones? Are there performance carbs for these bikes that people eventually step up too?

Thanks for the help!

You probably could buy one running for less, I did, and then again, ive dumped about 3grand or so into building my cafe project, and im not even done yet. The point is its the bike i wanted to build, so that makes it special. Welcome to the board, lets see some pics!!

[mklang]

I am located in NH. Anyone else?

Thanks for the help dardoonk! I am not sure if I need Mikuni VM26... How many options for my bike are there?

[mklang]

CafeKid - I also plan on turning this into a cafe project.

[mklang]

Will carbs from the other motors work on this application, like the carbs off a 750 etc.? Also, what other parts are interchangeable? Ignition coils, exhaust, brake componets...?

[seeing the sights]

Try wgcarbs.com Buy a rebuilt and clean set right off the bat??

[mklang]

that may be the way to go...

[Big T]

I would think that you would have an ultrasonic cleaner or some industrial solvent tank available at work.

As for performance, bigger carbs require changes, like a 4-1 pipe, cams, etc to get any real results. Generally, the Kawasaki 28mm pumpers, 29mm smoothbores or 33mm CVs are the performance setups. 33s require a later, big port, head

As for your current set of carbs, you actually clean them, rather than rebuild them. Thus the mention of cleaning systems

Most people start with a thorough cleaning, new O rings (cycleorings.com) and new float bowl gaskets. Reassemble and set float height, air and fuel screws as discussed in the carb cleanup section on the main page. Fuel needles seem to be what wears out the most in these carbs

The intake boots and their O rings are critical to proper fuel mixture. Replace the boots if hard and get new O rings just to be safe.

Search the forum and I'm sure you'll find most the info you need. Basscliff's site is full of practical knowledge for your GS

Have fun and post up some pictures!

[harrythehog]

maine cycle warehouse 207 777 5279

u could try maine cycle warehouse in auburn maine. 4 floors chock full of japanese mc's. mostly of the 70 to 80 vintage. it'll blow your mind the first time in. phone is 207 777 5279. ask for 51, but don't expect magic tricks over the phone. go there in the flesh, bring cash and get your carbs. 51 is a vietnam veteran biker dude, he fu@#%$* rocks. a very valuable resource. open tuesday through saturdays. check it...

[BassCliff]

Hee Haw Howdy!

Hi Mr. mklang,

Let it be known that on this day you are cordially and formally welcomed to the GSR Forum as a Junior Member in good standing with all the rights and privileges thereof. Further let it be known that your good standing can be improved with pictures (not you, your bike)!

Perhaps you've already seen these, but I like to remind all the new members. In addition to the carb rebuild series, I recommend visiting the In The Garage section via the GSR Homepage and check out the Stator Papers. There's also a lot of great information in the Old Q&A section. I have some documentation on my little BikeCliff website to help get you familiar with doing routine maintenance tasks (note that it is 850G-specific but many tasks are common to all GS bikes). Other "user contributed" informational sites include those of Mr. bwringer, Mr. tfb and Mr. robertbarr. And if your bike uses shims for valve adjustments, send an email to Mr. Steve requesting a copy of his Excel spreadsheet that helps you keep track of clearances, shim sizes and other service work.

These are some edited quotes from one of our dear beloved gurus, Mr. bwringer, with ideas on basic needs (depending on initial condition), parts, and accessories.
***********Quoted from Mr. bwringer************
Every GS850 (and most other models) has (or had) a set of well-known issues that MUST be addressed before you have a solid baseline for further troubleshooting. It's a vintage bike, and it's quite common (as in, every single GS850 I have had contact with) that there are multiple problems that have crept up and slowly gotten worse over the years. It's not like a newer vehicle, where there's generally one problem at a time.

These common issues are:

1. Intake O-rings (install NEW OEM or Viton only - common nitrile O-rings will quickly deteriorate from heat)
2. Intake Boots (install NEW -- these cannot be repaired)
3. Valve clearances (more important than most people think)
4. Carb/airbox boots
5. Airbox sealing
6. Air filter sealing
7. Petcock (install a NEW one)
8. On '79 models, install new points or Dyna electronic ignition (or at least verify that the old points are working correctly)
9. On all models, it's fairly common to have problems with the spark plug caps. These are $3 or $4 each, and often worth replacing if you're keeping the stock coils/wires.
10. Stock exhaust with NO leaks or holes -- good seals at the head and at the junctions underneath.
***********************************
Carburetor maintenance:

Replace the intake boot o-rings, and possibly the intake boots. Here's the procedure:

http://bwringer.com/gs/intakeorings.html

Here's an overview of what happens with this particular problem:

http://cycleorings.com/intake.html

You'll also want to examine the boots between the carbs and the airbox. There's a good chance these are OK, but check them over.
And finally, if things still aren't exactly right, you'll want to order a set of o-rings for BS carbs from the GS owner's best friend, Robert Barr:
http://cycleorings.com
Once you receive these rare rings of delight, then you'll want to thoroughly clean and rebuild your carburetors. Here are step-by-step instructions that make this simple:

http://thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

***************************************
OEM Parts/Online Fiches:

I would definitely double and triple the recommendations to use Cycle Recycle II and Z1 Enterprises as much as possible. These guys are priceless resources. Z1 tends to have slightly better prices, CRC2 has a wider range of goodies available. If you're near Indy and can bring in an old part to match, CRC2 has a vast inventory of used parts.
http://denniskirk.com - Put in your bike model and see what they have.
http://oldbikebarn.com - seems to be slowly regaining a decent reputation, but it's still caveat emptor. They don't have anything you can't get elsewhere at a better price anyway.
http://www.babbittsonline.com/ - Decent parts prices. Spendy shipping. Don't give you part numbers at all. Useful cross-reference if you obtain a part number elsewhere. Efficient service.
http://bikebandit.com - Fastest. Middlin' prices. Uses their own parts numbering system to obfuscate price comparisons -- can be very confusing for large orders. Cheapest shipping, so total cost usually isn't too bad.
http://flatoutmotorcycles.com - Slow. Cheapest parts prices, crazy shipping costs. Don't expect progress updates or much communication. Real Suzuki part numbers.
http://alpha-sports.com - Exorbitant parts prices. Different type of fiche interface that's quite useful at times, especially with superceded part numbers. Real parts numbers. Shipping cost and speed unknown due to insane, unholy pricing.

Stainless Bolts, Viton o-rings, metric taps, dies, assorted hard-to-find supplies and materials, etc:

http://mcmaster.com - Fast, cheap shipping, good prices. No order minimum, but many items like bolts come in packs of 25 or 50. Excellent resource.
http://motorcycleseatcovers.com - Great quality, perfect fit (on original seat foam), and available for pretty much every bike ever made. Avoid the textured vinyl -- it's perforated.
http://newenough.com - You DO have riding gear, don't you? Great clearances, always outstanding prices and impeccable service.
***************End Quote**********************
Additional parts/info links:

GSR Forum member Mr. duaneage has great used upgraded Honda regulator/rectifiers for our bikes. Send him a PM.
New electrical parts:
http://stores.ebay.com/RMSTATOR or http://www.rmstator.com/

http://www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/index.php

http://www.electrosport.com/

For valve cover and breather cover gaskets, I recommend Real Gaskets (reusable silicon):
http://www.realgaskets.com
Carolina Cycle
http://www.carolinacycle.com
Ron Ayers Motorsports
http://www.ronayers.com
MR Cycles
http://www.mrcycles.com
Moto Grid
http://www.motogrid.com
Salvage/Used
http://www.ricepaddymotorcycles.com

http://www.ozpowersports.com/

If all else fails, try this:
http://www.used-motorcycle-parts.org/
Used bike buying checklists:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/Riderresc/checklist.asp

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html
Lots of good info/pictures here:
http://www.suzukicycles.org
http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Motorcycle_Wiki
http://www.bikepics.com
Basic motorcycle maintenance/repair:
http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm
Online Clymer manuals:
http://search.ebscohost.com/ Click on "Small Engine Repair" then "Motorcycles". User=library, password=library. Note: This link may not work if you are on a school campus.

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed of your progress. There's lots of good folk with good experience here.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
(The unofficial GSR greeter)

[TheCafeKid]

Will carbs from the other motors work on this application, like the carbs off a 750 etc.? Also, what other parts are interchangeable? Ignition coils, exhaust, brake componets...?

There are a couple of different options for carbs for that bike. VM26SS were stock on it, and for MOST applications are more than adequate. I have them on my 750 cafe, and other than the inherent vaccum death when wacking the throttle open, which is due to the design of the carb, i dont see a reason to change to anything else, unless you are doing some SERIOUS mods to the motor. One thing i would LIKE to do eventually, is swap to a set of carbs that use an accelerator pump, which helps to remedy the problem of the 26s when wacking the throttle, i could go off on a tangent explaining this, but its kinda long, so if youd like more info on that lemme know. VM28SS, which came on some of the Kawasaki earlier model bikes employed an accelerator pump, which gave a shot of gas when you yanked on the throttle, to help prevent bog from the vaccum loss. VM29SS Smoothbores will also fit your bike, and are a vintage racers choice, generally. Be aware that changing the carbs will involve rejetting them, which is usually ALOT of guesswork, however there is a Dynojet kit made for your bike's stock carbs that will eliminate alot of the guesswork if you use a 4into1 header and pod filters. None of the LATER model GS carbs will be a direct swap however, as in 1980 they switched to a vaccum opperated constant velocity type carb, and the intake ports are bigger, and wont fit on your head.

[Suzuki mad]

Hi.

The age bike you state should be VM carbs but after 29 years of life who knows for sure. PO's may have changed any things from the standard bike.

What do you really want to acheive with this bike?? Looks, originality, speed, street cred? (retoricial question we don't need an answer for.)

If you measure the rubber seals (? if you have any) that are screwed/allen bolted to the cylinder head where the carbs fit this will give you an idea as to what size carbs you need.

If you look at the right handle bar controls underneath you should see two holes or one or if your even luckier a set of cables. Twin cables/holes is VM carbs single cable or hole CV carbs.

Did the bike come with an airbox?? Very hard to find in the UK. A VM carb airbox the airbox to rubber seals are non-replacable where as the CV version is. These rubbers go hard with age. If you have no airbox you maywell have to go with individual filters for the carbs which will mean up jetting the carburettors.

If your not worried about originality they you could source the later cylinder head and swap it all over to CV's.

Just imagine that your working on a 'smart' car rather than a CLK you'll be fine.

Suzuki mad

[TheCafeKid]

Hi.

The age bike you state should be VM carbs but after 29 years of life who knows for sure. PO's may have changed any things from the standard bike.

What do you really want to acheive with this bike?? Looks, originality, speed, street cred? (retoricial question we don't need an answer for.)

If you measure the rubber seals (? if you have any) that are screwed/allen bolted to the cylinder head where the carbs fit this will give you an idea as to what size carbs you need.

If you look at the right handle bar controls underneath you should see two holes or one or if your even luckier a set of cables. Twin cables/holes is VM carbs single cable or hole CV carbs.

Did the bike come with an airbox?? Very hard to find in the UK. A VM carb airbox the airbox to rubber seals are non-replacable where as the CV version is. These rubbers go hard with age. If you have no airbox you maywell have to go with individual filters for the carbs which will mean up jetting the carburettors.

If your not worried about originality they you could source the later cylinder head and swap it all over to CV's.

Just imagine that your working on a 'smart' car rather than a CLK you'll be fine.

Suzuki mad

Interesting, are the later cylinder heads a direct bolt over swap? I wasnt sure, but it would be nice to know that!

[Suzuki mad]

I've got both. From looking at them its only the inlet rubbers that are different to the eye.

1979 VM head 11100-49820
1980 CV head 11100-49830

Workshop manual shows no differences in parts (which it does for model upgrades.) I think you would have to check the VM heads carb opening and also a CV heads carb opening to be sure.

Suzuki mad