My first motorcycle: '82 GS550LZ!

[VinnySem]

Hi everyone,
As the title says. Just got it the other night, traded for some DJ equipment I wasn't using. Only 11K miles on the ticker. Aside for some rust spots, the bike runs good and is in great condition considering I was 10 when it was new!

At first, I got this bike as a learner and intended to get a Harley after a year or two. But now, I'm thinking of making this a kind of a project and restore it. I'm fairly handy mechanically and my father in law is a career mechanic with every tool known to man. I ordered a repair manual and should be receiving it tomorrow. One thing I'd like to do over the winter is replace the wiring. Is there a place I can buy a replacement wiring harness, either OEM or aftermarket? The places I've found online have the OEM harness as discontinued and not available.

Any other links are appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

[chuckycheese]

They show up on Ebay, from time to time, and once in a while, they are brand new, old stock. You've got a nice bike, so enjoy it and check in often. By the way, I was 29 when my bikes were new.

[psyguy]

look up "bikecliff" website for lots of gs relevant web links

[VinnySem]

Thanks for the tips. My first order of business is to dip/rebuild the carbs. Any recommendations for a carb kit? Bike bandit has them, was going to look on JC whitney also.

[zuty13]

Thanks for the tips. My first order of business is to dip/rebuild the carbs. Any recommendations for a carb kit? Bike bandit has them, was going to look on JC whitney also.

Do not use carb kits... if the carb parts are undemaged just clean them and change only O-rings ..you can find them from Robert on this forum.. and buy new gaskets for carbs...stock parts always work better for Zukis then aftermarket replacement(exception is only stator)

here is the link for O-rings http://www.cycleorings.com/

[Steve]

At first, I got this bike as a learner and intended to get a Harley after a year or two. But now, I'm thinking of making this a kind of a project and restore it.

Good choice.

You will work on the GS for a bit, then it will run almost forever.

You will work on the Harley for a bit, and it will run just long enough to get you away from your tools.



Now, how about filling out your profile and location so we can see who is close enough to help you.

.

[buddha]

I've been considering the same project for my 650. I did some research and came up with this. This is what I'm considering to use for my electrical re-do.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=PRF-70217&view=1&N=700+4294843320

[VinnySem]

Well, I've started work on the bike, mainly just removed the tank & seat and giving it the once over. The wiring looks in good shape, so I am re-thinking the wiring job.

But the fuel system needs some work. I can't get the bike started without starting fluid, and once running, won't stay running without the choke held closed, even after running for several minutes. drained the carb bowls, fresh gas, and I used a bottle of carb cleaner in the tank, didn't help.

Vacuum leak? How to check on this machine?

Thanks for then tips.

Vin

[Larry D]

I would highly recommend taking the carbs off and dipping them. As per these instructions. And get new o rings as mentioned earlier.

http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

As far as electrical, I would also highly recommend replacing all the bullet type connectors with new 1/4" spade ones. Like this.



Just do a better solder job than I did.