82 gs1100e

[jwhelan65]

Having a twisted crank is no way to go through life...

[chef1366]

Without popping a head off, what's the easiest way to check? Will a twisted crank run a certain way, or is it just more prone to failure?

Piston 1&4 and 2&3 should be equal distances to the top of the spark plug hole.
You can also check it with a plug stop and a degree wheel.

I may have the answer.

[posplayr]

I may have the answer.

Of course you will need a HiPo degree wheel indicator

[Steve]

Of course you will need a HiPo degree wheel indicator

If you want the ultimate in accuracy, yes, but for a quick check, just align the marks on the ignition trigger for TDC, then rotate the crank another 90 degrees.
Remove the spark plugs and measure/compare the piston heights. That should be close enough to tell IF it's twisted. HOW MUCH it's twisted would need the degree wheel.

.

[rphillips]

Sounds like the owner, or previous owner doesn't have a clue. Just remembers there's something wrong with the crank. There are 2 common problems with these cranks, they twist, or the rotor comes loose & spins & ruins the left end of the crank. Either one will require replacement, or send it to a professional to have it fixed. Possibly, but unlikely, a bearing could have gone bad, same action to fix that too. Just my opinion

[supersonictoys]

dial indicator through the spark plug hole will tell you all you need to know about a spun crank.

[tkent02]

dial indicator through the spark plug hole will tell you all you need to know about a spun crank.

Two pencils stuck down the hole will tell you in most cases.

[Ta2Mike]

Thanks for all the advice fellas. It is much appreciated. Ill keep you updated on progress of my aquisition

[rapidray]

Mike, give me a call at 714-356-7845 & I'll see if I can help you. Ray.

[Ta2Mike]

Making arrangements for pick up. i hate having a car instead of a truck. I expect to encounter several things in need of replacing for the price. as far as the crank i remember someone posting about replacing it with an 83? could anyone enlighten me?

[rapidray]

Making arrangements for pick up. i hate having a car instead of a truck. I expect to encounter several things in need of replacing for the price. as far as the crank i remember someone posting about replacing it with an 83? could anyone enlighten me?

The 83 crank is a bolt in but you will also need an 83 starter clutch assembly & rotor. You will need to completely disassemble the motor to change the crank & might as well do a cam chain, hone, re-ring, valve seals, & all new gaskets & engine seals. If you want a little more fun you could also do an 1166 piston kit for some more power. The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to what you can do with this engine. Ray.

[Ta2Mike]

thanks for the info. im sure ill have more questions as the project goes on. while at the moment i dont have much in the way of plans to increase power (too much) Im going out on a limb and assuminig thi bike once up and running right will be a bit peppier than my 850. am i looking at the same R/R issues as my 79? along with the flawed crank design previously stated anything else i should be on the look out for?

[Big T]

This bike will leave your 850 in the dust

R/R issues are common to alkl GS models, thus the Stator Papers

Just go get it at that price

[Ta2Mike]

Going to pick it up first thing in the morning? It kinda feels like christmas eve as a kid lol. I get to spend the day going through it, over it etc. Ill let you guys know what i find, with pics and all

[Ta2Mike]

Picked up said gs1100e. astounding cosmetic condition, brand spankin new tires. just missing side covers. guy definitely didnt seem to know much about what was wrong with it. he was told the crankshaft was bent and a friend of his had taken out the stator bc it was grinding bc of the bent crank. fired up and ran until cut off after minimal coaxing (rainy and cool)
pics coming soon. gotta find camera