Just got my first GS...need a little help.....

[Krooozn]

I am knew to this forum and am really glad that I found it....I just purchased a 1981 GS450/L with 4,000 original miles on it....It needs a little work but the biggest thing it needs is a new gas tank. The one on it is toast....I have been looking around on the internet and am not really having a lot of luck.....can someone tell me what other years/models will fit this bike.....that will open up my options a little if I have more models to search for.....but other than the tank being toast, the bike has very minimal surface rust, all the body parts are intact...it's missing some of the badges off the side covers....I am also in need of an air filter for this bike.....is that something that can be found fairly readily at a dealer or will it be a hunt? Also the front brake handle doesn't seem to have any resistance to it...other words, when I squeeze the handle, it just pulls it and kind of just lays loosely in the cradle if you will.....seems to have brake fluid in the reservoir, so wondering maybe something might be stuck in the handle....I know that is really vague, but the best I can do with that problem.....anyway....I sure hope that someone can help me locate parts and maybe offer some suggestions on my other minor issues.....I am locate in Southeastern Virginia...the Tidewater area.....

Thanx....Anita

[chef1366]

Have you cruised Ebay for used parts?
You may be able to seal the tank with Por-15.
Sounds like the brake piston is stuck in the bore or the spring is broke. You may be able to rebuild but more than likely it has rust in the bore and it will need replaced or honed. Try mrcycles.com for front brake piston-cup assembly rebuild kits. They also sell badges and air filters. Is the airbox ok?

[Dave8338]

Welcome to the fourm. The tanks (I think) from a 550L and a 650L will fit.
As for the brakes...it sounds like you'll be tearing into the master cylinder and caliper for a good cleaning and a possible rebuild. When it come to brakes, you can't have too much. Air filters can be purchased through several suppliers, Z1 and Bike Bandit are just two that come to mind. If you have not had the bike running yet, there will be a carb tear down and clean in your future.

Cliff will be along with the formal welcome and additional links to countless sources and his own site, all of which will get you up and on the road in no time.

Again welcome and be prepared to spend a little (LOT) of time reading and learning about your bike. It will save you hours of questions in the future and get you comfortable with your bike.



--enter Basscliff--

[tkent02]

Define toast?

[Steve]

First of all,

Why didn't you post this a couple of weeks ago? I was visiting in Chesapeake and Sandbridge, I could have stopped by to lend a hand.

Sounds like you have a master cylinder rebuild and brake bleeding session ahead of you. Might also be a good time to replace the old brake lines with new stock rubber lines or upgrade to stainless steel. Considering the size of the bike, the rubber lines will probably do just fine.

You will also likely need to be cleaning the carbs. Since the tank is "toast", some of what ate the tank likely made it to the carbs. And, if the bike has not been ridden for a couple of months or more, they will definitely need to be cleaned.

Mr. BassCliff will be along shortly with his official "howdy-do". Read it well, there is a LOT of information there concerning repairs and sources for parts.
Until he gets here, here is a link to his "welcome".

.

[Krooozn]

Thanx so much for the fast response to my post. In regards to the "toast" description of my gas tank....it has a few small dents, but the worst of the issue is the lower left corner of the tank, just above where the fuel control (petcock) is located, there was some pretty severe rust and it weakend the metal, then somone poked a hole about the size of a dime through the rusted area in that location, so I truly don't think that this tank has any life left in it....I have tried cruising ebay and found one tank on there, but the auction ended before I could bid on it...I tried to contact the seller, but didn't hear back from him....so I am on a hunt for this tank....I figured that the master cylinder was going to have to be rebuilt....but was sure in hopes that I was wrong! I am really good with the cosmetic stuff, but when it comes to the mechanical issues, I am lost on a bike...I have restored a couple cars in the past, both mechanically and otherwise...but a motorcycle is a horse of another color for me...but I ain't afraid of getting my hands greasy....so I'll tackle most anything....just sometimes I seem to make matters worse! So if any of you have an extra one of these master cylinder holder things laying around and want to part with it....drop me a line.....and if any of you have a gas tank that would work for my bike.....I'd really be interested in that! Also I'm gonna need a horn...that's the only part on the bike that is completely missing! Anyway....not a bad buy considering the bike is 28 years old, only has 4,000+ miles on it, has all the body parts, even still has the original, dry-rotted tires on it and it does run (started it with ether) and I got all this for $100.00 delivered to my driveway! I'm tickled about the whole deal...! I love the older bikes and I eventually want to put a set of lowering shocks on my bike to bring the tailend down a bit....I really do like the cruiser look.....or more the rat bike look that I am going for.....

Thanx so much for any and all help...!

[tkent02]

Thanx so much for the fast response to my post. In regards to the "toast" description of my gas tank....it has a few small dents, but the worst of the issue is the lower left corner of the tank, just above where the fuel control (petcock) is located, there was some pretty severe rust and it weakend the metal, then somone poked a hole about the size of a dime through the rusted area in that location, so I truly don't think that this tank has any life left in it....

Internal rust can be removed by electrolysis, by using acid, a few other ways. The hole can be repaired by a competent welder... Unless there is just too much metal gone. Let a welder take a look.

[Redman]

I am knew to this forum and am really glad that I found it....I just purchased a 1981 GS450/L............
.............
.............
Thanx....Anita

Anita,

Welcome to TheGSR.
Good that you found it so soon.

You definaitly will want to do something about that front brake (most stopping power is there, much more than rear). Not hardley any miles on that bike. May have sat somewhere for a long time, do You know how long it has sat unsed?
In addition to that front brake master cyclinder needing attention, you might need to look into the caliper(s) also. BUt first things first. Lots of folks here willing to help.

If you find any one little hole in tank there will be many many more almost as bad. And you found a big one.

Am not familiar with the 450s to know what other tanks ectera will be usable. BUt wanted to welcome you.

.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Ms. Krooozn,

Do you need an air "filter" or an "airbox"? Air filters are still easy to find. An airbox (that the air filter fits into) will take a little more effort. If you're patient, what you need will usually pop up on ebay. Also check the "parts for sale" and post in the "parts wanted" sections of the forum. Here is a parts cross-reference procedure (scroll to the bottom of the page) that will help widen your search for a tank. Now let me say "Hi"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Fritzhund]

Hi Anita!

I'm new here too. I just bought a 1984 GS450L that has been sitting for four years. I also have a lot to do. I paid $600.00 for mine and it looks great. No damage at all, and the lady who sold it to me included a new battery to replace the missing one. I have some light surface rust to deal with, and I also have a missing emblem from the right side panel. Let's keep in touch detail wise. We are probably up to the same rebuilds and learning experiences!

Mark