Is this a good parts bike

[malibuman]

I just bought a 1981 gs850l that runs good but doesn't seem to charge the battery I found this bike http://classifieds.castanet.net/show...557927/cat/152and was wondering if I should buy it for its parts(I also need a new front Reservoir)...not only for the charging system

or should I just buy new parts for my bike?

James

[Nessism]

Over priced in my opinion. The charging system is different on that bike also so no go on that.

[tkent02]

Why don't you just clean up your charging system?

[almarconi]

Why don't you just clean up your charging system?

Cause its easier to buy another bike

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. malibuman,

There's basically only three parts to your charging system, well 4 if you count the magnetic rotor. There's the stator (like a generator), the regulator/rectifier, and the battery. Even if you replaced all three with brand new parts it's only around $300. Check out the stator papers and all of the other suggestions in the "mega-welcome" below. Be sure to visit my website for lots of GS850 lovin' (including "how-to" guides that show you how to replace those parts). Do you really need a new front master cylinder? Or do you just need a rebuild kit? 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

[Redman]

Mr James Malibuman,

First,
Welcome to GSR.

To restate and expand upon what other said:
- your bikes charging system has a stator and a R/R (regulator and rectifyer in one unit, the silver thing typically on bottom of battery box, on side on some models).
- the 77 or 78 parts bike has a different charging system design. THe stator is smaller capacity. And I think (not absolutly certain) that the rectifyer is a sepeate unit from the rectifyer. (or maybe had to go back to earlier 70s for the seperate Rectifyer from regulator). BUt still will be of lesser amperage capacity.

So: NO, that bike not a good parts bike relative to the charging system. And I think the design of the front brakes cylinder/resivoiur changed on most all model in the 1980 year.

Lots of changes for 1980 model year, all for the better with possible exception (depending on opinion) of the loss of the kickstarter.

Other comments:
- First check of charging system is to check voltage at battery with engine running at mid rpms. To determine if problem is charging system.

-To further check/diagnos the charging system: Find the stator papers back on the GSR main page (not forumn). Will need a volt ohm meter. Is fairley detailed and has you check every device and all the wiring connections. Get familair with the devices and the wiring of the charging system. Use the stator papers to diagnos the problem with your charging system. Problem may just be a bad connections. Problem maybe be stator or just R/R. Or ... or problem maybe be stator and R/R and burnt destroyed wires due to failed R/R (depending on how R/R failed).

- I see the shop selling the parts bike is in Kelowna, BC
Would assume that is about where you are. Maybe list your general location in your profile. Are other members in BC.

.

[Dave8338]

OH...just buy it!

[malibuman]

Thanks for all the info

This is my first bike and being a 3rd year apprentice I will figure this bike out...I am used to working on cars and old Chrysler outboards powered boats.I live in Penticton BC Canada so if there is anyone close to me let me know.

James