Novice with a gs1000

[Anonymous]

Hi everybody. I just bought a '78 gs1000 with 24K miles on it. It's almost entirely stock, and could use some minor cosmetic work, but I'm mostly interested in just having it for transportation, so I'll probably clean it up as I go.

Here's the thing. (And this is I guess more general than it is a gs-specific question.) It's been sitting about three years in a garage, run only occasionally (last time in October last year). Right now, the starter catches and sounds good, but it's just not turning over ... granted, it's awfully cold right now, but I was hoping to get some advice on what I should look into first, as far as getting it healthy again.

I'd like to do some of this stuff myself as opposed to taking it to a mechanic. I'm no mechanic, and would be grateful for any advice at all ...

[Anonymous]

chadwa, bikes are like cars, make sure the battery is fully charged, the fuel in tank is fresh and it would not hurt to put a little carb cleaner and fuel freshener in the fuel so that once it is running it will not gum up. If it is cold where you are and you know how, I would at least pull the carbs off and clean the float bowls before you do anything if has been sitting as long as you say. clean the plugs, check the compression, make sure you got spark to the plugs.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Michael. I was thinking I'd pretty much drain and replace most of the fluids when I get a chance. You know if it's hard to tear off the carbs on an old gs1000? Keep in mind I'm a relative idiot and all.

And is there anything else I would want to absolutely make sure I clean or check on a bike that's been sitting for a little while? Anybody got any advice re: common problems, for example?

[Anonymous]

I won't lie to you, pulling the 4 bank carb rack outta there is no pleasure cruise. I couldn't do it without depleting my reserves of swear words but it helps if you get both a Clymers and a Haynes manual that can walk you through the removal and reinstallation procedures as well as what to look for once you open them up and definitely what not to screw around with. Post here and there will always be someone to help walk you through the process! Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I've already got the Haynes manual ... will think about trying to find a Clymers as well. We'll see what I've gotten myself into in about a month or so, when it finally warms up enough for me to work outside.

[Anonymous]

I've already got the Haynes manual ... will think about trying to find a Clymers as well. We'll see what I've gotten myself into in about a month or so, when it finally warms up enough for me to work outside.

I have both for my 77gs550 and the real shop manual for my 80gs1000e and they are invaluable. If you want your bike to run well and be solid you must clean the carbs (especially if its done a lot of sitting). I just did mine on my 80gs1000e ("first timer" came over and guided the entire process which was a HUGE help...having somebody who is willing and able to help/oversee was awesome...thanks Ryan...). There are a few guides on this site created by the GS heads. Complete step by step procedures with pictures! http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

Now that I've done it once, the process does not intimidate me anymore. Looking forward to doing the set off my 550 now.

Then we synched the carbs using a synch tool (I watched the gauge) and its a totally different machine after the cleaning and synch. Fires right off and idles smooooooth. Sweetness for sure!

My petcock also was gummed up and not working (my gs1000 was a sitter before I got it just like yours) and needed to be rebuilt.....I got a new one to be on the safe (or you can get the rebuild kit) side since mine looked like it was tinkered with. Go to http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/ for new ones and kits.

Finally, got a new battery and went over every single electrical connection as the bike was not charging correctly. Soldered all the bad/old connections and cleaned up the grounds and all wiring. Well.....now it charges perfectly!!!! I avoided having to get a new Regulator/Rectifier and Stator. Somewhere there were bad connections/grounding issues. Go through the Stator Papers to sort out your electrical system, invalueable! There are a few so start with the 1st.

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

Good luck, you can do all this work and save a lot of $$$. Post here and search the archive....lots of info to get you running correctly! I'm also sending you a PM link to a full copy of my shop manual which covers all gs1000 models. Download, print, share! 8)