Wheel Conversion for '79 GS1000C

[mtngoat]

I've been considering replacing the stock Spoked wheels on my C with alloy mags. The stock wheels are 19" front and 18" rear. The rear tyre is a 4.00 width where some 1982 vintage wheels (I assume) are 4.50mm.

Will I have difficulties installing the new wheels & tyres on the "C" bike?

My appologies to Richie for the delays in our negotiations.. I just want an easy conversion.

Best regards,

Herb
Mtngoat

[Hoomgar]

Herb, I was thinking of doing the same thing and these guys talked me out of it You can see that thread here -->

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/viewtopic.php?t=15987&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

A little info for you on models. The "C" designates model year 78. So your bike if it is a C model has to be a 78. If not then it is a 79 that someone put 78 rims on and it is not a C then. I went through this same confusion and the guys on this board were very informative for me in figuring all that out.

Hope that helps a little

[mtngoat]

Re; Wheel Conversion..

Mark:

Thanks for your prompt response.
It's interesting that the GS1000C is only a 1978.. My title says 1979.. And it is a "C"..

Fortunately, I have a motorcycle wheel specialist in town that will fabricate spokes for my old wheels and true them up for me.

Thanks for your input..

Regards,

Herb

[Anonymous]

In "78" there was a GS 1000 C, with spoked wheels & the GS 1000 EC, with mag wheels & dual front brakes. In "79" there was GS 1000 N, with spoked wheels, GS 1000 EN with mag wheels & dual front brakes, GS 1000 LN, cruiser style with chrome rear fender & tear drop fuel tank, & the GS 1000 SN, cafe style with sport fairing. Could there be a misprint on the title?

[Anonymous]

Re: Re; Wheel Conversion..

Mark:

Thanks for your prompt response.
It's interesting that the GS1000C is only a 1978.. My title says 1979.. And it is a "C"..

Fortunately, I have a motorcycle wheel specialist in town that will fabricate spokes for my old wheels and true them up for me.

Thanks for your input..

Regards,

Herb

wow there is still people that can spoke and true wheels for motorcycles. all I've found are places which will do cars or bicycles but not motorbikes. 8O

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Re: Wheel Conversion for '79 GS1000C

I've been considering replacing the stock Spoked wheels on my C with alloy mags. The stock wheels are 19" front and 18" rear. The rear tyre is a 4.00 width where some 1982 vintage wheels (I assume) are 4.50mm.

Will I have difficulties installing the new wheels & tyres on the "C" bike?

My appologies to Richie for the delays in our negotiations.. I just want an easy conversion.

Best regards,

Herb
Mtngoat

Just a little more info. The rear mag on "E" models is 17". At least '78 and '79 are.

[robinjo]

Re: Wheel Conversion for '79 GS1000C

I've been considering replacing the stock Spoked wheels on my C with alloy mags. The stock wheels are 19" front and 18" rear. The rear tyre is a 4.00 width where some 1982 vintage wheels (I assume) are 4.50mm.

Will I have difficulties installing the new wheels & tyres on the "C" bike?

My appologies to Richie for the delays in our negotiations.. I just want an easy conversion.

Best regards,

Herb
Mtngoat

Just a little more info. The rear mag on "E" models is 17". At least '78 and '79 are.

Except if it's a 1000S in wich case it's a 18"in the back, just to confuse us further! :twisted:

[mtngoat]

Re: Spoke Wheel replacement..

I've done some research regarding my Spoke Wheels.. I can get them "trued" for $55/ wheel plus $2.25 per replaced spoke or $95 additional for the whole spoke set..

Because of the cost, the mag wheels are looking more attractive. Now all I have to do is figure out what wheels would fit my questionable bike..

By the way, for those of you interested, the outfit here in Denver is Woody's Wheel Works, 2225 S. Platte River Road, Denver, CO 303-936-0232..

I'll go look closely at my '79 GS1000C to determine what the heck I have..
Many thanks to all you responders..

Herb

[Hoomgar]

Yes the title is definately in error as the C is a year designation and stands for 78. It's like calling it a 79 78. Most likely the title was recontsructed at some point or someone registered it wrong somehow. Check with the Suzuki dealer to confirm so you don't have to take our word on it

But a 79 C model does not exist as it is contradictory.

[mtngoat]

Back to the real issue.. Mag Wheel Conversion a good idea?

I appologize for wandering down that model rabbit trail. My bike was titled 1979 GS1000 (No letter designation.) Rickie helped ne determine that it;s an "N" or "SN", with polished aluminum spoked wheels.
But the real question is how technically painful would be a conversion to (like Richie's GS1100E) mag wheels??
Herb

[Hoomgar]

I am watching the thread as well Herb as I wonder the same thing. Although I am most likely just going to keep the spokes now But I do want to go to a dual disk setup at some point if possible with these rims.

[mtngoat]

re: goint to a dual front disc config.

Mark:
I've noticed that the only thing you need to watch when converting to a dual front caliper configuration, is you need new forks (with the additional caliper mounting threads, longer hollow threaded brake bolta and brake lines. The front wheels do not seem to be the problem. The rear wheel comes in two different widths, thereby requiriing spacers and other adjustments to insure the chain is straight from front to rear sprocket. And is you are using the wider wheel/tyre, does it clear the frame??

Herb

[Hoomgar]

Re: re: goint to a dual front disc config.

Mark:
I've noticed that the only thing you need to watch when converting to a dual front caliper configuration, is you need new forks (with the additional caliper mounting threads, longer hollow threaded brake bolta and brake lines. The front wheels do not seem to be the problem. The rear wheel comes in two different widths, thereby requiriing spacers and other adjustments to insure the chain is straight from front to rear sprocket. And is you are using the wider wheel/tyre, does it clear the frame??

Herb

I'm not sure what width mine is. They are at the shop so I can't check. I am going to let it go for a later mod. Right now the focus is on getting the engine done.

[mtngoat]

Rim Size..

Mark:

This has been a real learning experience.. After contacting a Suzuki tech at a large local dealership, I was informed to not change the wheel diameter, it could adversely affect the bike's dynamics.

Secondly, after crawling around a motorcycle junk yard, I noticed the rim specs on the frame registration plate (on the fort triple tree tube).

My '79 GS1000 has a 19 X 1.85 front and 18 X 2.15 rear rim. The next thing to do is locate the exact rim spec for used mag rims. They will work just fine. My biggest problem was locating the exact rim.. Then of course consult a tire fitment guide for the correct tire for the rim..

This closes out this thread.. I'm staying with my existing spoked wheels. Even though tire repair on the road with tube tires is more difficult that Mag - tubeless tires, the spoke rims are much lighter.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this post.

Herb
(mtngoat)