1983 GS1100GK Aussie barn find

[paulf]

Good day guys,
I wasn't looking to get another bike after putting my current 1982 GS1100G on the road just a few weeks ago but came by this bike and just had to buy it thinking i can use it for parts if i could get it for a good price ...

She was being restored by an older gentleman who passed away and the bloke i got it from just kept it in his shed for years so bike hasn't started in who knows how long.

She is missing a fair bit of fairing and the seat and has a bit of cut wiring(mainly blinkers from a quick inspection) but she has good bones. Tires/exhaust/frame/engine block/ carbs look in great shape and i put a battery on her and the dash works too.

She came with a rusty tank with a missing cap/petcock and she has been dropped on both sides from what i could see on the engine guard but that is only cosmetic stuff.
Also front brakes reservoir has a broken sight and clutch lever assembly was broken.

After a giving her a good scrub, i think i'm going to get her going and take it from there, not going to take out any parts of her for now.

One thought that crossed my mind was converting her to a G version without the fairing. Can it be done? a GK to G conversion? doesn't seem like it requires much work.

Cheers guys

20240519_082154-min.jpg

[paulf]

A few more images

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[paulf]

20240519_082244-min.jpg A few more images

[paulf]

A few more images 20240519_082352-min.jpg

[rphillips]

No clue but wondering would it, or could it be more feasible to restore it to a "G" than a "GK"

[Burque73]

....................Can it be done? a GK to G conversion? doesn't seem like it requires much work....................

Yes, you can "Dee Kay" the GK and make it a G. The front end is different on a GK though. Forks are larger diameter so finding a headlight/ turn signal and front fender may be challenging. if you can locate the front end from an 850 (or larger) and swap everything, including the triple tree, that would make life easier for you.

[paulf]

Thanks Burque73
Seems like it's much more involved than I thought but doable.

Any idea if removing those saddle bag holders at the rear requires removing the air shocks?

[Johno]

1. You can turn it into a naked GK by removing the fairing and panniers. A mate of mine has one in Sydney. No need to change the front end radically. you just need to remember the GK had bigger forks and brakes and source your parts accordingly. You will need a headlight shell but there are usually plenty of suitable parts at the wreckers.

[Johno]

Headlight shell might be available from this guy in Brisbane. Bob Tait | Facebook

Lots of parts available form this site in Australia https://www.facebook.com/groups/415806568618676/

[paulf]

Thanks very much Johno
Started removing the fairing and the saddle bags holders. Naked GK sounds like the way to go.

Cheers

[Johno]

Once you get a clear understanding of the differences between a standard 1100 and the GK model, you will be able to manage part replacement and servicing easily. The obvious are the fairing, bags and electrical wiring but I understand the list also includes bigger forks, front brakes and 16 inch rear wheel. Do your research and you will be fine.

My other suggestion would be to join the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club if you haven’t already. As well as being a great social outlet there are also lots of knowledgeable people like this forum. I’ve been a member for over 14 years and the biggest mistake was not joining sooner when I was recommissioning my GS1000G.

[paulf]

Thanks again Johno and yup, lots of research to do on the GK.

Was reading up on the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club the other night and it looks like a great club to join so will do that for sure.

Cheers

[paulf]

A few updates. Added new shocks as the existing ones were leaking and rebuilding seems to be too expensive so Fox knock offs will have to do for now. New headlight and rear blinkers added too.
Also finally managed to start it today ! Exhaust note sounds awesome and very healthy. Still a ton of work to be done to put her back on the road but coming up very nicely.

[paulf]

Another side view photo. I used electrolysis on the tank to remove rust but that didn't do well so used some diluted hydrochloride acid which worked really well. Still need to line it though which is next on the list.