Reviving an 82 GS1100GK

[Grimly]

Looking into the electrical system now. Under the battery box is what appears to be the original R/R, if not original, certainly a stock unit. I'll need to cut out the headlight loop and reroute the stator wiring to the SH775 that, thanks to Nessism is on it's way. Looking at the corroded grounds and melted connectors, I'm wondering if the stator is worth keeping. It's black but doesn't look like any of the poles are melted.

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When I fitted an SH-775 I deliberately kept the old, blackened and slighty crispy stator in place to see how long it would last under the new, kinder, gentler regime.
That was in around 2015. It's still there, still charging fine.
For the last two years I've been thinking it's time to halt the experiment and fit the new stator, but life gets in the way, and it's still working ok.

[Burque73]

When I fitted an SH-775 I deliberately kept the old, blackened and slighty crispy stator in place to see how long it would last under the new, kinder, gentler regime.
That was in around 2015. It's still there, still charging fine.
For the last two years I've been thinking it's time to halt the experiment and fit the new stator, but life gets in the way, and it's still working ok.

That's certainly a good long stretch. Nine years on an already medium- well done stator is fantastic. Do you remember the manufacturer? Not sure I'd be so lucky given my track record with these things.

[Brendan W]

When I fitted an SH-775 I deliberately kept the old, blackened and slighty crispy stator in place to see how long it would last under the new, kinder, gentler regime.
That was in around 2015. It's still there, still charging fine.
For the last two years I've been thinking it's time to halt the experiment and fit the new stator, but life gets in the way, and it's still working ok.

Do you plan on taking it for a ride anytime soon

[salty_monk]

I've had lots of luck with old stators & SH775's too...

[Grimly]

That's certainly a good long stretch. Nine years on an already medium- well done stator is fantastic. Do you remember the manufacturer? Not sure I'd be so lucky given my track record with these things.

Not sure if it was an aftermarket or OEM stator at that point. It had been replaced previously, but I don't recall with what.

[GRich]

How did I miss this project?

Glad to see another GK getting back on the road.

[Burque73]

It's a slow moving project, that's for sure.

I ordered some green "dyna coils" that turned out to be fake knock offs of the real thing. It's taken two months to dispute a claim and return them. The seller, Aliexpress, wouldn't let me return them so I went through PayPal and files a claim. Still waiting but at least it's in process.

I also had a setback stripping the old sealer out of the tank. Will wind up repainting it after getting the new liner inside. I've had a Por15 kit in the cabinet for five years. If it's any good I'll use it.

last weekend was supposed to be electrical work. The new (used) SH775 regulator has been here waiting. The weather was just too nice to stay inside though. Looks like winter is finally here to motivate me as the fairing on the GK sure would be nice now. Oh, I grabbed a set of hippo hands from a craigslist seller for $10. Can't wait to try them. Hands have been the hardest part to keep warm without fiddling with wired heated glove liners.

I'll update this thread when I can actually do something productive haha.

[Rob S.]

It's a slow moving project, that's for sure.

Just like the bike itself!

Sorry, just couldn't resist. You set 'em up, I knock 'em over!

[Burque73]

Just like the bike itself!

Sorry, just couldn't resist. You set 'em up, I knock 'em over!

I shoulda seen that coming. LOL

Here's a great review video comparing the G and E models

. I haven't ridden an E so can't personally attest to which is faster. Is there really that much difference? Seems to me there's maybe one second difference in the ¼ mile, with the E being in the 10's and the G in the 11's. Top speeds, the E pulls away about 20 mph faster, but after the E's 5 gallon tank is empty the G keeps going to the next town for gas. 120 doesn't feel much different than 140. In fact I'd suspect the vibrations of the E at those speeds will put your hands to sleep in just a few minutes.

What it really boils down as far as performance is who is riding, where are they riding (track or street) and which one do they enjoy looking at more. I love my G's whether bagged with fairing or naked.

[rphillips]

I never thought of comparing a "GK" to an "E". Seems knid'f like comparing a speed boat to a dune buggy. 2 totally different machines designed for 2 totally different purposed and 2 totally different types of riding... About the only thing similar, they both have 2 wheels

[Rob S.]

One second in the quarter mile is HUGE!

[Rob S.]

I haven't watched that whole video yet, it started with too much fluff. Plus, I believe, misinformation. 'Similar engines, just two valve versus four valve'? I was under the impression they are completely different engines. Plus 'similar frames, two discs up front' etc.? Fluffity fluff.

There is a big difference between 120 mph and 140 mph. (Approx. 20 mph)

[rphillips]

1 sec @ 100 mph. is 146', or appx. 20 bike length's, behind... but the GK will be waay ahead if you figure on what the GK was designed for, long range, smooth, luxury touring with plenty of luggage.