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1981 gs650g project

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    1981 gs650g project

    Hello, I am brand new to the forum but in the time I have spent on it I have quickly realized that if I’m going to get any sort of answers to my GS questions it is here. My dad and I recently purchased a 1981 gs650g. We bought it as a project because “how hard could it be” even though we have never owned a motorcycle before. My dad is quite mechanically inclined and tends to find ways to fix just about anything, and I have learned from him. We have always done well in the past on the “doesn’t run, selling as is” kind of listings so when we came across a cool looking motorcycle that seemed really cheap we had to give it a try because “how hard could it be”.

    The previous owner bought it as a project but I don’t think there was much of an attempt made. Whether the owner before that was the original or even saw it running I don’t know. The only sign of life we have been told of was the previous owner told us going from the stator the motor turned over but did not fire. He also told us that from what he could tell, besides a couple of trim pieces, everything was there and the bike was complete. After taking it home and doing some more looking and research, that is far far from the truth.

    It is missing all of the trim pieces, the entire air cleaner system, the wire harness has been hacked at and most of the connectors lead to nothing so I don’t really even know what I don’t have for the rest of the electrical components, the carburetors are off but I have them, the throttle cable is missing, and the clutch cable doesn’t exactly seem functional.

    At this point I am not looking to do a full restoration, I am just trying to make the bike start, run, and ride. Everything past that is not a concern of mine at this time and I am all for keeping a minimalist look to it when I am done. I am open to any suggestions, including get rid of it if that’s truly what people think is our best option. I really don’t even know where to start at this point. The only thing we can think of is to find another one that is functional to have something to look at to know what we’re actually missing.

    Anything will help, thanks in advance.

    #2
    You can check the parts fiche online at a number of places, Rocky Mountain ATV, Adept Powersports, etc. that will let you know what is missing and what is available as far as new parts. Of course, Ebay is another option for used parts. You'll get lots of help here with specific questions. Don't forget about the search feature here. Lots of questions have already been answered on here in the past.

    Get a copy, or download a factory service manual and save yourself a lot of trouble!

    Good luck with your project!

    Oh, and we like pictures!
    Ron
    When I die, just cremate me and put me in my GS tank. That way I can go through these carbs, one more time!https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/core/images/smilies/cool.png
    1978 GS750E - November 2017 BOTM
    1978 GS1000C - May 2021 BOTM
    1982 GS1100E - April 2024 BOTM
    1999 Honda GL1500SE

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      #3
      Hi and Welcome to the Forum

      You may find what you need at https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/ Lot of good info and access to service manuals.

      First priority is "will it run". Start with whatever is needed to make it fire, run and idle. That will give some insight as to weather its worth keeping.

      As you've already worked out, there's a lot of good information here and very knowledgeable people.

      And +1 for pictures.
      Current Bikes
      1980 Suzuki GS 1000G
      1973 Suzuki GT 185 (The tiddler)
      "Live to die, die to live"

      Comment


        #4
        Study and see what you’re missing. Hope you have warm basement or garage!
        You do not have permission to view this gallery.
        This gallery has 1 photos.
        1981 gs650L

        "We are all born ignorant, but you have to work hard to stay stupid" Ben Franklin

        Comment


          #5
          Welcome... Pictures will probably help you here. We'll at least be able to tell you most of what's missing from that I expect. I hope you got it for a really low price....
          1980 GS1000G - Sold
          1978 GS1000E - Finished!
          1980 GS550E - Fixed & given to a friend
          1983 GS750ES Special - Sold
          2009 KLR 650 - Sold - gone to TX!
          1982 GS1100G - Rebuilt and finished. - Sold
          2009 TE610 - Dual Sporting around dreaming of Dakar..... - FOR SALE!

          www.parasiticsanalytics.com

          TWINPOT BRAKE UPGRADE LINKY: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...e-on-78-Skunk/

          Comment


            #6
            I'm certainly not one of the experts here, but am currently rebuilding the chain drive model of that same bike and have learned a lot from this forum and pretty much know every component down to the screws and bolts.
            If you have any doubts about anything, consult the manual, search for the answers and then ask questions. It may save you from making some of the mistakes I and others have made.
            Best of luck!

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