Bringing my '81 GS850G back to life

[G. Bruns]

One for the road

I just got done with my tank and tail piece and am about to launch my rebuilt ride. I haven't been very good about updating this thread, and am at the tail end of my project...the part where I actually get on the bike and go for a ride after a complete rebuild.

A couple of weeks ago, I fired it up for the first time in five years. I had primed the cylinders with some PB Blaster Small Engine spray ensuring a fast start up. Combined with a slightly high idle, it was a loud, smokey rebirth. I already got an initial air/fuel mix while sitting in the driveway using the tank off my Maxim and synced the carbs using mercury sticks. Hopefully I got it right and it runs well on the road. It sure sounds good with that V&H 4 into one!

Here are some pictures of the completed tank and tail piece. I used Testor's Model Masters Acrylic Lacquer in Hugger Orange with U-Pol Clear#1 over top. I wet sanded with 1500 grit and then used 3M Scratch remover for a mirror finish.







Here's a pic of the engine.



I've got the side covers left to complete and will post a picture of the bike after they are done. But now it's time to hit the street. My thanks to those who helped me when I needed it and to those who helped me indirectly through their advice to others. I couldn't have done it without you.

So one more reclaimed, another GS back in service. One more for the road!

[MAJikMARCer]

The bits and pieces look great. I can't wait to see the fully assembled bike. I really like the paint job, looks great.

[Good Times]

Really look great. Nice job on the paint.

[G. Bruns]

I'm painting the sidecovers today. Actually, I painted them a couple of days ago. I just put stripes on them and then put some clear over top. This is how they look, except obviously, they will be shiny when I'm all done.



It's been great riding it! Apparently I did a pretty good job tuning it as it runs terrifically. Very spirited but well mannered too. Simply put, a joy to ride. This has really been my first opportunity to really ride it as it was more or less a non-running bike when I bought it and I'd never ridden a big GS shaftie before. It makes all of the hours of work and dollars spent worthwhile.

[Good Times]

Can't wait to see a picture of the bike all dressed up.

[azr]

subscribed!....nice rebuild.

[G. Bruns]

I found that with the Acewell spedo/tach unit, I wasn't able to see the turn signal light very well if the sun was behind me. I found these LED lights at Dennis Kirk. They are about four inches long and have six LEDs in them. They have adhesive on the back and are flexible. I mounted them to the inside of my windshield, but one really could mount them just about anywhere. You can even cut them shorter if you want. I'm pretty impressed with them. At $17, they are cheap insurance that I won't leave my flasher on.

[G. Bruns]

I finally was able to take a halfway decent picture of my bike. I meant to get a picture out here sooner, but once I got the bike to a ride-able state, well, I was busy riding it. Not surprisingly, I also had a large backlog of household tasks to complete. Anyway, here is my mostly completed bike. I still need to wet sand and polish the side covers, grind down and paint the center stand and address some minor oil leaks from the cam half moons, but for the most part, it's DONE!

[850 Combat]

Isn't that nice! Good work!