Gs 250 restoring to riding condition

[1980Gs250]

So I picked up this gs250 for $200 on craigslist and I am in the process of getting it back to running condition. So far what I have noticed is that the starter button and kill switch neither one work, the gas tank thankfully had no rust in it. The guy I bought it from for some reason bypassed the starter button and kill switch with a toggle switch mounted near the gas tank. The front brake doesn't seem to be working the brake lever has no resistance on it like the cable might be broken or something.

I cleaned and redid the carburetors and cleaned the gas tank and replaced the fuel lines. That's all i got done so far because of this stupid weather. I will update this as I go along!

[Woodsy]

Front brake doesn't have a cable its all fluid so you may need to give them an overhaul they are a great bike!

[isu2014]

Good find. Post up some pics. The front brake is pretty easy to bleed. Check the reservoir on the handlebar and see if there is fluid in it.

Not sure what to market is out there, but I just sold my 250 and made out like a burglar. There was a little bidding war between craigslisters. Small bikes are getting rare.

[1980Gs250]

I dont understand what you mean by no cable? It has one like a bicycle coming out of it?

[isu2014]

That's probably the speedo cable you're looking at. The line that goes from the caliper up to the master cylinder is a brake fluid line.

[1980Gs250]

oh dear i hope this isnt something thats rigged somehow. There is no other line going into the handle. just the cable looking thing

[8ball]

Post a picture...

[mike_of_bbg]

oh dear i hope this isnt something thats rigged somehow. There is no other line going into the handle. just the cable looking thing

Looking at your pic in your owner's thread I think I see a rectangular, screw-top master cylinder right next to the right-hand control. A cable coming out of the right hand control should be the throttle - there's definitely a hydraulic line going to your front brake caliper! The lever on the left (as you sit on the bike) is your clutch, which will be a cable. There should be resistance, but not a whole lot.

[1980Gs250]

i get what you are saying now im sorry. was just a bit bewildered i am new to this. The clutch feels fine there is some resistance but its light and it shifts through gears fine thankfully.

[1980Gs250]

so if the front brake feels spongy and not working i guess its time to go through the system. the back brake appears to be working well

[isu2014]

It probably needs bled properly with fresh fluid. Did it on mine and it really made a difference. The old fluid was nasty.

[mike_of_bbg]

Your rear brake should be mechanical drum so there's nothing to really get spongy there It's probably time to clean the caliper (usually no replacement parts required), rebuild the master with a new piston kit, and replace the brake line with a braided stainless hose. That's probably the original 32-year-old brake line on there...

[1980Gs250]

i will get on that first thing if it ever stops raining sigh..... I will also post many pictures for all to see!.... its covered up and stored in my shed at the moment in this nasty weather

[1980Gs250]

where does one fine a braided stainless line? I like this idea as i use the same on my cars and makes a good difference.

Your rear brake should be mechanical drum so there's nothing to really get spongy there It's probably time to clean the caliper (usually no replacement parts required), rebuild the master with a new piston kit, and replace the brake line with a braided stainless hose. That's probably the original 32-year-old brake line on there...

[mike_of_bbg]

There are a few options for getting stainless brake lines:

1) Goodridge lines from Z1 Enterprises is a popular option. The price is reasonable and the quality reputation is good. You buy a line with threaded ends in the length you need and Banjo fittings for each end as appropriate.

http://www.z1enterprises.com/ShopByCategory.aspx?name=SS+Hose&description=Stainless+Steel+Brake+Hose+%26+Fittings&category=0102041201

2) Roll your own. I did this using Earl's parts. Not sure that it's any cheaper than the Goodridge route, but if done properly it should be just as reliable. Easier to re-size if you change your bars later too. A thread on the subject:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=114521&highlight=stainless+brake+line

3) Some people have found eBay sellers that can make them lines. Searching the forums will probably turn up some good options. Most have been happy and it may be the cheapest option, too. rennsportautoparts is one seller I've seen mentioned, and looks like you can get your line for probably in the $40 range from them shipped with new banjo bolts and crush washers. You'd probably want to contact him with the end types you need and length, etc.