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bzflag, don't get too put-off just because most people around here don't like the L models. 
It's true that for most classic UJM aficionados, the non-L GS models look more sporty and have a better seat. But that doesn't make the L models bad bikes, in my opinion. The seat can be remade to your liking, the handlebars are easily swapped out, and after that, the only things that are different are costmetic: gas tank and rear fender. The bike will feel and ride like any other GS otherwise.
tkent02 said that this is easily a $1500 project, on top of whatever you already paid for it. He's absolutely right when he says that you'll never get that money back. The L models are very common, and not generally sought after even in tip-top shape.
But... some people are okay with that. Like myself. I bought a 1980 GS850GL back in December as my first motorcycle. I got it to dip my feet into wrenching on bikes. Didn't matter to me that it's not a collectible; it was cheap and complete. There are still some bugs to work out, but I'll bet by the time I'm done, I'll have paid at least $2000 in parts and tools, and that's without touching any of the cosmetics. I would be extremely lucky to get even half of that back whenever I go to sell it. But I'm fine with that, because I consider the difference to be the cost of the experience gained.
If you want to make money on this transaction, part the machine out on eBay. If you want a good fun project with guidance from the most amazing online community, bring it back to life!
It's true that for most classic UJM aficionados, the non-L GS models look more sporty and have a better seat. But that doesn't make the L models bad bikes, in my opinion. The seat can be remade to your liking, the handlebars are easily swapped out, and after that, the only things that are different are costmetic: gas tank and rear fender. The bike will feel and ride like any other GS otherwise.
tkent02 said that this is easily a $1500 project, on top of whatever you already paid for it. He's absolutely right when he says that you'll never get that money back. The L models are very common, and not generally sought after even in tip-top shape.
But... some people are okay with that. Like myself. I bought a 1980 GS850GL back in December as my first motorcycle. I got it to dip my feet into wrenching on bikes. Didn't matter to me that it's not a collectible; it was cheap and complete. There are still some bugs to work out, but I'll bet by the time I'm done, I'll have paid at least $2000 in parts and tools, and that's without touching any of the cosmetics. I would be extremely lucky to get even half of that back whenever I go to sell it. But I'm fine with that, because I consider the difference to be the cost of the experience gained.
If you want to make money on this transaction, part the machine out on eBay. If you want a good fun project with guidance from the most amazing online community, bring it back to life!
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