81 GS450 Buying tips

[schmitzzac]

Hello All,

I'm looking at buying a 1981 GS450 bike for a project/learner bike for my GF. The person I'm looking to buy it from started it as a project and then gave up on it. It was running prior to paint dis-assembly and now it doesn't run. It turns over and there is spark and good compression (not sure on the compression number, I'll ask and run my own test when I look at it in person). Tires are good. Bike is all there.

I'm guessing since there is spark, there won't be much involved with getting it going? I suspect it's a fuel issue...

What are the things to look for in a used GS bike? What should the compression be in each cylinder? I have read that they should be within 10% of each other.

[eil]

If it's been sitting for any period of time, anticipate rebuilding the carbs at the very least. This is pretty easy, just requires a can of cleaner and a set of o-rings that can be bought from a member here.

Exact compression numbers on a cold engine don't mean much. If it has compression at all, it should at least start. One rule of thumb is that 100psi is the bare minimum, but I've seen threads on this very forum where an engine had been sitting for years and had very low compression in one cylinder (as in, under 40psi) but then shot right up to normal after it had been running for awhile. Once the engine is running and fully warmed up, then you can shut it down and test the compression more accurately. (Remember to hold the throttle wide open if the carbs are installed.)

Read the date code on the tires, if they're more than about 6-7 years old, you may want to reconsider riding on them even if they look good.

So as mentioned above, a good carb cleaning should get it running. But getting it running right is another thing altogether. This old bikes need a lot of care and maintenance to be brought back to their former glory! See my project thread for an example. BassCliff will be here soon with his mega-welcome, but you can get a sneak-preview here: http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[boingk]

I'd do my usual list for a newly acquired bike -

Oil and filter change,
Air filter change,
Bleed brakes,
Carb clean.

After all that she should run alright. Make sure the battery is charged well before you attempt starting, too.

Cheers - boingk

[hardline_42]

In my experience, it's very difficult to learn/teach someone to ride on a "project" bike. It's best to start with something running, in stock condition. Even then, while someone with riding experience is more likely to enjoy the quirks of riding a 30-year old motorcycle, a beginner would probably prefer an easy learning experience over everything else.

I'm not sure where you're located, but if you're in the US, why not set aside part of the project budget for a motorcycle safety course for your GF? The bike and instruction is provided in the course and she will be more able to judge what kind of bike she'd prefer (or whether riding is for her at all) before sinking time and money into a project.

FWIW, I recently picked up an '81 GS450E in running condition with only 3k miles and it's taken me a considerable amount of time and effort getting it into SAFE running condition. If you go ahead with the purchase, in addition to the above, make sure to check valve clearance and check the electrical system. Carb cleaning is a must if for no other reason than to make sure everything is there and hasn't been tampered with.

[BentRod]

I'm going to second both the rider training and the buying of a working bike, if you can afford it. There are a lot of fun learner bikes out there, lighter than the 450, and more reliable. If you have the extra coin to do it, find a small bike that fits her size and riding style. Keep in mind you may sell that bike as soon as next spring.

Riding a 30 year old bike has it's own particular flavour, and it isn't for everyone. I can also tell you, from my own experience, that when you are not the principle rider, it is much harder to catch minor problems with the bike, and prevent them from becoming major problems.

Depending on how many old bikes you have restored, you may want to find a 450 that has passed a safety inspection. Also, remember there is going to be a reason the P.O. stopped the restoration. Something made it a little more difficult, and they do not have to tell you what that something was.