1979 GS1000E Project

[HaggisHombre]

I am looking at the OEM gaskets for the top end which will be over $150. Has anyone had luck with the aftermarket gaskets or know how to make them work?

[FLHGSRay]

Go with OEM. They're more expensive, but there's less chance you'll have to do it twice.

[cowboyup3371]

Go with OEM. They're more expensive, but there's less chance you'll have to do it twice.

Agreed; you may save money in the initial purchase but you'll spend more as you have to fix it again

[GSX1000E]

About $87 and change for the compression gasket here: http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/fiche...1978&fveh=2146

I would get the other seals there as well.

[HaggisHombre]

Thank you for the advice on the gaskets it looks like the general consensus is OEM. I now have visions of my GS leaking like a sieve. So I will bite the bullet and go with OEM, darn how I wanted those 90 dollar gasket kits to get the thumbs up, ha ha.

[HaggisHombre]

Time to clean.

[Big T]

Here's what SS spokes look like - they look better in the daylight

[HaggisHombre]

Very nice. I see you have the brake conversion. I bought the kit twice I misplaced the original and purchased a second a while back as a replacement. I already have the brake calipers and disks. I have seen numerous people with that front fender, where would I find one of those? Also is the black metal bracket meant to stabilize the forks?

[HaggisHombre]

I just checked the decal on the headstock and the date of manufacture was 08/78. After checking the engine again I believe it does have the extra bolt.

[sedelen]

I just checked the decal on the headstock and the date of manufacture was 08/78. After checking the engine again I believe it does have the extra bolt.

My '79 is a late '78 manufacture, the same as yours, 08/78. Of course
mine doesn't have that bolt. Really like how your project is coming along.
I think you've already done more work on yours than I have on mine.

[FLHGSRay]

Just checked mine. Dated 9/78, and I have the extra bolt.

[FLHGSRay]

And apparently some engine cleaning to do.

[HaggisHombre]

Yes the engine will need a good clean. I will be painting it so I think it would be best to clean it to the point where I can paint it then strip the engine to replace the base gasket and others. I dont plan on sand blasting it I hope It will still paint good.

[Big T]

My fender is the stock chrome one. My bike has been repainted once, needs it again

The hoop is a period fork brace. In the 80's, they went to the style that clamps to the top of the sliders

From what I've seen over time is that there's no direct relation as to when the front head bolt became standard.

You can soda blast the motor whole to clean it, then do it again when you have the head off. No grit to deal with

Or, vapor blast it if you can find someone with that set up

[HaggisHombre]

Started cleaning the carbs tonight. After opening them up I see why I am cleaning them.