Progress!!! 1978 GS1000E Restoration/Performance Rebuild

[philosopheriam]

I really didn't like the look of the original fork caps with the air valves... So, I had a new set of caps machined with a 19mm hex on top. I will polish them before they are installed.

IMG_1513 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1512 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

[Gregory]

Those look great, so are you wanting to sell your old fork top caps ?

http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs1000-gl-1980-1981-usa_model15991/cap-valve_5129449000/#.VZgEoPlViko

[philosopheriam]

Those look great, so are you wanting to sell your old fork top caps ?

http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs1000-g.../#.VZgEoPlViko

Possibly - what are you looking for? The entire cap/valve/top cover assembly?

[Gregory]

Possibly - what are you looking for? The entire cap/valve/top cover assembly?

.....just the top chrome dust covers that go over the plug & valve.

[azr]

I really didn't like the look of the original fork caps with the air valves... So, I had a new set of caps machined with a 19mm hex on top. I will polish them before they are installed.

those are awesome, wish I knew someone that could machine something like that. Awesome.

[philosopheriam]

.....just the top chrome dust covers that go over the plug & valve.

I have the top caps, but admittedly, they are tarnished - send me a PM with what you were thinking...

[philosopheriam]

those are awesome, wish I knew someone that could machine something like that. Awesome.

Thanks dude - I found the machinist through the company that did my frame mods - his name is Bill Bailey in Millington, IL. Bill does a *lot* of oddball work on vintage bikes (40s and 50s era) stuff. Brake backing plates, clutch covers, triples, etc.

[GS-cafe]

nice work,

as always!

[philosopheriam]

And the moment many you have been waiting for...

With the help of my buddy Fred, we installed the engine into the frame on Sunday (7/26). To make a long story short, we elevated a dog bed approximately 6" off the ground and put the engine on it's side on top of the bed. Then, we laid the frame onto the engine. With the valve cover and oil pan removed, there is a ton of clearance to maneuver the frame, and thus, nothing was damaged in the process. In my opinion, this method is fastest, easiest, and safest.

I will freely admit I went WAAAAAY overboard on protecting the frame with foam and tape - in reality, I could have left the frame unprotected using the "lay down" method for installation.

IMG_1542 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_165558 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_165651 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_165700 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_170332 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_170351 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_170359 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_170639 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

[philosopheriam]

More, more, and more...

20150726_170656 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_170738 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_170816 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_171334 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_171503 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_172033 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_172503 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

20150726_172735 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
(Fred attempting to look sexy)

IMG_1543 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

IMG_1544 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

[philosopheriam]

Round three, whoopee!

[philosopheriam]

Round four and no more!

[dorkburger]

A sense of humor is always good.

[SVSooke]

IMO if you got a bare frame that's by far the best way to get a engine in.Add a few bits not as much.

[philosopheriam]

Forks are completely DONE! Put some MAAS cream on all of the freshly polished aluminum to protect it and make it look even more beautiful.

Specs:
Custom-machined fork caps
Racetech .95kg/mm springs set at 20mm of preload
Fuchs Silkolene 10w oil set at 140mm
New Tarozzi fork tubes
New Racetech upper bushings (lowers are not used on this year of forks)
New seals/piston rings/small parts/etc