Progress!!! 1978 GS1000E Restoration/Performance Rebuild

[philosopheriam]

You will be moving the spacer to the outside.It seems counter intuitive but that's how it goes.

When I got my 530 front from Katman that was his instructions and I've read it here as well.Don't forget the 530 sprocket rear is thinner to.

I'll check it out - thanks for making light of this!

[SVSooke]

I know this might be laboring the point but this is from Z1:
6mm Sprocket Spacer with 25mm center - can be used with 518 series front sprockets on Suzuki GS models. Can be also used on other bikes to off-set the front sprocket. Please insure enough of the front sprocket is on the output shaft spline, and there is clearance for the chain to clear engine cases and frame tubes. This washer goes on the OUTSIDE of the sprocket! Not between the case and the sprocket. The early GS series bikes came equipped with a countershaft sprocket that was sandwiched in rubber. Use this in place of that rubber.

[philosopheriam]

Quick update:

Got a bunch of things done today (9/27)

1. Installed the: bearings in the rear wheel, the rear rotor, the rear sprocket, and test-fitted the wheel to the swingarm. Everything worked out perfectly!
2. Assembled the rear caliper with new seals/dust boots, mounted the caliper and all is good!
3. Disassembled the front speedo drive, polished the exterior, and cleaned the gears + relubed them.
4. There are a couple areas on the rear sprocket carrier and the front wheel that were left as bare aluminum by my powdercoater - after I mounted the front and rear wheels, I didn't like the look of these uncoated parts, so I removed the front and rear wheels and masked/painted the areas that I wanted hidden. This won't make much sense without pictures - I didn't take pictures of my progress this week because the front and rear wheels are removed from the bike and it actually looks like I went backwards. So, as soon as the paint dries and the wheels are back on, I will post a bunch of photos.

Long story short, everything went awesome today - Francine is starting to look like a real bike!

[philosopheriam]

As promised, please comment :-)

IMG_1642 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1643 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1644 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1645 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1646 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1647 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

[philosopheriam]

And more (fixed the sprocket spacer per SVSooke's correct suggestion)

IMG_1648 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1649 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1650 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1651 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr
IMG_1652 by Anthony Monteleone, on Flickr

[Fjbj40]

Looks fantastic! You are doing a beautiful job.

the only thing that catches my eye, and it is only minor, is the rear brake disc. It would flow better if it was the same style as the front. Is it even possible to do though?

Keep up the great work!

[philosopheriam]

Looks fantastic! You are doing a beautiful job.

the only thing that catches my eye, and it is only minor, is the rear brake disc. It would flow better if it was the same style as the front. Is it even possible to do though?

Keep up the great work!

I thought about this, too Fjb - but here's why I decided to keep the stocker:

1. I didn't see any aftermarket rotors (not that they don't exist, but a basic search didn't reveal anything) that would easily adapt the the spacing/bolt pattern/size of the GS1000 rear rotor.

2. It's a rear rotor, which I don't use much anyway. So, a performance rotor in this application is more cost than benefit.

I just had the original powdercoated the same color as the frame and decided to be done with it :-)

[Fjbj40]

That was easy then!

[dorkburger]

OH MY GOODNESS....... that starter motor! . Just bustin' a bit. Looks great. Those front rotors look coo-ool.

[boris.h]

Nice job, This motorbike is almost brand new.
Could you say again what front rotor and calipers did you choose?

Thanks!

[azr]

Looking fantastic, fourth time looking at the pictures can't wait to hear how the bike handles with the braced frame.

[philosopheriam]

Nice job, This motorbike is almost brand new.
Could you say again what front rotor and calipers did you choose?

Thanks!

The calipers are from a 87-90 Kawasaki ZX750R
The rotors are for a 92/93 Honda CBR900RR - all I had to do is enlarge the mounting holes to 8mm. The bolt pattern already matches the stock GS rotor.

The brake and rotor mounting hardware was supplied by SaltyMonk - he sells a set of brackets and spacers to retrofit the above components.

[rapidray]

I can't wait to hear it RUN!!! LOL!!!!
Ray.

[philosopheriam]

More progress! Started to install the exhaust last week but got interrupted by an emergency service call. I needed to run a bottoming tap through the exhaust bolt holes anyway...

This is the full stainless system by Delkevic - I purchased it from Z1 Enterprises. The installation went well and only a tiny bit of massaging was necessary. For the record, I have never installed an exhaust system on any motorcycle that DIDN'T require some finesse during the installation.

[philosopheriam]

Handlebars and Kickstand: