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    1978 gs1000

    Hello! This is my first post to this forum. At the start of the summer, I bought a 1978 GS1000 that I am currently working on and will be rebuilding as a cafe racer type bike.
    I paid $250. The bike has been sitting for about ten years and it has just over 19000 miles. My plan is to see if I can get it running, then strip it down, clean it thoroughly, paint it, and start working on the wheels, suspension, and cosmetic aspects of the bike.

    Some photos:




    When I first brought it home, I immediately did an oil change and bought new spark plugs and a battery. The tank is completely rusted on the inside and is missing a petcock, so I ran a line to a bottle to temporarily test the engine. It turned over but did not start. So next I began working on the carburetors. These were completely ruined. The choke and slides were both stuck. The insides of 3/4 carbs was crumbling away. I bought a better set of used Mikuni VM26ss carbs online. I spent the past week or so cleaning them with carb cleaner and a toothbrush. I also bought new rubber intake boots and air filters. I got the wrong size filters so I am exchanging them now.

    A photo of the old carburetors:


    Today, I reinstalled the carburetors and ran a temporary gas line into the carbs (also I did this without air filters). I put a tiny bit of gasoline into the pistons to help it start. I was able to start the bike by opening the choke all the way, giving it a little throttle, and using the starter motor. Unfortunately, the bike did not idle. I thought I should try again but this time hold the throttle open a bit more (could have just adjusted the throttle screw), however, when I attempted to start it again, there was a "pop" noise from the left side of the bike. I could hear the starter motor begin to slow down a bit as well. I didn't want to try starting it any more. Do any of you have any idea what this might be? I think it could be a diaphragm in the far left carb. Should I try to start the bike again, even though the starter motor is beginning to sound kind of bad?

    A video of me starting the bike:
    This bike sat for about ten years with no maintenance. This is the first time I've started it. Unfortunately it does not idle. The starter motor is slowing d...


    Thanks guys! I will post updates every once in a while when I get new parts or make progress on the bike. I am super excited to be working on this and also to be a part of this community
    Attached Files

    #2
    It started and that is a good thing. Have you adjusted the valves yet?

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by GSX1000E View Post
      It started and that is a good thing. Have you adjusted the valves yet?
      Haven't touched the valves yet! Do you recommend I do that next?

      Comment


        #4
        WOW..I can't believe you got that bike running. A true testament to how durable these engines are, and obviously your determination. The pop noise was probably just the bike backfiring through a carb as it's not running well, has no air filter on ect... If you think it sounded at all 'metal like' don't start it but if not I'd start it up and let it get a bit warm then do a compression test on each cylinder. The numbers will tell you lots about the condition of the top end.
        Rob
        1983 1100ES, 98' ST1100, 02' DR-Z400E and a few other 'bits and pieces'
        Are you on the GSR Google Earth Map yet? http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=170533

        Comment


          #5
          Absolutely azr! Rock solid engine. And thanks! Definitely was not a metal like sound at all. Thanks for the advice! I will see if I can get a gauge from a friend. I do think the compression is very low.

          Comment


            #6
            Well if the compression is suspected low it might be from the valves not being adjusted. Like another member mentioned, you might want to do those first and then do the compression. Lots of engines and have numbers of 90 or below, do the valve shims and up to 120 or above..
            Rob
            1983 1100ES, 98' ST1100, 02' DR-Z400E and a few other 'bits and pieces'
            Are you on the GSR Google Earth Map yet? http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=170533

            Comment


              #7
              No air box, a 4 to 1 installed and no idea what jetting is in the carbs. You might want to record the numbers before you get too far into the process.
              De-stinking Penelope http://thegsresources.com/_forum/sho...d.php?t=179245

              http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...35#post1625535

              Comment


                #8
                Thanks azr and rustybronco. I figured that it couldn't hurt to tear the engine mostly down to clean the pistons, the heads, etc. I am going to start that soon. When I put it back together I will adjust the valves. @rustybronco, the bike had stock air box and jetting. I'll definitely check out the #'s. Thanks!!

                Comment


                  #9
                  Welcome....looks like you've got a fair bit of work ahead of you...Good luck.
                  Where in NJ are you?
                  sigpic
                  When consulting the magic 8 ball for advice, one must first ask it "will your answers be accurate?"

                  Glen
                  -85 1150 es - Plus size supermodel.
                  -Rusty old scooter.
                  Other things I like to photograph.....instagram.com/gs_junkie
                  https://www.instagram.com/glen_brenner/
                  https://www.flickr.com/photos/152267...7713345317771/

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Thanks! Certainly do have a lot of work ahead haha. Upper Saddle River, in north bergen county although I'm going to school in Hoboken. You in NJ?

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Yes, Freehold.
                      sigpic
                      When consulting the magic 8 ball for advice, one must first ask it "will your answers be accurate?"

                      Glen
                      -85 1150 es - Plus size supermodel.
                      -Rusty old scooter.
                      Other things I like to photograph.....instagram.com/gs_junkie
                      https://www.instagram.com/glen_brenner/
                      https://www.flickr.com/photos/152267...7713345317771/

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Ah a bit south! Well when I get the bike going and go for a ride I will let you know!

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by dorkburger View Post
                          Yes, Freehold.

                          Manalapan here

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Would love to ride with you guys some time!

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by chris032188 View Post
                              Manalapan here
                              Ha, im currently crashing with the in laws in Manalapan until I get my broken water line to the house sorted....Fingers crossed .....tomorrow.
                              sigpic
                              When consulting the magic 8 ball for advice, one must first ask it "will your answers be accurate?"

                              Glen
                              -85 1150 es - Plus size supermodel.
                              -Rusty old scooter.
                              Other things I like to photograph.....instagram.com/gs_junkie
                              https://www.instagram.com/glen_brenner/
                              https://www.flickr.com/photos/152267...7713345317771/

                              Comment

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