1979 GS750E Project Pointers

[Guest]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on the forum and my first motorbike. I've been kindly donated a shaft-driven 1979 GS750E Japanese import from a friend who was moving back to Australia. Absolutely delighted to have been donated such a classic. It was driven from the UK to France and then to Turkey and back and it's still going! My aim is to take the bike to pieces then rebuild and refurbish everything whilst adding a few modern safety systems and a personalised cafe racer-esque touch. My issue is I'm unsure of where to start. Would anyone be kind enough to point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Kenny

[GS11]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on the forum and my first motorbike. I've been kindly donated a shaft-driven 1979 GS750E Japanese import from a friend who was moving back to Australia. Absolutely delighted to have been donated such a classic. It was driven from the UK to France and then to Turkey and back and it's still going! My aim is to take the bike to pieces then rebuild and refurbish everything whilst adding a few modern safety systems and a personalised cafe racer-esque touch. My issue is I'm unsure of where to start. Would anyone be kind enough to point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Kenny

I know I would like to see a few pictures!

[hairfromthepast]

IMG_20161204_161534.jpg
I'll get a few more tomorrow

[roeme]

My aim is to take the bike to pieces then rebuild and refurbish everything whilst adding a few modern safety systems (...) My issue is I'm unsure of where to start. Would anyone be kind enough to point me in the right direction?

Judging from the picture you have provided that bike was stored indoors for some time. In this case, I wouldn't take it apart, instead, focus on getting it road-worthy again.

So first read the top 10 newbie mistakes thread.

Then:
1. Clean the carbs
2. Replace the intake boot o-rings if necessary (it most likely will be)
3. Replace the air intake filter (it will have crumbled apart by now)
3. Check the valve clearance
4. Replace the engine oil (Shaft, not yet)
5. Check the charging system with posplayr's quick test thread
7. Check tires (you don't want to ride with cracking rubber), brakes, lights and all that stuff that makes it safe to go out on the road and traffic
8. Now read your bike's manual to learn what other maintenance tasks are to be done, and catch up
9. You can now plan to add your personal touch.

If you begin with 9 instead, you will end up with a never-ending story of a bike that you can't ride often, or not at all.

edit:

whilst adding a few modern safety systems

This confuses me.

[steve murdoch]

Welcome to the site, Kenny.
I did not know they made a 750cc G.
Are you sure it is a '79?
Not that it makes any difference, this item says they only made them in '80/'81.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gs750g%2079.htm

[1978GS750E]

I believe they started making four stroke 750's in 1977. I know I've got a '78!

[hairfromthepast]

Judging from the picture you have provided that bike was stored indoors for some time. In this case, I wouldn't take it apart, instead, focus on getting it road-worthy again.

Thanks for the reply, the bike was running "OK" during the summer but only took it for a few wee runs to keep things moving, seemed pretty low on power. Now I just need to get a gas heater for my garage and I'll be on my way.

By safety systems I meant upgraded brakes and suspension, just to make it a little safer on the road. The previous owner suggested '90's Katana suspension and brakes with better cooling.

[hairfromthepast]

I did not know they made a 750cc G.
Are you sure it is a '79?

Steve, I'm only going on what the previous owner said to me. I'm currently waiting for the V5C registration document to come through the post and that should confirm things. Bear in mind it was a Japanese import but I could be getting confused.

[allojohn]

I believe they started making four stroke 750's in 1977. I know I've got a '78!

Steve is talking about the shaft drive. No shaft drive 750's in '78 or '79.

[hairfromthepast]

Steve is talking about the shaft drive. No shaft drive 750's in '78 or '79.

John, the previous owner told me it was a '79E, the frame and engine serial numbers say it is a G. I will confirm everything once I receive the V5C.

Kenny

[allojohn]

I wouldn't trust a word any PO said, unless you know him of course LOL.

[uk gs nut]

Its got CV carbs, must be an 80 jap market model.

[hairfromthepast]

Update

Hey guys, it's been a while but I can finally post an update. So the bike's definitely a 750G shaft driven Japanese import but not sure of the year. Does anyone know if there's a way to tell?

Have finally found someone with experience to give me some pointers and a little bit of a hand. This morning we took the carbs apart and gave them a good clean, unfortunately it seems like someone had previously tried to repair a broken float post, it's still in place and holding (one for the future). Also checked the air filter and boot rings which will need replacing, and he advised me to change the gaskets once i had all the other maintenance complete.

Finally we found that the fuel cock is not working, so that'll most likely be why I couldn't get the bike to start. So this week I'll be emptying the tank and trying to figure out if I can fix or have to replace the cock. All in all a successful start to the autumn.

[hairfromthepast]

IMG_20170909_174236582.jpg
Fuel tank and carbs removed

[hairfromthepast]

Carburettors including repaired float post