1983 GS1100es Revival

[twerth]

Since I now have a working voltmeter, I was able to determine that my R/R is bad. It's charging as high as 18V at 5000 rpm. I'm lucky I caught it quickly and didn't ruin a new battery.

During testing of the regulator I noticed that it had been replaced before with an aftermarket unit. The PO had connected the R/R ground wire directly to the black/white ground coming from the fuse box. Neither of these go directly to the frame. I'm thinking when I install the new one, I want to take both of these, as well as another ground directly from the battery (-) to a convenient spot on the frame. Is that the right approach?

[glib]

Since I now have a working voltmeter, I was able to determine that my R/R is bad. It's charging as high as 18V at 5000 rpm. I'm lucky I caught it quickly and didn't ruin a new battery.

During testing of the regulator I noticed that it had been replaced before with an aftermarket unit. The PO had connected the R/R ground wire directly to the black/white ground coming from the fuse box. Neither of these go directly to the frame. I'm thinking when I install the new one, I want to take both of these, as well as another ground directly from the battery (-) to a convenient spot on the frame. Is that the right approach?

Go to the beginning of this thread and read about the SPG (Single Point Ground). http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?152769-GS-Charging-System-Health&p=1138531#post1138531

Actually read it all. It's the directions for a healthy charging system.

[twerth]

Thanks glib. I'd seen that, and it's the reason I'm thinking about going the SPG route. I guess what concerns me is that someone has connected the two grounds (RR and harness) to each other but not to the frame. Wondering if they've converted to some kind of floating ground system? I'm afraid if I go to the SPG, I'll need to undo something somewhere else. The harness has been hacked on over the years, and it's hard to tell what's been done.

[posplayr]

You should be more afraid of 18v , but it is your bike your money.

[twerth]

I've got a new R/R on order. I won't be riding it until it's replaced. Just wanted to make sure I have my wiring straightened out when I put the new one in.

[twerth]

I made good progress this week. The new regulator is installed and grounds have been cleaned up and converted to single point. Voltage stays between ~13 and 14 at all revs according to the gauge on my dash. I'll double check with my DVM this evening, but I think I can call this one solved.

I've also finished tab repair on the side panels, so those are all installed and the bike is finally in one piece. I rode it to work today, and everything seems to be working like it should. I'll probably ride it a week or two and then tear it back apart for paint.

[glib]

I made good progress this week. The new regulator is installed and grounds have been cleaned up and converted to single point. Voltage stays between ~13 and 14 at all revs according to the gauge on my dash. I'll double check with my DVM this evening, but I think I can call this one solved.

I've also finished tab repair on the side panels, so those are all installed and the bike is finally in one piece. I rode it to work today, and everything seems to be working like it should. I'll probably ride it a week or two and then tear it back apart for paint.

I love this. Like having an ES project but I don't have to do the work... Need progress pictures.

[twerth]

I love this. Like having an ES project but I don't have to do the work... Need progress pictures.

That's fair. I'll get some shots this weekend. Honestly though, not much has changed visually other than the seat, exhaust and the side panels are no longer taped on.

[twerth]

After my shakedown cruise earlier this week, I found a couple of issues. With a full tank, my petcock didn't seal causing a drip from the carb overflows. Also, one of my new side cover tabs broke, so I reattached and reinforced. I replaced the o-rings in the petcock and after another ride, and everything seems to be working like it should. I'll run a couple of tanks of gas through it and then it's time for paint. Still thinking about silver with a grey stripe and red lettering. Open to suggestions though. Here's a shot of how it stands today.

[dorkburger]

Loking good.

[thebrandonbeezy]

After my shakedown cruise earlier this week, I found a couple of issues. With a full tank, my petcock didn't seal causing a drip from the carb overflows. Also, one of my new side cover tabs broke, so I reattached and reinforced. I replaced the o-rings in the petcock and after another ride, and everything seems to be working like it should. I'll run a couple of tanks of gas through it and then it's time for paint. Still thinking about silver with a grey stripe and red lettering. Open to suggestions though. Here's a shot of how it stands today.

i really like it. im assuming thats a ebay gp muffler (no offence, id own one) what header is that? hows it sound? maybe a video?

[twerth]

Right, ebay gp muffler. Fairly inexpensive for stainless, and so far quality seems fair to good. I'd probably go with a megaphone or something that fits the style of the bike a little better if I had it to do over. I think the header is a Kerker, but there are not markings so hard to tell.

Honestly, it sounds pretty good. The muffler has three levels of baffle, and I've got it set on the loudest (still not obnoxious). The bike's in pieces prepping for paint right now so I can't start it at the moment. I'll try to get a video when it's back together. Cell phone sound quality is usually pretty crappy, but I'll give it a shot.

[thebrandonbeezy]

https://youtu.be/IOYfR29boUs

this was shot with a galaxy s6, no editing from about 10 foot away.

[thebrandonbeezy]

so was this

https://www.youtube.com/embed/s4pbKYt32Lo

[twerth]

I got the paint sprayed over the weekend. I'm never happy with my work, but it didn't turn out too bad. I've got a busy week coming up so it will probably be next weekend before I can get it back together.