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Bringing a 78 GS 550 back to life. . .

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    #91
    Ah, a thing of beauty. Not perfect, but better than it was.



    Surprisingly, the static timing was dead on, even the open gaps were in spec. (I know the firing mark looks off, but dead on in person).









    Yep, using anti-seize to prevent galvanic corrosion with these SS socket cap screws.

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      #92
      Thing of beauty indeed.
      Personally, i prefer the look of allen bolts.
      2@ \'78 GS1000

      Comment


        #93
        Yeah Steve I'm with you, I just really don't care for stripped out Philips head screws/bolts. Much prefer a fastener you can get a hold of. At least you won't need an impact driver to take them out again.

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          #94
          Originally posted by Wangofree View Post
          It's a shame that Shinko aren't the more popular choice considering safety, price and longer life.
          Would you settle for two out of three?

          They are safe. They are cheap. Their life is probably "average".

          Several years ago, Brian Wringer (bwringer on the forum) did a test of the Shinko 230s. You can read his test by clicking HERE. Pay attention to how he describes himself in the first couple of lines. Feel free to join us in Indiana in June, you can meet him and try to follow him.

          On the less-hectic side of the coin, we have had 230s on our three GSes here for quite some time. I did not keep track of exact mileage, but I seem to remember getting more like 7-9000 miles from a set. All three of our bikes are set up for longer-distance touring, two of them have frame-mounted fairings, as well.

          Shinko tires are a surprising value, but not for everybody. For a weekend rider that does not regularly drag hardware in the turns, they will do quite nicely.

          Kenda Challengers? I hesitate to even let them roll into my shop on a customer's bike. I will do everything I can to convince the owner to let me change them before the bike leaves. I will not do a test ride on a bike with them.

          Your bike is looking great, so far, looking forward to the end result.

          .
          sigpic
          mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
          hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
          #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
          #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
          Family Portrait
          Siblings and Spouses
          Mom's first ride
          Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
          (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

          Comment


            #95
            Received 3 boxes of goodies today - O-ring chain, master cylinder innards, and spring/pin for neutral indicator switch.
            It was late in the afternoon when I kept looking at the new chain. I knew I'd have to rivet the master link, something I've never done before,
            so I debated whether to dive into it or not. Decided to go for it. My HF chain breaker/riveter worked like a charm.

            Tomorrow I'll tackle the master cylinder and install the caliper.













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              #96
              I'm amazed that companies post merchandise on Amazon with ridiculous flat fee shipping charges. Here's
              the cost of shipping 1 screw, albeit an OEM Suzuki screw.


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                #97
                Well, I've reached that point in a build that drives men (or women) to drink. W - i - r - i - n - g!
                Hopefully I'll be able to read my wiring diagram and bring the existing wiring and my Sparck Moto wiring harness together in wedded bliss.



                Yowza! So many wires, so many colors!!




                At least it's starting to look like a motorcycle. . .





                Comment


                  #98
                  Originally posted by Wangofree View Post
                  I'm amazed that companies post merchandise on Amazon with ridiculous flat fee shipping charges. Here's
                  the cost of shipping 1 screw, albeit an OEM Suzuki screw.


                  Best reason to go to your local Suzuki dealer
                  1978 GS 1000 (since new)
                  1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
                  1978 GS 1000 (parts)
                  1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
                  1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
                  1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
                  2007 DRz 400S
                  1999 ATK 490ES
                  1994 DR 350SES

                  Comment


                    #99
                    Trying to find a good place to mount the R/R, and like most times the bottom of the battery tray seems to
                    be the best location. Flat head bolts give a nice low profile.







                    Comment


                      I've got about 95% of the wiring completed. It's been a maddening process at times, but a couple of good wiring diagrams, ohm meter and patience help tremendously.

                      I have run into a problem with my kick starter. The electric starter works great. Turns the motor, puts out a nice fat blue spark out of the coils. But, the kick starter just won't engage the engine.
                      Using the kick starter spins the clutch basket, but that's about it. I guess I don't need the kick starter if the electric start works, but I always like having a backup in case the battery dies.
                      Not sure if this is going to be a minor thing or a big problem.

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                        Finally, the wiring is complete. I ran into a snag with the rear turn signals of all things. The bike kept blowing fuses, and I was ready to blow one too, every time I tried them. I can't say enough good about Matthew at Sparck Moto. http://www.sparckmoto.com/ Matt bends over backwards to help you troubleshoot any issue you might have with your wiring harness. My issue was a misidentified ground wire. But now all is good.







                        Now, if anyone is still paying attention to this thread, I have a question for you. Does anyone recognize what the parts below are for, or where they would go?
                        These were in the box of parts when I bought the bike. I searched exploded images on Bike Bandit and couldn't come up with anything for location.

                        Thanks fellas - Mike

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                          They are for mounting the air filter inside the metal box, and for fitting the plastic part of the airbox to the frame.
                          1980 GS550ET

                          Comment


                            Like Steve said, they are for the airbox
                            Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

                            1981 GS550T - My First
                            1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
                            2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

                            Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
                            Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
                            and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

                            Comment


                              Excellent! Thanks fellas for pointing me in the right direction.

                              Comment


                                I probably should have done some troubleshooting on my gear indicator display before getting everything wired up.
                                I knew something was wrong. The gear indicator sensor checks out OK. I appear to have a couple of burned out bulbs.

                                Left to right, 1 through 4 are functioning -




                                "5" and "6" not so much -




                                Next step, do a search on this site -



                                Consensus is go to Bike Bandit and look up the part number, okay easy enough, or is it?




                                For the life of me I don't see a representation of these gear indicator bulbs on this fiche for a 78 GS550.
                                So, a little more digging and someone recommends Radio Shack. I'm thinking "right, they went south a long time ago" or did they?





                                This bulb looks like it might do the trick. Anyone have any thoughts on this, or a better vendor? (I don't have a Suzuki dealership, so I'm relying on the interwebs".

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