Added to the GS family again!

[1978GS750E]

I've been on the lookout for a restorable 1978 GS550 to buy and found one on fleabay that looks to be in pretty good condition. Current owner says its runs well and he still rides it a few miles a week. Anyway, I bought it! Going south to pick it up Sunday afternoon. I'll post some pics when I get it home. Probably going to be while before it gets any love as I'm spending a lot of time getting the GS750 and GS1000 ready for the Brown County hoorah! Who knows, if it runs well and is safe, I may bring 3 bikes! Anybody want to buy a 1982 Honda Ascot?

[limeex2]

I always thought it would be fun to Mod-stock a FT-500. No disrespect intended towards your bike. Neighbor had the v-twin version and it looked great! Nice sound!

[zuluwiz]

Is that the v-twin Ascot or the vertical-twin Ascot?
My bad: Is that the v-twin version or the 500 thumper version?
tried a ride on a v-twin Ascot about the time they were in dealers and was disappointed by the lack of power. Oh well it's a 500. Maybe its time to take another look, haven't seen an Ascot anywhere since. I did like the looks of it.

[1978GS750E]

It is the "thumper" version. Its a single cylinder 500cc with 4 valves and 2 exhaust pipes. Bike is a blast to ride even at 500ccc. This one has less than 4600 miles on it and is in like-new condition. Probably gonna put it on fleabay next week. Wish I had a bigger garage, but don't we all!

[Rust_to_Redemption]

It is the "thumper" version. Its a single cylinder 500cc with 4 valves and 2 exhaust pipes. Bike is a blast to ride even at 500ccc. This one has less than 4600 miles on it and is in like-new condition. Probably gonna put it on fleabay next week. Wish I had a bigger garage, but don't we all!

Wish you were closer to me. Been looking for an Ascot Thumper for a bit. The only one I've seen pop up anywhere reasonably close to me (within 3 hours) was non-running, needed completely new wiring (mice ate at it), no gauges (missing completely so who knows how many miles), no turn signals, and pretty much needed everything else. The only real redeeming qualitys it had were the tins were in excellent condition, and the gas tank only needed new clear coat on the top. To top it off, the guy wanted $1300 for it, when excellent runners with 15k miles are going for $1800-ish in my area. It probably needed close to $400 in parts, so I had to pass.

[1978GS750E]

Yeah, I've got it on craigslist here locally right now. The more I think about it I may just take it to my mothers in western KY and store it there. Plus, I'll have a bike to ride when I drive the truck there in the winter!

[1978GS750E]

It's home!

Finally got the '78 550 home. Initial thoughts are that it is about what I expected. Needs tires, a battery, brake system cleaning, intake boots and O-rings and a good cleaning. It does start and run OK. Someone really screwed up the exhaust, they drilled holes in the ends of the mufflers, so now it sounds like crap! Has an aftermarket seat cover and a recent paint job that has a bubble on top of the tank. Looks to be almost all stock. I guess it will do until I find an "E"! Now on to give it the once over today, and see what I really bought.

[1978GS750E]

Spent some time today going over the GS550 that I brought home yesterday.

The good:
New side cover and tank emblems.
Starts when cold without any choke.
Charging system checks out OK.
New factory petcock.
All electrics work properly.
Clutch and tranny work smoothly.
Chain and sprockets are relatively new.


The bad:
Tank has been coated (white crap!) and has developed a pinhole. (Probably another on the top where the paint is bubbled.)
Fuel line was clear poly tubing.
Needs rear brake shoes.


Looks like I have a lot of work to do getting this one on the road.
Going to tackle the tank first. Anyone know of a good way to remove the tank liner, short of going full "Chuck Hahn" with a campfire?