Since this seems to be Terry's new hangout, I thought I would pose a GS question in here and see what kind of feedback I get. I am looking at a 1978 GS1000 that visually is neglected (they were making a "boober") but owner claims that the engine runs. They cut the rear clip on it behind the shock mounts but I think I can make something so that I can get a decent seat back on it. Anyway the price is quite low so my question is, are they good bikes? Anything I need to look out for as far as known problems? any hard to find parts? Known missing parts are, seat, tank, exhaust and headlight as well as instruments and I will assume switch gear.
They're not good bikes mate, they're fcuking GREAT bikes! The 1978 model was the first, so it's a pity it's been cut, because it will be collectable. Has it got wire wheels? If it has, I'm jealous. The engines are super strong, roller bearing cranks are way over-engineered and the engine can easily handle 150+ BHP with no heavy duty rods etc needed. They'll do 130+ MPH outta the box, but to make em go (much) faster you need to buy a later model (1980 on) "big port" head, 1085cc kit, 33mm Mikuni smoothbore carbs, a set of high lift cams and a 4 into 1 pipe, and that'll get you another 40-60 BHP. You can do all this with the engine in the frame. They also handle better than any Jap bike of the 1970's had a right to, and will surprise you at just how well they go around corners.
What goes wrong? Not much. The clutch will probably rattle, which can be minimised by synching the carbs, but the rivets on the steel backing plate get loose after years of hard launches, so you'll need to re-rivet them. (not a hard job, check out the TheGSResources.com site for instructions) The regulators tend to crap out which can result in overcharged batteries but you can buy a better modern replacement for cheap offa Ebay, the vacuum fuel taps (petcocks) can crap out but a new one will cost 50 bucks on ebay, and that's about it.
The valves are easy to adjust (shims) but if it's been sitting for awhile make sure you do your clearances as they'll close up (valve recession) over a long sit, and the bike may not run if the clearances are too tight. If they're too loose, they can "spit a shim" (never happened to me, but it does happen occasionally) so set them, and re-check them every 10,000 miles or so. The original points ignition has probably been updated with a Dyna S, or a Martek (better) or a Gerex Multi Spark ignition. (about 11 out of 10 on the GS "Cool Factor" board)
Anyway, in summary, buy it and if you don't like it I'll buy it. I sold my GS1000 and even though it's still in my garage, I miss it already. Enjoy! Cheers, Terry.
