Long trips anyone?

[lizzywhite45]

Hey man, totally get the hesitation. You’ve done solid work on the bike, and if it’s running great now, that’s a good sign.

I’d just double-check the charging system, stator and reg/rec can fail without warning. Quick test now could save a headache later.

Go for the ride, just prep smart. Maybe let a buddy know your route, just in case. Once you do it, you’ll feel way more confident.

Let us know how it goes. Love seeing these old GS bikes still out there.

[danny01975]

Lol! I guess that is always the question! After reading the stator papers, these voltages are right in spec. The only unknown here is exactly what kind of r/r it is. I may take it off just to get the info off of it. And go through the connections to make sure they're all clean.

If nothing else, this has been a good experiment and at least I know the r/r has been swapped out.

[Steve]

If you are going to go through the effort of removing and inspecting the R/R, why not just source a GENUINE SH775 and install it? Once you determine a location for it (it's a bit larger than stock), installation is rather quick and easy.

.

[Burque73]

We used to use Google earth which had locations for lots of members, just in case you're on the road and need help somewhere. I've had a couple of folks come through Albuquerque that needed something. One was from I think New Orleans. mrhedgeswho needed a valve cover gasket. I had it shipped to my house and swapped it when he came through town. You'll hear many stories like that from this forum.

I've had the charging system crap out in two GS's. Just had to push start after shutting off the engine on one. The other I was on a dirt road and couldn't do that. Fortunately my phone had service and my wife came a couple hundred miles to the middle of nowhere to my rescue.

In spite of those issues, I wouldn't hesitate to hop on my 850 and go anywhere right now if time would allow. It's proven to be quite a great bike. Hoping ti get my GK sorted as well soon to be my long trip bike.

[Big Block]

I worry more about the fuel pump or ECU going out on my Bandit than my GS' leaving me stranded to be honest. A carbed bike will generally get you home. Install a volt gauge on your GS to give you peace of mind. If you see the voltage dropping, pull the headlight plug and head for home. It'll get you there.

[danny01975]

Install a volt gauge on your GS to give you peace of mind.

I had this exact thought. Trying to find one locally as the ride is in two days. No luck yet.

[danny01975]

Update.. I did 245 miles yesterday. Not a single issue, other than my ass hurting by the end of the trip!

While inspecting the bike trying to figure out what the status is on the r/r, I did see a few questionable grounds on the electronics holder tray thing. So I'm going to take the rectifier off to see what kind it is, and while I'm at it, remove those questionable grounds and clean them up and re-connect them. And install a small voltage meter somewhere on the bike.

And one day, find a more comfortable seat!

[Big Block]

Good news! Yes, now you know the rest of the bike is capable of a long trip. Address the questionable stator and R/R and you know it's a usable piece. As much great luck as I've had with my GS' I'm almost shocked mine is the only one I see out on the roads near me. Going to look at another one to maybe buy today.

[danny01975]

Same. I’ve only seen one other one in the wild. A 79 GS1000. Otherwise, nada.

[londonboards]

This was a long trip on a GS1100G - along with rectifier problems!

https://suzukigs1100g1982.blogspot.com/2014/09/rectifying-electrical-problem-in-italy.html

[lizzywhite45]

Hey man, totally get the hesitation, these old GS bikes can make you second-guess long rides. I’ve got an ‘81 GS850G, and once I sorted the usual stuff (charging system, bearings, wiring), I started doing 200+ mile trips with no problems. Swapping to an SH775 reg/rec made a big difference.

If your stator and reg are still original, I’d replace them for peace of mind.

Also, this prep checklist is super helpful:

-> 10 Tips to Prepare Any Motorcycle for Long Trips

You’ve already done the work, now let it ride. Let us know how it goes!

[rphillips]

lizzy, you mentioned "Swapping to a SH775 reg/rec made a big difference... You were doing 200+ mile trips with no problems, wondering what big difference you saw or felt after installing the SH775?

[Grimly]

Also, this prep checklist is super helpful:

-<snip spam link>

You’ve already done the work, now let it ride. Let us know how it goes!

Back to the plugging of Viking Bags, eh?
How much are you getting paid to constantly shill their goods, or are you involved in some way?