Possible new owner - What's the consensus on GS1000G?

[Nessism]

Ha, I found the OP asked the same question on reddit. Answers, not much different. I wonder the same question is on a Triumph site? Ha ha. Sorry to break nuts.

It seems to me that the OP has been cycling through fix/flip projects with some regularity. It seems doubtful that either of these bikes will stick, but only he will know. Maybe won't know until the bike is fixed, even. Anyway, I'd go for the Triumph. Newer, better resale.

[sacruickshank]

Ha, I found the OP asked the same question on reddit. Answers, not much different. I wonder the same question is on a Triumph site? Ha ha. Sorry to break nuts.

It seems to me that the OP has been cycling through fix/flip projects with some regularity. It seems doubtful that either of these bikes will stick, but only he will know. Maybe won't know until the bike is fixed, even. Anyway, I'd go for the Triumph. Newer, better resale.

Yes, I did ask a similar question on reddit, although this question started a little more specific about the 1000G's reputation within the GS line. Sometimes there are nuances, like the 8V/4carb 550's are a better option 16V/2carb variant that came later. You typically only get that level of experience from a platform specific forum. And "no", I didn't ask the same question on Triumphrat.net.. No worries on breaking nuts, if I had a barn, I'd buy both, as some of the redditors suggested.

And it's a fair point if either would stick. I rescue neglected bikes as a hobby (Buy, Fix, Ride, Sell) so there is a lot of turnover in my garage. If it were a business, the Triumph probably has the higher resale, but the Suzuki is more likely to stick since it would probably fit me better.

Cheers.

[sacruickshank]

Well, thinking most any "reasonable person" would look at these 2 bikes and would for sure pick the one with half the age, half the mileage, 25 yr. newer technology... Wondering if you, me, and a few others around here may not be too reasonable for even talking about this choice... Me not knowing anything about the Triumphs, would pick the Suzuki.

Yup, I'm probably in the "unreasonable" category.

[melchiro]

Hmmm, which PROJECT bike to pick...
For me, ANY bike that I decide to purchase, MUST HAVE, a valid TITLE. No exception on this!

The Triumph Triple? That's a water cooled bike & I don't have any desires to own a bike with a radiator/coolant.

That said, going with past experiences of buying "Project" bikes, I calculate what it would cost for replacement parts. The GS1000G parts are still attainable through Ebay & other various website.
Worst case scenario for the GS1000G that you are looking at, it may need another fuel tank, a full engine rebuild with new overbore pistons, possible wiring harness work, ETC. Obviously, the machine work for the new pistons will cost the most. Machine Shop labor is not cheap.

Time & money & garage space..That's what is needed for the GS1000G. Thankfully, I had that for my GS Project bike.

Have you read my, "New to me, GS1000GT", post in the, "Project/Rebuilds" section? My $140.00 purchase price project bike took nine years so far & I'm still not fully finished yet. But this bike brings a smile to me.

So if you have the dollars, the time & patience, my vote is the GS1000G for you.. Good Luck!

Regards,

Mel

[sacruickshank]

Hmmm, which PROJECT bike to pick...

Have you read my, "New to me, GS1000GT", post in the, "Project/Rebuilds" section? My $140.00 purchase price project bike took nine years so far & I'm still not fully finished yet. But this bike brings a smile to me.


Mel

Mel, I scanned the post, but admittedly didn't read all the gory details. Awesome post and project, I'm just not that patient.

If I read it correctly, you bored out the cyls and used slightly larger pistons. Was that a choice or was there damage that required the process?

The basket case I'm looking at has the cyl and head off, but I'd prefer to re-use the existing pistons without boring if possible.

[Grimly]

The basket case I'm looking at has the cyl and head off, but I'd prefer to re-use the existing pistons without boring if possible.

At this stage, the best thing to do is get your micrometer out and measure up.
It might have been stripped because of oil consumption caused by worn rings - it's a common enough complaint that new rings will solve.
The other common reason for stripping the top end and barrels off is to remedy a chronic base gasket leak and by that time it's usually best to fit new rings anyway.
I'd not be at all surprised if your pistons and bores are perfectly good.

[sacruickshank]

At this stage, the best thing to do is get your micrometer out and measure up.
It might have been stripped because of oil consumption caused by worn rings - it's a common enough complaint that new rings will solve.
The other common reason for stripping the top end and barrels off is to remedy a chronic base gasket leak and by that time it's usually best to fit new rings anyway.
I'd not be at all surprised if your pistons and bores are perfectly good.

Thanks. The seller did mention a leaky head gasket and that he had some light machining done and bought a new gasket, before losing interest.

To complicate my "next project" purchase decision there's now an '80 GS850G with similar mileage nearby that also needs work, but is not a basket case. I'm still leaning towards the 1000 even though it's further away. I'll go look at the 1000 and use the 850 as a backup. The Triumph mentioned earlier in this thread is moving down the list due to title uncertainty.

Thanks all for the guidance.

[sacruickshank]

UPDATE - Thanks for all the info. I'm currently planning to pick up the GS Saturday.

Oddly, this bike has a color scheme and turn signals that don't match other GS1000G's I've seen online. It's light blue with black forks, chrome turn signals, and black headlight ears. From the pics, the paint looks like factory paint, but I guess the signals could have been swapped and the forks painted. The seller claims it's an '80, so we'll see once I get a look at the VIN.

Here's pics showing the rear fender cowl, signals, and forks. The tank matches the rear cowl.

Is this a normal '80 1000G?

456570402_10163515424427228_6953416605367392606_n.jpg

[sacruickshank]

and here's the tank in different lighting 462587394_1317931062722488_7937361019252789391_n.jpg

[rphillips]

It's been 44 yrs, but that's very close to the "80" color, kind'f thought the OEM color may have had a slight green tint in it. and those turn signals aren't OEM. Like said it's been 44 yrs. so don't bet any money on what I said...Luck to ya.

[Griffin]

That is a stock 1980 paint job and decal pattern. in 1980 the available colors were blue or black, with that pinstripe stripe pattern. in 1981, available colors were dark red or black, with a more complex decal scheme.

Turn signals are difinitely aftermarket.

[sacruickshank]

It's been 44 yrs, but that's very close to the "80" color, kind'f thought the OEM color may have had a slight green tint in it. and those turn signals aren't OEM. Like said it's been 44 yrs. so don't bet any money on what I said...Luck to ya.

Agreed it's a normal Suzi color, I had a GS450L with the same finish. I just don't see any GS1000G's, or any 850/1000 variant, in that same color combo.The signals look like they might be from a 90's Suzuki, like the VX800 or later GS's.

I'll know more on Saturday when I pick it up..

[sacruickshank]

UPDATE - Unfortunately, the seller told me today "I can't find the title". On the bright side, at least he told me before I drove 2+ hours each way.

There is also an '80 GS850G nearby with similar 41k miles. That one is known to have suspect charging and ignition coils, so there's some risk, but for all I know the 1000 could have had the same issues. The title is confidently known, so that's a plus. The 850 is physically similar to the 1000, less power yet heavier. Not yet sure if I'll pick that one up.

[rphillips]

I know all states are different, but here in TN., If he's the last registered owner, he can go to his County Court Clerks office, at his courthouse and get a duplicate, replacement, title in just a few min. for $14.... Wish it were that simple everywhere... Also thinking in "80", about the only difference in the 850 vs 1000 was HP, even difference in wgt. was less than 10 lbs. I don't remember any of the body/chassis parts hat weren't interchangeable, but again it's been 45 yrs.

[Nessism]

The 1980 GS850 is a great bike. One of the best seats ever created. The 850 engine is super smooth, also. More so than the bigger engines. You won't notice extra weight compared to the 1000/1100 bikes. Yes, a little less power, but more than enough for most riding use cases.