15 years of owning my GS

[GS1150Pilot]

Two of my sisters still live in Ohio, so while I was getting dressed to hike yesterday in 36 degree starting temps, they were telling me about highs in the 20's and lows below 10. I get spoiled here, and that transfers into riding, since one can essentially ride year-round. The 1150 should be on the road this week, and is being re-wrapped in a new color week after. Happy holidays, Glen-and stay as warm as weather and wheels allow.

[dorkburger]

Thanks Pilot. I'm going to go out on a limb and wish you a Happy Solstice, and Merry New Year. Enjoy.
I'm looking forward to hearing about how your 1150 turns out.

[GS1150Pilot]

Cheers, my friend. I celebrate christmas, but yes, with a decided wink towards its older origins. It's all fun.

[dorkburger]

Crossroads?

The future of my beloved bike in its current state is uncertain.....

After the work on the rear wheel was finished, and upon installation, it was found that the chain would not line up. Running a straight edge from the front sprocket (touching the front and back of the front sprocket) to the back places it inboard of the rear sprocket and nowhere near parallel. It pretty much confirms what I've figured. Either PO damage, my own wreck, or both has bent something. When the wheel was off, I gave the swingarm a good back and forth shake, and no play was found. The front sprocket also has some wear on its inside.

I'm not angry, but certainly bummed. In one respect, nothing is changed. It's been this way for years, and I'll continue to ride it as is, but I can't see continuing putting money into beyond maintenance / safety related items.
There's little money to replace the bike, so I'm figuring the least expensive, and of course, most labor intensive route would be a frame swap, which I'll be keeping an eye out for.

Time will tell.....
it does look great with the black wheels. Go figure, it looks the best it has in years.

[GS1150Pilot]

Ah, Glen, that sucks. Still, it's not too hard to strip the frame, and there must be places there that can true one, no?

[dorkburger]

Heck, I don't yet know. Looking around it seems there's a lot that could have happened, but nothing obvious. It took a substantial hit under the previous owner - front engine case lug was broken off and welded back on. Undisclosed at purchase, and unnoticed by me until years later. It took a pretty good hit when I crashed years ago as well.
Frames come up on e bay ocassionally for a decent price. I'm trying not to lose my cool over this.
This damn inanimate object really has become a part of me.

[GS1150Pilot]

I sooooo understand.

[dorkburger]

Loving the black wheels!

[GSXR7ED]

Sorry to hear this Glen. I hope you can find a titled frame.


Ed

[dorkburger]

Ed, thanks. No need to be sorry though.... just another chapter to come. And a perfect excuse to paint a frame black. It will be business as usual until then.

[GS1150Pilot]

I had black wheels for a while. My frame is rhino-coated in black now, and it is definitely an improvement!

[gordinho80]

Nice!!! Looks great with the black wheels. Weather looks great for a ride Wednesday... Just saying.

[dorkburger]

Thanks Mario. Im happy with the look for sure. Unfortunately im busy this week, and there may be a couple more Saturday jobs coming up.

Also, it's killing me a little that a friend has an ES that he hasnt ridden since getting a Ducati..... it has no title though, but checked out clean with the police.

[GS1150Pilot]

A former co-worker just ditched his Monster due to it spending more time in the shop than on the road.

[dorkburger]

Both of my cousins each ride 996 bikes from the 2000s that they picked up second hand. Not sure of the exact years, but they both have done quite a bit of riding with relative little trouble. One did have minor clutch issues, and a cambelt idler bolt that sheared off last time I was up there. It was the red bike.....