1980 GS 1000D drive shaft free play

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  • javelin
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    1980 GS 1000D drive shaft free play

    Hi all,

    I have a friend inspecting an '80 GS 1000G with 65 000kms on it which is priced right. Is there a simple check with the bike in gear on c/stand to determine the health of the drive shaft and related components? How much free play is acceptable?

    Cheers,
    Rohan
  • tom203
    Forum Guru
    Past Site Supporter
    • Aug 2010
    • 8925
    • Norway,Maine

    #2
    The simple test is not very conclusive. My 650 shaftie in gear has about 1.5 inch "freeplay" at 52000 miles. The spline inside wheel hub is the weak link- lack of lube grinds away at it and rocket test pilots don't help. If bike appears decent, take a chance
    Attached Files
    1981 gs650L

    "We are all born ignorant, but you have to work hard to stay stupid" Ben Franklin

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    • javelin

      #3
      Yeah good call. I did take a chance. Bike gets delivered in a month. Very happy.

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