GS1100E Money Pit Thread

Yep, I just measured and the RF900 stem is a full 1" shorter than the 1100 stem. I'l have to check diameter at the base and see of getting the stems pressed out and swapped is feasible or I'll have to look at another route. The forks are the right length, 29.5", so different triples for 43mm forks also a possibility.

Sorry for the late comment.....

Did the PO have this bike running that we know of ? Are we sure the crank is OK now ?

No, the backstory (as told to me):

The bike has a georgia title (verified it matched the frame). His father bought it (used), but didn't like the riding position so son bought it cheap from dad. He rode it a little and it went down from charging problems. It sat in son's garage for 4 years under a tarp until he lost his job about a month ago and needed some christmas money.

I have to verify the crank is straight. No time to do anything until this weekend. If not, there goes a chunk of budget.

I haven't decided. The paint is really clean. I haven't found a dent or a paint chip yet, so as a budget measure for now, probably leave it black, and do a paint job in the future. I am a little tempted by Maroon, but not right away I think.

I like black, If I were to stray away from the stock color on mine I would definitly go black with 83 black decals outlined in white.

Another 1100e fat tire conversion joins the club!! Looking forward to it, You going to leave it black?

I haven't decided. The paint is really clean. I haven't found a dent or a paint chip yet, so as a budget measure for now, probably leave it black, and do a paint job in the future. I am a little tempted by Maroon, but not right away I think.

I didn't see any mention of having the crank welded, but I suppose you have planned on it, en route to 130 bhp? Probably best to verify if your bike already has a weld-reinforced stock crank or not, although the factory jobs are not as thoroughly done as the professionally welded cranks. It would suck to have the crank twist, after all the other mods.....although a friend who has had 3 GS1100E (1 square headlight '81, and 2 EDs, one built to 1260 with NOS) said it was a bit of a crap shoot....some un-welded crank 81/82 bikes have been wheelied and drag raced to death with no ill effects, while others have suffered twisted cranks without regular abuse. But with a 30% increase in hp, better safe than sorry, IMHO.
Tony.

Yeah, never split the cases on one before, so that will be a first, but if the crank isn't welded, gonna get it done, and may get it done even if factory welded.

I have an 1150 block with a set of 1230 pistons that are 18 mm pins for an 1100 if you are interested in going a little bigger than 1166! This block will drop right onto your cases without needing to bore the cases. I will take $450.00 or $550.00 with new rings + shipping. I won't hesitate to use them in one of my motors if they don't sell. Let me know if you are interested. Ray.

You're really tempting me Ray. It would be the first of the year, can't squander any more money on bikes in the next few weeks or I may be sleeping in the garage with the bike.

[posplayr]

DrG,

A few notes from out here

1. Be sure and check the length of the steering stem on the Rf before you get started. I tried using a Bandit triple tree until I found out it's much longer than the Katana one I ended up with. Most, but not all, Suzuki front ends interchange

2. Jim's motor is indeed a monster. I followed him up Mt Shasta one day and his bike (even with Chef aboard) would just pull away from me. My 78 is no slouch in the torque department

3. Have fun and watch the cubic money thing

Big T,
Good times; looking forward to next year. Thanks again for the trailer lift

Jim

I'd say leave it black. Looks too dang good. Besides, "the budget" remember...

You do know what "turned out" means, right?

Once you go "E"............LOL

Just teasing, very nice scoot!

I want one.

[bonanzadave]

It would suck to have the crank twist, after all the other mods.....

Sorry for the late comment.....

Did the PO have this bike running that we know of ? Are we sure the crank is OK now ?

[isleoman]

I think a lot of folks don't foresee how much is involved with getting the instruments mounted and looking correct. The forks and the triples are the easy part. A lot of the OldSkoolSuzuki folks press the steering stem out and put back the stock GS stem when things don't measure up. The GSXR stuff mates right up if you find some of suitable length.

Money pit you say? Man its fun spending other peoples $$$. Someones gotta bail out the economy. We need some Govt assistance on these builds.

[Big T]

DrG,

A few notes from out here

1. Be sure and check the length of the steering stem on the Rf before you get started. I tried using a Bandit triple tree until I found out it's much longer than the Katana one I ended up with. Most, but not all, Suzuki front ends interchange

2. Jim's motor is indeed a monster. I followed him up Mt Shasta one day and his bike (even with Chef aboard) would just pull away from me. My 78 is no slouch in the torque department

3. Have fun and watch the cubic money thing

[rapidray]

I have an 1150 block with a set of 1230 pistons that are 18 mm pins for an 1100 if you are interested in going a little bigger than 1166! This block will drop right onto your cases without needing to bore the cases. I will take $450.00 or $550.00 with new rings + shipping. I won't hesitate to use them in one of my motors if they don't sell. Let me know if you are interested. Ray.

Another 1100e fat tire conversion joins the club!! Looking forward to it, You going to leave it black?

[Mysuzyq]

I didn't see any mention of having the crank welded, but I suppose you have planned on it, en route to 130 bhp? Probably best to verify if your bike already has a weld-reinforced stock crank or not, although the factory jobs are not as thoroughly done as the professionally welded cranks. It would suck to have the crank twist, after all the other mods.....although a friend who has had 3 GS1100E (1 square headlight '81, and 2 EDs, one built to 1260 with NOS) said it was a bit of a crap shoot....some un-welded crank 81/82 bikes have been wheelied and drag raced to death with no ill effects, while others have suffered twisted cranks without regular abuse. But with a 30% increase in hp, better safe than sorry, IMHO.
Tony.

Thanks Ray, I will. Got to decide exactly how big I want to go. Staying out of new sleeves or a big block saves a lot of money, so may stick with 1168 and really trick out the head. My plan is to spend $1500 to $2000 on the motor, and about $1000 on the rest of the bike.