1980 GS1000S Progress!!

[Vmass]

The S looks great. Like a lot of guys here, I've wanted one since I saw them in the bike mags when they were new. Coincidently, I sold this '73 CL450 to finance my GS. They're great bikes. I've got a '74 basket case now. Another funny thing is that the '74 came with a paint job that closely matches your Cooley!



The '74 wasn't nearly as nice!

Thanks! The CL is very different looking than the K I am picking up. I will post a picture when I pick it up. It has the orange and gold/black scheme.

[FLHGSRay]

Now, I'm no expert, but I think the K designation was given to all 450's. The K in the vin is followed by a number, 1-7 I think. So a 1974 (the last year) should read CB450K7, or CL450K7. A CB being a street bike with low pipes and a CL being an "enduro" with high pipes. Also, I'm nearly certain that all '74 450's were Blue, Black, and White. There was also some changes in the shape of the tank through the years. I'd bet yours has been repainted or ??? Again, this is all off the top of my head. It could be that only the CLs were BBW.

[CocoTiTs]

PERFECT time to adjust the valves.

One of the requirements before adjusting the valves is to assure that the engine has not been run for at least 8 hours.

By the way, most of us tend to make sure the bike runs well before spending the time and money on cosmetics.

.

Why is that? You have to wait 8 hours for what?


How's the progress comin along?

[cowboyup3371]

The engine needs to be completely cool when you adjust them Shayne.

[Vmass]

Why is that? You have to wait 8 hours for what?


How's the progress comin along?

For the most part, this bike is done.

I was riding the other night and had a chance to jump on an FJ1200. After watching it go down the road, I expected a smooth and responsive ride.

I was very surprised at how quickly I wanted to back on my Suzuki. The biggest surprise was how I had to fight with the front end on slower turns.

It was actually quite a strange ride. Engine noise and sluggish response was also unacceptable.

I hope to get working on my little Honda 450 project soon.

[Vmass]

With all the S's popping up, I thought I would add some better, completed pictures:

[beast794]

Wow

That is a thing of beauty!!
I can only hope mine looks that good when it's done.

[jwhelan65]

Awesome machine Mr V

[feelergaugephil]

awesome job, I tip my hat to you sir.... AAA+++

[Frank Z.]

Nice as it gets. Great resto Vmass.

[steve murdoch]

What a beauty!
Are you still happy with the Yosh?

[Vmass]

Thanks all...........it was a group effort!

@Steve Murdoch, The Yosh is a great pipe with a look that I think fits the bike.

It has a nice sound to it, a little bit louder would be nice though.

[nvr2old]

It is, indeed, a beautiful restoration. Looks great with the pipe. I'm proud to've played a small part in it's comeback.

Man alive, is that your place where the pics were taken? Nice digs.

[Vmass]

It is, indeed, a beautiful restoration. Looks great with the pipe. I'm proud to've played a small part in it's comeback.

Man alive, is that your place where the pics were taken? Nice digs.

Hey Larry! How are things going with you and yours and your new venture?

Any painting in your future?

Thanks for the compliment, you had a big part in this bikes comeback.

Ya, that's my new place. Unlike my old place, it has a two car garage. But, I am saving my pennies in the hopes that I can put an additional detached two car out back in the woods.

[nvr2old]

Things are going well. Pretty much settled into the new routine. Good to be back on the air again, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss painting bikes. I've had a lot of calls in the past few months which doesn't make it any easier making me wonder if I made the right decision.

Hopefully by Spring I can get a work space and some side projects going just to keep my fingers in it. Working 6 days a week and close to 50 hrs. now, so very little time for pickin' up a paint gun.

Good thing I painted your S before I saw your house..might've had to charge you more.. (just kidding..)