82 850GL Resto...here we go

Cyrano, thanks!

One time during the resto I made a list of parts I needed and added up the cost. I don't suggest doing that. I almost walked away from it. So, no I didn't keep a running total. I guestimate that I have right around $3500 in the whole thing. That includes the cost of the bike, new tools, powdercoat, and parts. I probably could have done it a little chaper, but I didn't get into it to save money. I had a really good time working on it and will continue to tinker with it until I get it just right. Of course I would have been dead in the water a few times had it not been for the good people on this site.

[Cyrano]

Hey GT, I'm a little late to the party, but I have to say 'great job' on your L.

Mine will never look that good as I plan to ride it and do little bits at a time.

When I first read about your screen I thought 'Oh dear, that's going to look really... Wait a minute, actually that looks really good.'

Love all the new parts and mods that you've fitted. I noticed that in your videos you sound like a cheery chap, obviously you haven't kept a record of what this has cost so far.

Do these things ever get truly finished?

Enjoy the ride.

Hey Will, I still haven't put the badges on. I started back to school and the paint job took a back seat. I still have the badges and will put them on after paint. I will actually be taking it to the shop (GASP!) for two time-serts (one exhaust bolt and the oil drain). After that I will be riding it in the spring. Good luck with the 650!

Good Times.

What a truly inspirational journey you've shared with everyone here. You've done an amazing job cleaning up your GS to original (if not better) quality. I'll definitely be referring to this thread when I pull apart my 82 GS650GL.

Did you ever put the badges on? I'd love to see the final version.

Keep on wrenching.

i'm jealous. we're getting our last hit (hopefully) of the POLAR VORTEX here in wisconsin. can't wait to ride!

Thanks Growler. The polishing disease has hit many of us. It's a disorder really. It looks like GK took care of you, but here's my process:

sandpaper:
400-800-1000-2000

Polishing compounds:
Black - brown - white - green (I use the yellow polishing wheel from Lowe's on my bench grinder)

You'll be shaving in it after that process.

By the way, I got her out to day after our crazy winter and took her for a spin. She started right up and after a little smoke, idled right down to where she should be and ran smooth the whole ride.

Love that bike!

I noticed you are running pods on your 850 .. any chance you know what jetting your using in the carbs?

Also what was the result of your rear caliper leak? i think mine is doing the same

Simon, sorry I missed this post to my thread. I know I'm a little late, BUT:

I have a Dynojet stage 3 kit installed in my carbs. Works like a charm. Smooth acceleration all the way through to red line.

My rear caliper leak was the result of not getting the piston seal groove clean enough. It has to be spotless.

what a great mini-novel to read while having a bit of insomnia.

how did you polish your carb tops and bowls? i've been using a dremel with cutting/polishing compound and they don't look as nice. did you use anything specific?

Thanks Growler. The polishing disease has hit many of us. It's a disorder really. It looks like GK took care of you, but here's my process:

sandpaper:
400-800-1000-2000

Polishing compounds:
Black - brown - white - green (I use the yellow polishing wheel from Lowe's on my bench grinder)

You'll be shaving in it after that process.

By the way, I got her out to day after our crazy winter and took her for a spin. She started right up and after a little smoke, idled right down to where she should be and ran smooth the whole ride.

Love that bike!

weird. i'm using the same kind of process, same compounds....

i'm keep working at it.

what a great mini-novel to read while having a bit of insomnia.

how did you polish your carb tops and bowls? i've been using a dremel with cutting/polishing compound and they don't look as nice. did you use anything specific?

have a look here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=195934

.

what a great mini-novel to read while having a bit of insomnia.

how did you polish your carb tops and bowls? i've been using a dremel with cutting/polishing compound and they don't look as nice. did you use anything specific?

I noticed you are running pods on your 850 .. any chance you know what jetting your using in the carbs?

Also what was the result of your rear caliper leak? i think mine is doing the same

Thanks Boingk. It was a labor of love!

Impeccable looking 850 mate, love that its started out as a cheap project and turned into a more or less complete resto.

If I were you I'd polish the headers and list them for sale, either here or eBay. Someone will want them most likely.

Cheers - boingk.

Thanks guys.

I think I'll hang the old slip on up in my garage as a conversation piece. Wondering what I should do with the old header.

[pete]

Nice one GT, lookin' good!

[GSXR7ED]

Looks beautiful!


Ed