Project Black Betty 81 GS1100E

[MplsRider]

What I started with:



Late July I picked up my 81 GS1100E rode a little rough on the test ride and really took some gas to get it going. Upon further investigation I discovered the gas tank was full of rust and he mangled up one of the carbs cleaning them to get it running and sell the bike .

Project Plans:
First off get it running again! Swapping to inverted forks, stretched swing arm or possibly converting it to a mono shock! I would like the end result to resemble this bike.


What I've done so far:
Cleaned the rust of the the gas tank which wasn't as bad a project as I expected it to be. I shook as much of the loose rust out as i could with the remaining gas in the tank and drained that out.

Next I threw in a handful of nuts and washers and shook it up really well with good results.

Finally the last step I used Sudco Rustol with a 4:1 mix and after 8 hours of treatment, shaking it up a couple times and changing the position the was sitting a few times I drained the tank to find the inside of the tank looking like shiny new metal and very little discoloration in the Rustol.

Next:
New carbs, going through the wiring and charging system (doesn't want to turn over with a fully charged battery now). Plenty of parts shopping to do as well!

It's going to a fun project and hope you'll enjoy!

[jwhelan65]

Oh please dont kill that bike, have you looked up the value on that thing?

[tkent02]

+2, please find an L to ruin.

[7981GS]

Nice bike.
Add the side cover emblems and RIDE IT.

Eric

[hjacobmiller]

My sentiments exactly.

It looks like a beauty AS IS....

If you want to chop one up I'll trade you mine.

[trevor]

MplsRider if you came here looking for support to "modify" what is one the nicest looking and performing Suzukis made you will need some luck on that one. Now I know it is your bike and because of that of course you can do what ever you want but here on this site where we have so much respect (except for maybe the "L" models..relax just kidding) for the original style of these you might have a hard time getting support. Now I'm sure you are a good man with good intentions but this is your first post and because of that I would encourage you to explore the site some more before making any rash decisions. I am not trying to be a smart a$$ as I am a fairly new member myself. I thought I had a pretty good appreciation for the GS when I joined here but I have been inspired everyday by the men and women on this site by their love and devotion to a motorcycle that obviously means so much to them. So all I say is please take your time about it. Afterall what do you have to lose?
Welcome to the site my friend...
Cheers,
Trevor

[MplsRider]

Looks like I hit a soft spot with some of you guys. Sorry to hurt your feelings but I bought this bike with the intentions to build the bike I've always wanted. I want a little encouragement and suggestions so I'll ask this.

What would you do to it?

I really want an upgrade on the front suspension, is anyone running anything for a steering damper?

I'm open to suggestions, but the more I dig into it the bike the more issues i"m finding from the previous owner. I want to go everything he possibly touched before I start on anything else

[spyug]

What would you do to it?

I think there were some (not so) subtle hints. Don't cut it up! That bike is a real classic and could be a 10 pointer with a little loving. Carry on the cleanup/rebuild but leave it stock.

Do that and make a bit of money on it if its still not to taste. I think you can tell it would easily sell. You can then find something else to butcher......er "modify"

Welcome aboard by the way.

Cheers,
Spyug

[kawfeedave]

Looks like I hit a soft spot with some of you guys. Sorry to hurt your feelings but I bought this bike with the intentions to build the bike I've always wanted. I want a little encouragement and suggestions so I'll ask this.

What would you do to it?

I really want an upgrade on the front suspension, is anyone running anything for a steering damper?

First off, you're not going to need a steering damper. Those are for bikes with steeper rake angles and quicker handling.

Here's where I think the 'crowd' disagrees with your plans - the bike you showed as an example is a drag bike at best. Truth is, it's probably a street bike dressed up to be a drag bike. Much like the steering damper on a GS, the whole bike is a 'fake' in that it's not really what it appears to be.

The bike pictured has very little ground clearance and is running a drag pipe. Add in the extended swinger, and you have a bike that has slower handling and zero ground clearance. I'm not suggesting that a bike GS is a 'handling' bike, but if the suspension is set up and the tires are good, you can run one through the twisties without dragging anything more than the pegs (maybe) and have a blast at it. Then you can get it on the highway, and ride an hour home on the comfy, full-travel suspension.

I think a resto-mod is a cool way to go with a GS. You can make it more funcitonal with upgarded forks and brakes, but that won't 'wreck' the bike. Slamming it, hacking up the frame for a mono-shock, and bolting that to an extanded swinger is going to 'wreck' the bike. A resto-mod leaves you with a stock appearing bike with some modern 'bling', but at the end of the day it's still a GS.

Anyhow it's your bike, so have at it. If you're looking to do a full custom job, then there's certain things you're not going to be able to get help with. If you have questions about the stock GS systems, by all means ask away, but maybe just ask the generic question without adding in the overall plans for the bike, you might get more 'straight' answers that way.

I do sort of agree that it's a nice looking stocker, and if you plan to do a nut-and-bolt custom, that you could start with something a lot worse and end up the same in the end. Maybe see if you can tune/polish it, and flip it for a profit. Then you can buy a rougher bike, and have cash left for parts/paint/tires.

[bonanzadave]

Chop this one up.....

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/3233951088.html

Just came on Mpls CL today

[gearhead13]

Chop this one up.....

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/3233951088.html

Just came on Mpls CL today

I like the '83 bike better, why cut that one up?

[7981GS]

I really want an upgrade on the front suspension, is anyone running anything for a steering damper?

I'm open to suggestions, but the more I dig into it the bike the more issues i"m finding from the previous owner. I want to go everything he possibly touched before I start on anything else

Coincidentally, the same model and year bike...





Save your money from the damper and invest it in Progressive Suspension or Sonic springs.
Spend some more on the rear shocks from Progressive Suspension, Ikon, Hagon, etc.

Suspension improvements in these bikes are one heck of a major improvement.

Eric

[loud et]

Just my opinion, but as I said in a post to a fella yesterday who is thinking of hard tailing/ bobbering an 1100 , and would apply to your plans also...that It will be a great bike to blast on the highway on saturday night and hit all the bike nights and wow them all with your bad ride and turn heads struttin around town or hitting the local drag strip for test/tune.
HOWEVER, to me, riding is about being out in the country , taking the scenic roads and riding to new and interesting destinations. Then, I can still go on a long highway trip in comfort on a mostly stock style set up bike. I can ride it to work 30-50 miles daily. Stuff like that.
If you build a bike that is uncomfortable, impractical or has limited ability/uses because of its suspension or riding comfort , or is too built up in the engine deptartment, you will have a part time bike.
If you are in a situation where you are just looking for a toy for occasional fun , your plan is fine. I cant see riding that stretched/lowered beast three states away on a trip with the lady,although it is possible.
On the other note of slaying a nice classic GS, if it is in all original condition and close enough to keep stock with tasteful mods I am for it. If it is missing significant original parts or is a real rusty or neglected dog I would chop/modify almost anything.
My next GS will hopefully be a nice all original, paint and all. My friend has a very nice 81 EX, bone stock and its a rare sight.
.....just talkin out loud here

[7981GS]

Almost bone stock '81 ET...



Better suspension front and rear, cam end caps from an '83 and open airbox.
Fun bike!

Eric

[Ice]

Project Plans:
First off get it running again! Swapping to inverted forks, stretched swing arm or possibly converting it to a mono shock! I would like the end result to resemble this bike.

Oh dear god... Look, man, you have every right to do what you want to your bike, but damn, I wish I had every right to not let you. haha What makes you want that? It's overly long, making it less fun while driving, it's going to be god awfully uncomfortable with that seat miles back from low bars, and the resale value is going to be nill. It's just sad to see such a nice bike like you have demolished is all.

Sorry for the soap box.

Luck.