1981 Suzuki GS650E Project or Money pit?

[wyly]

Thanks for the tips wyly and jdvorchak, i have heard of tinfoil and water, but never thought to use vinegar, and all I use for rust and part removal is PB blaster and Marvel Mystery oil.

cleaning solution...Pine Sol

Ridiculously inexpensive I used it to clean my carbs, it even pealed the paint off. When I soaked my carbs in the dining room the wife didn't complain about the lavender scent.

[wyly]

I'd re-use the caliper seals - they are either going to leak or not leak. They wont suddenly "disappear" and leave you with the lever back at the bars.

that could be true but if it's already apart why repeat the procedure, save time and do it now while it's apart.

[wyly]

Sorry folks, I guess I am bad at communicating. I definitely didn't buy this to "flip" for a profit after a quick oil change. What i mean when I say "money pit" is the same thing folks mean when they buy a $200 car to commute that wont pass inspection (which this bike doesn't).

.

I'm in the same position as you are. I inherited a 84 GS1150EF that wasn't running, it'll have cost me $3K by the time it's finished this week, about what it's worth. So I not looking for a profit just a safe fun daily ride/commuter.

My last chore now is brakes, it's been at least 25yrs since the brakes have been looked at. I'll change the fluid and ride it up and down the street to test them, they appear to be good but I'll rebuild the master cylinder and replace the caliper seals. After spending $3K I'm not going to cheap out now on $70-100 worth of parts that could save my life.

[SuzukiNoob88]

Update on my rebuild:

-All brakes, are rebuilt and bled (had to buy rear pistons from suzukipartshouse.com, but came with seals for 37 plus 9 bucks shipping.... they nail you on shipping)
-New right front master cylinder due to inability to rebuild old one (couldn't remove piston from housing)
-New front tire (due to dry rot after i filled original with rated pressure)
-Rear swing arm bearings replaced
-New battery (replacing POs harbor freight junk)
-Headlight from 1980 gs450 and headlight retrofit to halogen.
-Front fork cover (rough but original)

Cleaned brakes to bare aluminum, cleaned front forks and steering.

Thinking about 3d printing some side covers at some point, have access to $3k printer that can print up to 8 inches wide.

[Charlie G]

Sort of lost track of your thread on the 650e. Glad to see your giving it a go! Keep it up.