1978 GS1000C side covers.Satin or Gloss?

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  • Crawf
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    1978 GS1000C side covers.Satin or Gloss?

    Hi Forum members.Got a first series spoked model which I'm doing my best to bring back close to original.
    The bike has been painted maroon colour including side covers.From photos on the net they appear gloss black, but some appear satin.Confirmation would be much appreciated.
    Regards Pete.
  • nvr2old
    Forum Sage
    • Jan 2009
    • 2134
    • Sandpoint, Idaho

    #2
    I've done several sets of body work for your model, and to be honest I've seen them both ways, too. Gloss and satin. I painted the side covers satin black. They look great, and right, that way. Not really a confirmation, but I'm sure there will be someone along to do so..
    1979 GS1000S,

    1982 Honda CX500 Turbo, 1982 Honda MB5 w/CR80 motor, 1977 Honda "nekid" Goldwing, 1976 Honda CB550F cafe', 1972 Honda XL250 cafe'

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    • chuck hahn
      Forum LongTimer
      Past Site Supporter
      • May 2009
      • 25918
      • Norman, Oklahoma

      #3
      I like the gloss and clear coat setup you did for me Larry. Factory wasnt really satin and it wasnt really gloss either. Was that somewhere in between that molded plastic is.
      MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
      1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

      NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


      I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

      Comment

      • Big T
        Forum LongTimer
        Past Site Supporter
        Super Site Supporter
        • Mar 2005
        • 12391
        • West Slope, OR

        #4
        They are bare molded plastic

        The maroon paint job on the tank and tail could be factory
        1978 GS 1000 (since new)
        1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
        1978 GS 1000 (parts)
        1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
        1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
        1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
        2007 DRz 400S
        1999 ATK 490ES
        1994 DR 350SES

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        • SVSooke

          #5
          Asked the same question,well sort of http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?187775-78-GS1000-side-covers&highlight= .Mine ended up being nice enough to just polish up to a more or less satin finish.

          Comment

          • steve murdoch
            Forum Guru
            Past Site Supporter
            • May 2004
            • 8491
            • St. Catharines, On.

            #6
            They were satin on both of mine.
            2@ \'78 GS1000

            Comment

            • Crawf

              #7
              Hi Big T,
              There are no decals on the tank or tail which makes me think its a re spray.Side covers same maroon colour.
              I have never seen a photo of C model in maroon.The bike is from the U.S.
              I would be really interested to know the paint is original, but surely decals would be intact if that was the case.
              Anyone got any pics of a maroon 78 C ?
              Regards

              Peter

              Comment

              • chuck hahn
                Forum LongTimer
                Past Site Supporter
                • May 2009
                • 25918
                • Norman, Oklahoma

                #8
                Heres mine.............





                MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                Comment

                • Crawf

                  #9
                  Hi Chuck, nice bike.I have seen this model but it's more a Ron Burgundy than mine which is a maroon red colour.
                  i like the burgundy but couldn't find a decal kit, so it's going the dark blue.With painted covers it's likely a re spray.
                  Shame as its a quality paint job,

                  Comment

                  • Crawf

                    #10
                    Gotta say the spoked C model goes round corners way better.

                    Comment

                    • chuck hahn
                      Forum LongTimer
                      Past Site Supporter
                      • May 2009
                      • 25918
                      • Norman, Oklahoma

                      #11
                      Diablo has decals. the light blue stripe can be made by them also.


                      This complete 4 piece decal set contains all stripes originally found on the 1978 GS1000C.
                      MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                      1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                      NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                      I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                      Comment

                      • Guest

                        #12
                        Originally posted by Crawf
                        Gotta say the spoked C model goes round corners way better.
                        Kinda agree ...... I've not weighed the two set ups (single disk, alloy spoked rim vs twin disk snowflake wheel) but it definitely feels like the full fat version has a noticeable increase in unsprung weight and hence more effort to turn

                        Comment

                        • busa1300

                          #13
                          I have to say I'm kinda partial to the blue myself
                          Although the original color is very difficult to match if you want truly original look.
                          All my 78 GS1000's throughout the years had semigloss looking covers.

                          IMG_4786 - Copy.jpg

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