First Ride: 80 GS1000G

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Dan
    • Apr 2026

    #1

    First Ride: 80 GS1000G

    Still have some polishing and clean up and rust to deal with, mirrors ordered, and the front brake calipers are in progress on the workbench, but we live on a country road and I couldn't help it.

    Everything works. Nothing leaks. Had some smoke from around the exhaust and cylinders area at first, but after a while that stopped. I figure it was Gascacinch or WD40 or some other solvent. No weird noises or exhaust leaks evident.

    Initially I was getting some sputtering and backfiring around 3500 RPM, but after a few miles, that stopped and it gave me all I wanted nice and smooth. I didn't push it. I ended up going around 8 miles, all under 50 MPH, mostly around 35 or 40. I did have to lower the idle a shade, but otherwise, it was great.

    First impressions- this bike is big and heavy and not as nimble as I'm used to. My last bike was a KZ750 and a Yamaha 600 before that, which could both take a tighter line in a turn. That's not a bad thing, just different. I have to learn the bike. Feels like driving a big ol' Buick right now. Also, this thing has some power. I blipped the throttle and it woke me up for sure.

    So I'm happy to be in ride mode for the summer, and will tweak / clean it as I go. Thanks for all the help - about 10 months worth - off an on. More to come I'm sure.




    gs1000G-2.jpg
  • Redman
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    Super Site Supporter
    • Mar 2004
    • 13765
    • Michigan, west Michigan

    #2


    Got it out riding. Good.
    Bikes
    Had 650G & 850G. GK since 2005. BOTM 850G 6/2024 , GK 9/2015​

    Comment

    • steve murdoch
      Forum Guru
      Past Site Supporter
      • May 2004
      • 8512
      • St. Catharines, On.

      #3
      I don't need no stinkin' brakes. haha.
      Nice work, Dan.
      2@ \'78 GS1000

      Comment

      • rphillips
        Forum Guru
        Past Site Supporter
        Super Site Supporter
        • Jun 2005
        • 7709
        • Norene TN

        #4
        Those bikes look the same, are you sure you did something to it??? Na man, you've done good, & that thing looks good. Congrats, we all enjoy seeing stuff like this.
        1983 GS1100E, 1983 CB1100F, 1991 GSX1100G, 1996 Kaw. ZL600 Eliminator, 1999 Bandit 1200S, 2005 Bandit 1200S, 2000 Kaw. ZRX 1100

        Comment

        • chuck hahn
          Forum LongTimer
          Past Site Supporter
          • May 2009
          • 25952
          • Norman, Oklahoma

          #5
          nicely done!!!!!!!!!!!
          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

          • Brendan W
            Forum Sage
            Past Site Supporter
            • Jul 2013
            • 4931
            • Wexford, Ireland

            #6
            Hats off to Dan.
            I would most likely have walked from that basket case
            97 R1100R
            Previous
            80 GS850G, 79 Z400B, 85 R100RT, 80 Z650D, 76 CB200

            Comment

            • Rich82GS750TZ
              Forum Guru
              Past Site Supporter
              Super Site Supporter
              • Jun 2018
              • 5648
              • Mifflinburg, PA / Land of Tar & Chip

              #7
              Aw, I can’t believe you got rid of those sweet floorboards and heel-toe shifter. JK

              Very nicely done. But get those brakes done pronto.
              Links

              Comment

              • melchiro
                Forum Apprentice
                • May 2013
                • 74
                • Mill Creek, WA

                #8
                Nice job Dan... Looks really good.

                Question, is that a MAC 4 into 1, megaphone exhaust, on your bike?

                Regards,
                Mel

                Comment

                • Dan

                  #9
                  It is. My second. I had the same pipes on my KZ750. I like them. Thanks

                  Originally posted by melchiro
                  Nice job Dan... Looks really good.

                  Question, is that a MAC 4 into 1, megaphone exhaust, on your bike?

                  Regards,
                  Mel

                  Comment

                  Working...