'79 GS1000E project start

[steve murdoch]

The shocks look great.
For others here is the link to the shock rebuild and parts site.

http://www.evolutionsuspensionproducts.com/

[oldGSfan]

Got the Fox shocks done, happy with the result, kit from Thor Lawson with sticker. Thanks Nesissm for ID, I just had forgotten all about these, so far back in memory banks.

I just went gloss black and gold, not a fan of red. Yeah red is probably stock but it's just paint. Just good old air in there now, holding steady and no leaks. I used 3M clear on the bodies as the springs will rub. Not sure it'll help but they did similar stock, but a colored wrap. I had it laying around so WTH. Credit to son as the hand model.

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[oldGSfan]

Very nicely, I have only done the left (clutch) side so maybe a turd in the punchbowl coming on the right side. Will see tomorrow. I could do now but I hate working with nasty greasy/rusty parts so I clean first. I haven't mounted all the pegs/shifter so I'll update if any probs. So far it looks like a really good fit, with the kickstand slotted into the gap between the pipes, and in down and retracted there is no issue. I didn't touch the shield either, it just sits in nicely.

I'll update as I make progress on it. One more pic. I like pics.

How nicely did the exhaust fit? I used a 1000G system on mine for years before it finally ended up all rattley from loose baffles and it was a perfect fit. I then swapped it out for a very nice stock system thanks to a lead from Ed.

[oldGSfan]

Depending on how this thing runs I may run the 3.5/18 EPM on the rear, which has a 140/70 on it. Of course it's mounted on the GS1100E turbo but I don't think I'll ride that as much as this '79. Not that it's a bad ride but the value and chances of entering another dimension is less on the '79. And I just may like the earlier bike more for daily service.

But your suggestion makes sense too. It's less work as the 17" I have has the original unused rear sprocket. I guess stick with the 630 for now as I have a few decent chains.

The tire on the 2.15 rim is a 130/80-18 Metzeler Metronic. Definitely looks pinched on there. A shame as it's just old but has tons of tread, I used to run those on my bikes and they weren't cheap.

The 17" wheel is 2.5" wide whereas the 18" is 2.15". I'd go for the wider wheel if at all possible because you can then run a 130 tire.

[Sandy]

How nicely did the exhaust fit? I used a 1000G system on mine for years before it finally ended up all rattley from loose baffles and it was a perfect fit. I then swapped it out for a very nice stock system thanks to a lead from Ed.

[Nessism]

I was looking at te rear tire and it's an 18", checked the parts fiche and that says it's the same 17" on the 79 that i have on the 82 GS1100E (and I have a perfect new one of those). Scratched head. Not that there's anything wrong with the wheels on the GS1000E but I had to check what bikes came with 18" - I saw GS1000S which got me looking at VIN #s with eagerness. Well it's not an S, just someone put a wheel from a 550/650/750 of the era on. Why? Maybe there was better rubber available in 18" back then. It's a long time ago.

Now I have 3 sets: the 17/19 front/rear originals off the '82 GS1100E, the gold EPMs that are both 18", and the 18/19 set on the 1000. I think with black paint on the 1000, the gold would pop but they belong on the GS1100E turbo for historical correctness. I might become a wheel swapping maniac.

The 17" wheel is 2.5" wide whereas the 18" is 2.15". I'd go for the wider wheel if at all possible because you can then run a 130 tire.

[oldGSfan]

I tried fitting the GS850G's pipes and they mated up pretty well, one side tested so far. I will have to adjust the clamp bolt holes a bit. The V&H 4/1 that was on the GS1000E is not terrible but I like the symmetry and quietness of the 4/2's . Pretty happy as I didn't even think of this until I did some research on interchangeability. Perfect/original? No. But free and not too bad!

[oldGSfan]

I was looking at te rear tire and it's an 18", checked the parts fiche and that says it's the same 17" on the 79 that i have on the 82 GS1100E (and I have a perfect new one of those). Scratched head. Not that there's anything wrong with the wheels on the GS1000E but I had to check what bikes came with 18" - I saw GS1000S which got me looking at VIN #s with eagerness. Well it's not an S, just someone put a wheel from a 550/650/750 of the era on. Why? Maybe there was better rubber available in 18" back then. It's a long time ago.

Now I have 3 sets: the 17/19 front/rear originals off the '82 GS1100E, the gold EPMs that are both 18", and the 18/19 set on the 1000. I think with black paint on the 1000, the gold would pop but they belong on the GS1100E turbo for historical correctness. I might become a wheel swapping maniac.

[oldGSfan]

OK great info, thanks for that. Decisions...

FYI. When I needed my tail piece repainted a number of years ago a local painter went through his suppliers paint chips and picked what turned out to be an exact match for the Suzuki 08E pearl black metallic. It was 2000 Honda Civic NH592P Flamenco Black Pearl that has the proper blue metallic and even in bright sunlight you cannot tell any difference to, at the time, my NOS Suzuki tank.

[Sandy]

Thinking about paint, a few choices from most expensive to cheap and easy to get it looking OK

1) Go with what appears to be the real stuff from the UK seller RS bike paint, 08E pearl black.

https://www.rsbikepaint.com/en-us/shop-paints.php?colourscheme=21418&45986=on

2) This stuff - brilliant blue black pearl off eBay. I already have the 2K clear so this is tempting.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brilliant-Blue-Black-Pearl-Basecoat-Quart-Car-Auto-Truck-Paint-Kit-no-clear/253126893183?hash=item3aef89de7f:g:eEoAAOSw9eVXWzpe

3) Just paint it black with a $4 can of Rustoleum appliance enamel and do it right later. I am amazed how good that stuff lays on, have done several jobs with it. Just no flake. I could mask around the existing stripes which aren't bad but yeah, it's a hack.

Money's gonna be tight, just got laid off so #3 may have to be the way for the time being.

FYI. When I needed my tail piece repainted a number of years ago a local painter went through his suppliers paint chips and picked what turned out to be an exact match for the Suzuki 08E pearl black metallic. It was 2000 Honda Civic NH592P Flamenco Black Pearl that has the proper blue metallic and even in bright sunlight you cannot tell any difference to, at the time, my NOS Suzuki tank.

[oldGSfan]

No worries and thanks a lot. I'll shoot you an Email.

Sorry to hear you got laid off. That sucks.

I've got some Nason fleet black urethane that's sprays out ridiculously great. You could dump a little metallic in it if you want. I bought a gallon back when restoring my KZ and have about 3/4's of it left. You will have to buy some hardner but you are welcome to a quart of the stuff for free.

[Nessism]

Sorry to hear you got laid off. That sucks.

I've got some Nason fleet black urethane that's sprays out ridiculously great. You could dump a little metallic in it if you want. I bought a gallon back when restoring my KZ and have about 3/4's of it left. You will have to buy some hardner but you are welcome to a quart of the stuff for free.

[oldGSfan]

Thinking about paint, a few choices from most expensive to cheap and easy to get it looking OK

1) Go with what appears to be the real stuff from the UK seller RS bike paint, 08E pearl black.

https://www.rsbikepaint.com/en-us/shop-paints.php?colourscheme=21418&45986=on

2) This stuff - brilliant blue black pearl off eBay. I already have the 2K clear so this is tempting.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brilliant-Blue-Black-Pearl-Basecoat-Quart-Car-Auto-Truck-Paint-Kit-no-clear/253126893183?hash=item3aef89de7f:g:eEoAAOSw9eVXWzpe

3) Just paint it black with a $4 can of Rustoleum appliance enamel and do it right later. I am amazed how good that stuff lays on, have done several jobs with it. Just no flake. I could mask around the existing stripes which aren't bad but yeah, it's a hack.

Money's gonna be tight, just got laid off so #3 may have to be the way for the time being.

[oldGSfan]

Thanks for info, points well taken. Still, I sorta like the look

Make sure the rubber seal on the adapter plate pickup tube seals tight over the oil feed port down into the oil distribution cavity or oil won't flow properly through the system. And consider ditching the cooler entirely. It's needless plumbing which can leaks and cause pumping losses in the oiling system. A cooler is not needed unless you plan to hammer the bike in heavy traffic regularly and/or race.

[Nessism]

Make sure the rubber seal on the adapter plate pickup tube seals tight over the oil feed port down into the oil distribution cavity or oil won't flow properly through the system. And consider ditching the cooler entirely. It's needless plumbing which can leaks and cause pumping losses in the oiling system. A cooler is not needed unless you plan to hammer the bike in heavy traffic regularly and/or race.