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Hi folks,
I'm totally new to the forum but in my desire to soak up as much info as possible i've come across multiple links to this excellent forum and decided I should just jolly well sign up.
So, I have the motorbike itch again after having no bike for the last couple of years. Have owned numerous and various sized bikes (600cc up to 1300cc) since passing my test around 8 years ago, but other than a couple of oil changes have never truly had my hands dirty. This was mainly down to buying newer models or bikes in excellent condition, and moving them on after 6mths/12mths or so.
I've had one 'classic' before (Kawasaki Z1000ST), and although I loved the looks and the shaft drive / low maintenance aspect, I got shy when it came to sorting the broken kick start return spring and blue smoke from exhaust so moved it on.
This time around, however, I am now blessed with a clean and dry garage with power/lights, and a half decent selection of tools - so with enough guidance I am happy to take on easy to medium skilled mechanical tasks.
Which brings me to the GS series. I am not fully versed on bikes of the 70s/80s era, but having grown up through the 80's and early 90's I remember seeing a lot of cool looking bikes on the road. My uncle also has a few kettles and a z1300 tucked away for safe keeping and this has piqued my interest in older machines again. From having read up on a few models it would appear that the GS(850) has a highly regarded and reliable lump.
If I were to take the plunge on an older bike im ideally looking for something that is least likely to leave me stranded somewhere, and is happy to actually fire up in the morning! It would be used for occasional 2-up riding into my local town in order to avoid (lack-off) car parking - and the odd sunny commute to work (50 mile round trip) on country roads.
I have no problem with a bike that looks a bit rough around the edges as I love a bit of age related patina, but essentially I want a bike that I can trust when called into duty.
I started off looking at the XJ series (XJ650), and also the CB750 or even a CX500. But now I've kind of got my heart set on a GS850. Having seen an imported L model at a local import garage im tempted to load my credit card but I would first love your input into whether im being a rose tinted nostalgic fool - or perhaps about to embark on a brilliant journey with a great characterful old bike?
The bike in question is right near the top of my budget. Prices sure do seem to have risen in recent years but for the money, the GS550/750/850 seem to be about as good as it gets. The seller has said the bike will be MOT'd (tested and ready for the road) at point of sale. I've viewed it once and it fired up pretty well first time (battery sounded tired, perhaps a troublesome rectifier?) and on choke it revved high (apparently a Suzuki trait of this era?), but no noticeable smoke or misfiring, and all electrics seem to work fine. I'll be going back tomorrow for a closer look and to have a sit on it.
Here she is: http://www.ebay.co.uk/252454484036
Lend me your thoughts.
Cheers
I'm totally new to the forum but in my desire to soak up as much info as possible i've come across multiple links to this excellent forum and decided I should just jolly well sign up.
So, I have the motorbike itch again after having no bike for the last couple of years. Have owned numerous and various sized bikes (600cc up to 1300cc) since passing my test around 8 years ago, but other than a couple of oil changes have never truly had my hands dirty. This was mainly down to buying newer models or bikes in excellent condition, and moving them on after 6mths/12mths or so.
I've had one 'classic' before (Kawasaki Z1000ST), and although I loved the looks and the shaft drive / low maintenance aspect, I got shy when it came to sorting the broken kick start return spring and blue smoke from exhaust so moved it on.
This time around, however, I am now blessed with a clean and dry garage with power/lights, and a half decent selection of tools - so with enough guidance I am happy to take on easy to medium skilled mechanical tasks.
Which brings me to the GS series. I am not fully versed on bikes of the 70s/80s era, but having grown up through the 80's and early 90's I remember seeing a lot of cool looking bikes on the road. My uncle also has a few kettles and a z1300 tucked away for safe keeping and this has piqued my interest in older machines again. From having read up on a few models it would appear that the GS(850) has a highly regarded and reliable lump.
If I were to take the plunge on an older bike im ideally looking for something that is least likely to leave me stranded somewhere, and is happy to actually fire up in the morning! It would be used for occasional 2-up riding into my local town in order to avoid (lack-off) car parking - and the odd sunny commute to work (50 mile round trip) on country roads.
I have no problem with a bike that looks a bit rough around the edges as I love a bit of age related patina, but essentially I want a bike that I can trust when called into duty.
I started off looking at the XJ series (XJ650), and also the CB750 or even a CX500. But now I've kind of got my heart set on a GS850. Having seen an imported L model at a local import garage im tempted to load my credit card but I would first love your input into whether im being a rose tinted nostalgic fool - or perhaps about to embark on a brilliant journey with a great characterful old bike?
The bike in question is right near the top of my budget. Prices sure do seem to have risen in recent years but for the money, the GS550/750/850 seem to be about as good as it gets. The seller has said the bike will be MOT'd (tested and ready for the road) at point of sale. I've viewed it once and it fired up pretty well first time (battery sounded tired, perhaps a troublesome rectifier?) and on choke it revved high (apparently a Suzuki trait of this era?), but no noticeable smoke or misfiring, and all electrics seem to work fine. I'll be going back tomorrow for a closer look and to have a sit on it.
Here she is: http://www.ebay.co.uk/252454484036
Lend me your thoughts.
Cheers
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