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1980 GS450s with 2,037 miles

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    #1

    1980 GS450s with 2,037 miles

    I am a proud new owner of a 1980 GS450s. It was last registered in July 2003. I bought it in April 2020 with an intention to turn into a Racer Cafe. Is that a Taboo in this forum? As the title said, it only has 2,037 miles. It did not even had a chance for the first recommended first oil change. Like new compression when I tested it. Only one of two plugs had spark. Swap left and right copil and had the same result on same spark plug with no spark.

    I bought it for $200.00.

    84149330_826448754523347_2029246290717573120_n (1).jpg
    1980 GS450s

    Second title 2003

    Last registered 2004

    2,037 miles.

    I am the third owner.
    Tags: None
    #2
    Welcome

    I wouldn’t necessarily say that chopping up old bikes is frowned upon. Except, yeah, in cases like yours where it appears to be complete, It would be kind of a shame. But it’s your bike, do what you want. What I would suggest is that you get the bike running, and running/tuned well, with the factory airbox, carb, exhaust set up. Then you have a baseline. If you start by chopping it up, putting pod filters on it and a straight open exhaust on it, and butchering the electrics, you can pretty much be assure that it’s gonna be a bad, frustrating time.

    Start by creating A signature with, at a minimum, your bike info. Then you’ll never have to type it again. Start at the Settings at the top right of this page, the look on the left side for Edit signature.

    Then spend a while in the top 10 Newbie Mistakes thread linked in my signature.
    Rich
    1982 GS 750TZ
    2015 Triumph Tiger 1200
    BikeCliff's / Charging System Sorted / Posting Pics
    Destroy-Rebuild 750T/ Destroy-Rebuild part deux

    Comment

      #3
      Originally posted by annamiata View Post
      I am a proud new owner of a 1980 GS450s. It was last registered in July 2003. I bought it in April 2020 with an intention to turn into a Racer Cafe. Is that a Taboo in this forum? As the title said, it only has 2,037 miles. It did not even had a chance for the first recommended first oil change. Like new compression when I tested it. Only one of two plugs had spark. Swap left and right copil and had the same result on same spark plug with no spark.

      I bought it for $200.00.

      [ATTACH=CONFIG]61343[/ATTACH]
      Welcome to the GSR forum.

      Check the spark plug caps, they unscrew from the wire, clip off about 1/4" of wire and reinstall, also check the resistor in the cap, sometimes they get corroded and prevent the spark from getting to the plug.

      BTW that is a nice bike with mini fairing, quite sort after around where I live and would sell for 10 times what you paid.

      David.
      2018 Honda Africa Twin AS
      2013 DR 650 Grey, sold 1981 GS 650E Silver,
      1980 GS1000ST Blue & White, X2
      2012 DL650 Vstrom Foxy Orange, in storage
      1981 CT110 X2 "Postie Bikes" Gone to a New Home.
      2002 BMW 1150 GS Blue & White - Sold
      1975 BMW R90/6 Black - Sold 1984 GS1150EF Sold
      1982 BMW R100 Africa trip, Stolen - Recovered- Sold
      1977-1980 Suzuki GS550, GS1000E, GS1000S GSX750, GSX1100,s
      Hondas ST90, CR125 CB175 , CB350 CB750, NSU Quickly, Yamaha RD's 350/400,

      Comment

        #4
        As stated, mechanical issues sorted first, cosmetics second.
        Not many of those bikes around let alone complete ones. Doesn't mean it is worth a lot of money but if you do eventually cafe or customize it try to do it without cutting the frame or altering the bodywork. Aftermarket components are available.

        Welcome to the site.
        2@ \'78 GS1000

        Comment

          #5
          OH BOY!!!, another Tennessean, Welcome. $200 is cheap enough to Cafe' but yours looks way too nice. A nice complete, old, orig., bike should be saved. Find something used & abused that doesn't deserve bringing back to kind'f orig. to do that to. Like he said, it's yours so do what you want, but sure not many 450 "S" models left. As always, just my opinion. If you get up this way, just holler, we'll have a bologna sandwich & cold drink down at the "NORENE GENERAL STORE".
          1983 GS1100E, 1983 CB1100F, 1991 GSX1100G, 1996 Kaw. ZL600 Eliminator, 1999 Bandit 1200S, 2005 Bandit 1200S, 2000 Kaw. ZRX 1100

          Comment

            #6
            I bought it in April 2020 with an intention to turn into a Racer Cafe. Is that a Taboo in this forum?
            Not taboo,but it'd be a great pity, especially if you don't know what you're doing. I have a very similar bike ('81 GSX400E) and it's great just the way it is.

            Get it running, polish it up, and ride it awhile.

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by annamiata View Post
              I am a proud new owner of a 1980 GS450s. It was last registered in July 2003. I bought it in April 2020 with an intention to turn into a Racer Cafe. Is that a Taboo in this forum? As the title said, it only has 2,037 miles. It did not even had a chance for the first recommended first oil change. Like new compression when I tested it. Only one of two plugs had spark. Swap left and right copil and had the same result on same spark plug with no spark.

              I bought it for $200.00.


              [ATTACH=CONFIG]61343[/ATTACH]
              I WANT THAT FAIRING !!!!!

              If you are going to trash it......please.....
              Larry D
              1980 GS450S
              1981 GS450S
              2003 Heritage Softtail

              Comment

                #8
                Welcome, and cool cycle. I dig the 450 E and S bikes as they left Japan. Nice, tidy, and fun looking bikes. Your bike your choice though. Personally I'd lean towards a stock is envelope. A 450 resto mod would be awesome, but that requires more thought and engineering then cutting off parts and tacking on café kit. Not casting question on your skill, just a general statement. .....
                sigpic
                When consulting the magic 8 ball for advice, one must first ask it "will your answers be accurate?"

                Glen
                -85 1150 es - Plus size supermodel.
                -Rusty old scooter.
                Other things I like to photograph.....instagram.com/gs_junkie
                https://www.instagram.com/glen_brenner/
                https://www.flickr.com/photos/152267...7713345317771/

                Comment

                  #9
                  My apologies to all the purists. I was fortunate and only have to replaced CDI and starter solenoid and the bike started and ran perfect. I purchased this bike last April of this year and already started the Cafe Racer project for the last three months. I hesitated for two months, spent hours on Photoshop, and stared at the bikes for hours before any trimmings and cuttings. It will not be all Chinese/Ebay's parts Cafe Racer. I have searched far and wide for old stocks parts and already spent $1,400.00 plus on parts for a $200.00 bike. I am at the 30% completion, testing and fitting parts process. I attached two photos from Flickr. If you scroll in Flickr on my public account, you will see my other projects. ie. Jaguars and Miata. This bike build for me is more of building a moving sculpture.

                  IMG_6 by quoc nguyen, on Flickr

                  IMG_6342 by quoc nguyen, on Flickr
                  1980 GS450s

                  Second title 2003

                  Last registered 2004

                  2,037 miles.

                  I am the third owner.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Well, at least you had a pretty nice old bike for a little while. Good luck with the project, wherever it takes you. Did you get hold of LarryD, he's wanting a old orig. "S" fairing.
                    1983 GS1100E, 1983 CB1100F, 1991 GSX1100G, 1996 Kaw. ZL600 Eliminator, 1999 Bandit 1200S, 2005 Bandit 1200S, 2000 Kaw. ZRX 1100

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Well then, carry on. Following with interest.

                      If you haven’t already, check out Urban Monk on YouTube. He has a great 3 year café build of a 78 GS 500 fully documented and well done.
                      Last edited by Rich82GS750TZ; 07-11-2020, 09:41 AM.
                      Rich
                      1982 GS 750TZ
                      2015 Triumph Tiger 1200
                      BikeCliff's / Charging System Sorted / Posting Pics
                      Destroy-Rebuild 750T/ Destroy-Rebuild part deux

                      Comment

                        #12
                        It has nothing to do with being a "purist".
                        I like cafe/custom bikes. Personally speaking i think the starting point should be a basket case/ crash victim/ parts bike not a complete stock bike.

                        But again, it is your bike, do whatever you want to it. Good luck.
                        2@ \'78 GS1000

                        Comment

                          #13
                          I expect the half-done mess up on CL within another couple of months, with some ridiculous price.

                          Please prove me wrong, and do a decent job.
                          Don't be just another sawzall merchant.
                          ---- Dave
                          79 GS850N - Might be a trike soon.
                          80 GS850T Single HIF38 S.U. SH775, Tow bar, Pantera II. Gnarly workhorse & daily driver.
                          79 XS650SE - Pragmatic Ratter - goes better than a manky old twin should.
                          92 XJ900F - Fairly Stock, for now.

                          Only a dog knows why a motorcyclist sticks his head out of a car window

                          Comment

                            #14
                            I STILL WANT THAT FAIRING !!!!!
                            Sorry I didn't mean to shout.
                            Please contact me if you still have it. I am willing to pay a fair price.
                            Larry D
                            1980 GS450S
                            1981 GS450S
                            2003 Heritage Softtail

                            Comment

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