1978 GS1000E Project

[Skuld]

Good afternoon all.
I'm a new rider and fairly new to the motorcycle scene. Short time lurker here in the forum.

A friend stumbled upon this treasure when he purchased a home that belonged to an older gentleman that passed away.

He has sold it to me as a parts bike for $50 bucks. I can see the potential hidden away in this bike. My plans are to work this bike back to working order, then back to a restored state (or modded state - I like a lot of steam-punk wonders). Either way I figure I would post here and catalog my progress... I have more images if wanted and I am able to re-size if the size is a problem. I host everything myself.

Wish me luck.

 

[Rover]

Good luck,looks like a good bike to restore.Where are you located?

 

[Skuld]

Located in Maine. From what I'm being told the bike was in good condition when stored, then when the husband passed away, the wife had to make room in the garage and moved it outside. My friend told me it has suffered 2-3 winters... ;_; Makes me sad.

 

[kochic]

hi and welcome,
This bike look to have good parts, marzzochi, oil cooler, cr carbs, 1100 swingarm, exhaust.
For 50$ its really a great find.i,m almost jealous.
The 1000 is a good bike very pleasure to ride.
Marc

 

[salty_monk]

Some kind of fork brace too... that exhaust is a Yoshi like mine.

 

[Skuld]

Some additional pictures:

The engine... I was told some Aircraft cleaner, oven cleaner etc would be able to get some of this oxidation off.

 

[srsupertrap]

8rt Find: Since your 1979 1000E endured being outside for several winters in Maine it's probably advisable to tear it down and replace all the severely rusted pieces along with every seal that holds fluid be it engine, brake fluid, gas, carbs, fork seals etc.

 

[Skuld]

Thanks for the comments, it's giving me something to look forward to. I have the next few days off from work so I plan to get right into the nitty gritty. I bought the Haynes manual and I have reviewed the rebuild carbs PDF that was posted by John B. I am stoked!

 

[ratdude]

Nice Buy !
That was probably the previous owner's baby at some point , lotsa go faster mods by the looks of it .

 

[Larry D]

Nice find !! I think bringing it back to it's former glory would be the way to go. Lots of nice extras on her. She will be a true beauty when you're done. Good Luck and have fun with the process.

 

[russr33]

Lots of work ahead but a great find; as has been said lots of period go-fast goodies. Looks like 33mm smoothbores as well. I wouldn't be surprised if that motor has been built up; all the mods seem to point that way.

 

[bigbill808]

wow, what a find!! can't wait to follow your progress with this one.

 

[Billyboy]

Nice! The seat, swingarm, carbs! Wow!

 

[Skuld]

Thanks for all the replies! I appreciate your enthusiasm. Like I said before I'm fairly new to this whole scene but as one of my mechanic friends told me, designs are in place for a reason. I have scowered this site for most of my answers and methods of doing things.

I have a few new pics taken today, just moved it into the Garage. I didn't get the key till last night, but low and behold... Zook tools!

Any thoughts? I'm taking my wife out to eat and won't be back till a bit later. Thanks!

 

[Billyboy]

I'd start with the carbs and see if it'll run. If so, start tearing down, clean, paint, replace, etc and make it new.

 

[drhach]

Actually, you may want to start with replacing all of the fluids and peeking in the cylinders. Maybe a shot or two of WD in there. After that some gas with a little seafoam in it. I'd bet with a good scrubbing that bike would be pretty fun. Ugly but fun.

 

[Skuld]

Just got back from my day out with my wife. I peaked in the Gas tank... Wasn't pleased to see rust. It's not horrible rust but rust nonetheless. Have a feeling I'll be buying a good amount of white vinegar and some stainless steel bolts... I was reading POR-15 or Caswells works nicely afterwards. I would concentrate on the Carbs when I have the Fuel tank filled with Vinegar. I think this will be done tomorrow, I need to find if my local Car Quest has carb dip...

 

[Billyboy]

Actually, you may want to start with replacing all of the fluids and peeking in the cylinders. Maybe a shot or two of WD in there. After that some gas with a little seafoam in it. I'd bet with a good scrubbing that bike would be pretty fun. Ugly but fun.

Well, of course...

 

[850 Combat]

What part of Maine?

That bike was clearly loved at some point, and the mods are quality. The yosh pipe is sought after on this list, as are the Marzocci shocks. Tons of potential there.

I would also try to see if it will fire.

My brother in Etna would probably buy that rusty rack for his 1100G.

I have a '78 GS1000 that I like a lot.

 

[1100E]

That's a very cool bike, shame it sat outside like that! I'd really love to see what you do with her, subscribed.