1981 GS1100E build

[londonboards]

Cams don't look too bad although cylinder 2 intake looks like it may have a lip on the RHS edge (if you were looking forward) - see if it passes the fingernail test - and the exhaust on the same cylinder looks scored.

If you have gone that far, I would be tempted to take off the cam caps just to check that oil is getting through and this is not going on:

 

[rapidray]

Jake, call me at 714--356-784five. I can answer any questions you have about these engines. Your metal work is progressing well!
Ray.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

Off to powder coat tomorrow. Frame, swing arm, and a bunch of parts.




And this is a must have. Picked it up for 40 bucks at Home Depot. Works like a champ.

 

[limeex2]

I'm probably to late,but with your welding abilities,I would brace the frame like Wes Cooley race bike from Yosh. Did it to my old race bike,will do it to the current build when I pull the motor. Works well,easy mod for you to perform.

 

[limeex2]

You mentioned direct replacement from e-bay and others mention a Polaris unit.I am an old parts guy.Need a model for the polaris r/r to find the correct one.Is the ebay version just a replacement for the suzuki unit?which is kind of defeating the purpose isnt it.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

You mentioned direct replacement from e-bay and others mention a Polaris unit.I am an old parts guy.Need a model for the polaris r/r to find the correct one.Is the ebay version just a replacement for the suzuki unit?which is kind of defeating the purpose isnt it.

Direct replacement yes but the upgraded version is what is used on all polaris R/Rs. Just do an ebay search for your year and model.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

got the bike and some parts back from powder coat. pics coming up soon.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

Ok so I need one of the experts to tell me what kind of tank is on this bike. I am looking for a new one and have found a brand new one still in box but its a little pricey. I think its from a GS450L or GS1100 X but I'm not really sure....help!

 

[Stockis4bitches]

Some progress pictures. Bike is slowly coming back together. Steering stem is on and electrics are all mounted up. Frame, brakes and a bunch of other parts are all powder coated. Here are some pics. Oh and the sand blaster was a must for all the little parts I was painting myself. And I get a better looking rear brake res.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

Progress has been a little slow lately. Wife decided she wanted to learn to ride a dirt bike so we have been going out every weekend. Haha who could complain about that. I picked up an engine stand and made a mounting bracket for it. Not the best looking thing in the world but it will serve its purpose. I'm going to put it on the stand tomorrow. Anyone have any insight on painting the engine casing without a complete year down???

 

[ShadowFocus603]

Hey Jake on that Master cylinder reservoir a word of caution. I have one almost identical to it on my 750L and had serious issues with fluid leaking from the base of the nipple where the hose attaches that runs from the reservoir to the actual master cylinder. On mine, the nipple threads into the reservoir cup and is sealed by an o-ring. This o-ring was fouled by metal shavings in mine and had to be replaced to achieve a fluid type seal. Something to at least be aware of on yours.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

Hey Jake on that Master cylinder reservoir a word of caution. I have one almost identical to it on my 750L and had serious issues with fluid leaking from the base of the nipple where the hose attaches that runs from the reservoir to the actual master cylinder. On mine, the nipple threads into the reservoir cup and is sealed by an o-ring. This o-ring was fouled by metal shavings in mine and had to be replaced to achieve a fluid type seal. Something to at least be aware of on yours.

Yea I tested it when I first got it and found a cut Oring, once I changed the ring to a non POS version that I had laying around, no more leaks under 25 psi. Hopefully the brake system doesn't have more then 25 psi. thanks for the looking out though

 

[Stockis4bitches]

Got the engine mounted to the stand today. Here is some before the first wash pictures and after. Much more work to do before I get it back in the bike but its a start.
I used some GUNK GEL and Grease Lightening and low pressure water, I was surprised at the results. (pics don't do it justice).




AFTER...



There are some mineral deposits on the bottom part of the engine so I am going to get some CLR and hopefully it will come off.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

Prepped the engine for paint and it was a pain in the ass. Getting the dirt and grim out of the cooling fins was a chore. After pressure washing and a few cans of degreaser and a steamer I got it cleaned. It took about 4 days. I have it primed now. I heated each side to 400 degrees with my propane heater and so ingenuity. I have to put another few coats of primer. I plan on 3 coats of primer and 2-4 coats of the paint. I am using the high temp rustolum.

 

[jagdriver]

So you plan to put SEVEN coats of paint on the cooling fins of high performance AIR COOLED engine. Don't be surprised when it cooks the rings or seizes from over heating. Paint is a pretty good insulator. When Suzuki blacked on the cylinder fins on some bikes it was one thin coat of black paint which may have helped it cool (black body radiation). Most of the GS motors had clear coated cases, but as far as I can tell the fins are bare.

 

[Rob S.]

...I plan on 3 coats of primer and 2-4 coats of the paint.

On the engine, the cooling fins? Sounds problematic to me.

 

[Fjbj40]

The primer should just be a light dusting. It is primer, not paint, way to many people treat primer like paint. The color coat should be 2 medium coverage coats.

As others said 7 coats of paint is way too much, you are baking a "pig in a blanket" with that much.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

Well this is exactly why I made this forum to go along with the build. Well I only have the "light dusting" on the engine now. One can for the entire engine. Thanks for the advice, like I stated before this is my first rebuild. I'm only going off of what I read online and past experience with painting stuff.

 

[Stockis4bitches]

OK so its been some time since I have posted an update on the bike. here are some pictures, i haven't been taking as many pictures because I am just trying to get this thing completed. Looking at ordering some shocks next week for the rear and I will be rebuilding the fronts.

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UPS rocking a monroe transfer, for you virgin minds...GTS!

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Engine and swing arm installed

 

[madjack57754]

80-81 "E" had leading axle forks. The lower tree is also from an "E". Note the air cap and cross bleeders.