1982 GS850L $100 project: is it worth it?

[JacobM]

Hello all! I'm brand new here. Looking at buying a 1982 GS850L from a guy for $100. It's been sitting outside for the last 4 years, and hasn't moved. He says it was running before he parked it, not great but running, and family life prevented him from doing a big project on it. I'm looking to get back into riding and just trying to find a good bike that I can put a little bit of TLC into to be road worthy again.

Make this bike worth it? I've seen videos of guys finding old GS's in barns, and getting them running after minimum work. Just checking in with the pros here to see if I'll be in over my head or if it's a worth while project. I have basic tools, and no problem with mechanical stuff, just never rebuilt carbs or a motorcycle completely before.

Many thoughts are that I'll need to first clean the carbs, check ignition, change the gas, and then give it a try? He does say it turns over no problem. I'll get more details when I see it soon. Any thoughts would be great!

 

[jsandidge]

If you like it, buy it!

 

[Steve]

If it comes with a title, go for it. :encouragement:

You will probably see some comments about wanting an "L" and a few more comments about a "hideous" seat, but it's YOUR bike, not theirs. Those that make those comments are merely expressing their opinion, much as I am now. The worst part of an "L" is the handlebars, and they are easily changed. Some don't like all the chrome or the stepped seat. Some actually prefer them. That seat is definitely not stock, but can't tell if it's a Saddlemen like the one on my wife's bike or another brand.

The exhaust system will likely need attention, those 'mufflers' tend to be on the loud side.

Your plan to see if it will run first is reasonable, but you should really check valve clearances, too.

All together, you could easily spend close to $1000 in maintenance and repairs before the bike it truly "road-worthy", so don't be too surprised when you see the total expenditure slowly mounting.

.

 

[dorkburger]

Welcome.
Price of entry is cheap in this case, but you need to decide how soon you want to be up and running. Summer us upon us and if things dont go well you could spend it working on it instead of riding. That being said, id take a gamble for $100.

 

[spyug]

Everything the guys said and especially Steve's first point. No title (or ownership as we call it) then it is only good for parting out.

As he also goes on to mention, you can expect to drop $1k or more on a resurrection. Now if you are looking for some to work on for a few months then this could be for you but if you want to ride, sooner rather than later, then likely not.

If it were me, I would pay a bit more and get a bike you can hear running and with a title. There are still many that you can snag for under $500 that would fit the bill. They also would likely need TLC but your likely hood of getting it roadworthy and rideable fairly quickly would be higher.

If cash is an issue for you then you could pick this up and part it all out. I would think you could get $300 to $500 out of it.

Good luck.

 

[trtsmb]

Some states in the US don't require titles if the bike is over a certain age but getting a new title is not usually that difficult, at least in the states I've lived in. My bike was originally bought and registered in NH. After 25 years of moving to different places, I had lost the title and had to apply to the FL DMV for a new one when we moved here. It was a relatively easy process and I wouldn't considered lack of title a deal breaker on a $100 bike.

If the OP can't get it running, he can always part it out.

 

[alke46]

Everything the guys said and especially Steve's first point. No title (or ownership as we call it) then it is only good for parting out.


I would say that spyug has hit the nail squarely on the head. Good luck with your decision.

 

[JacobM]

Thank you all! Cash is a factor, not as much with the time. I'm not worried about cosmetics as long as I can get her running. Great advice, I will take it all to heart. Any other advice for trying to get her running right off the bat? I'm not planning on making this a full restoration, just get it running and then SLOWLY work on the rest.

 

[Steve]

Any other advice for trying to get her running right off the bat?

OK, the MANDATORY things before you get it on the road:
- valve adjustment
- carb cleaning
- tires
- brake pads (all around)
- rebuild front master cylinder
- rebuild front calipers
- rebuild rear master cylinder
- rebuild rear caliper
- inspect/replace clutch and throttle cables
- verify charging system
- verify all the lights

That is all stuff that should be done before you go past the end of your driveway.

THEN you can work on the 'cosmetics'. :-\\\

.

 

[Wingsconsin]

Usually when I buy a project bike I tackle the restoration in this order --

1) Get it running as inexpensively as possible (Be sure it is salvageable)
This may include spending some money on it -- but if it turns over (use the crank bolt and a wrench rather than the starter for better control) it may be worth while. After it is known to work (kinda) you can throw money at it a little until it actually runs. Then it's on to#2

2) Get it stopping ! Brakes, tires, etc are a mainstay of motorcycle riding. Once it GOES -- you need to be able to STOP ! nthego:
After you get it running well ; and the maiontenance on the running portion is up-to-date (valves, carbs, oil, etc.) then it must be safe to ride..
Brakes, hoses, tires, etc all must work properly. At this point you are committing to the bike, Tires will cost around $150 to $300 depending on brand and brake stuff adds up. Once you got it going and stopping ..on to #3

3) Make it pretty and comfortable. New seat, more lights, new handlbars, grips, windscreen, saddlebags, trunk etc. This can also eat your budget pretty quickly. Plan on investing easily $1000 to $2000 to make it perfect for YOU ! It will be over value quickly but the enjoyment you get out of it is payment you can't measure.

I would estimate this will take you a month to accomplish each section (1,2,3) with 3 being an ongoing process. Your riding season is likely not goig to happen this year..but 2016 would be ready to go ANYWHERE ! Your skills at wrenching and persistence will determine the outcome timing but you have already found the technical information resource you will require to make this happen.

PS: Offer him $50 :friendly_wink:

 

[Good Times]

A little elbow grease and $1000 would go a long way with that bike.

Steve's list is spot on.

You need it to be safe before you head out on the road. Any road.

 

[GSXR7ED]

$200 Bike....for $100...Yes!

$200 Bike....for $100...Yes!

I'd buy a whole bike for $100. There's lots of parts to sell if getting a title is a hassle.

Like Steve pointed out, get that to-do list done first.

Happy Maintenance-ing.

Ed

 

[Gregory]

OK, the MANDATORY things before you get it on the road:
- valve adjustment
- carb cleaning
- tires
- brake pads (all around)
- rebuild front master cylinder
- rebuild front calipers
- rebuild rear master cylinder
- rebuild rear caliper
- inspect/replace clutch and throttle cables
- verify charging system
- verify all the lights

That is all stuff that should be done before you go past the end of your driveway.

THEN you can work on the 'cosmetics'. :-\\\

.

You nailed it Steve. I have thought about making a list like that with the cost of the rebuild kits and time it takes so that when we see these posts it is an easy thing to show someone considering these purchases.

I myself have been guilty of buying several "bargains" to find out I have $1k invested in them ...and that doesn't include a new paintjob which most of these old bikes need.

Even though there was some level of pride in doing it all myself, if I had it to do over again...and had the resources all at once...I would probably just buy the bike I wanted that was already all fixed up.