42 year old motorcycle

[Pete Wrigley]

So... you wanna own a 42 year old motorcycle?

Here's what you can expect to find hiding underneath the good looks.

In the process of rebuilding my front calipers today I noticed one of them was not even working. As I moved on to rebuilding the master cylinder I think I found the problem. The MC was filled with sludge!

I'll be replacing the brake lines with a set of Spiegler stainless lines. I figured since the lines on the bike have "12/79" stamped on them it might be a good idea to replace them.

 

[rphillips]

Let's be positive Pete, when you get them straightened out this time, & then in 42 yrs. they need fix'in again, you won't even know it. Get er' done. What bike, pic shows an "L" model

 

[Pete Wrigley]

1980 GS750L. I've had this since Oct '21. Went into it eyes wide open. No complaints. I knew their would be work.

 

[Nessism]

So... you wanna own a 42 year old motorcycle?

Here's what you can expect to find hiding underneath the good looks.

In the process of rebuilding my front calipers today I noticed one of them was not even working. As I moved on to rebuilding the master cylinder I think I found the problem. The MC was filled with sludge!

I'll be replacing the brake lines with a set of Spiegler stainless lines. I figured since the lines on the bike have "12/79" stamped on them it might be a good idea to replace them.

Yup. The price of entry.

Better make sure the master bore isn't pitted. Same thing for the pistons in the calipers. If they are, they need to be replaced.

 

[Pete Wrigley]

Yup. The price of entry.

Better make sure the master bore isn't pitted. Same thing for the pistons in the calipers. If they are, they need to be replaced.

Fortunately, everything cleaned up nicely. :encouragement:

 

[Pete Wrigley]

More stuff found.

Thought the oil pan gasket needed replacing. Took the pan off to find a heli-coil installed for the drain plug, seems to be doing it's job. There are a bunch of fine scratches on the sealing surfaces and a small gouge where I thought the gasket had failed. Hmmm? I think I should be able to fill these with good 'ol JB weld. Along with gasket dressing this will hopefully take care of any leaks.

I'm getting to know this bike having just purchased in last October, and I'm sure there will be more things popping up. These things are to be expected with a vintage bike :topsy_turvy:.

 

[trevor]

Preaching to the choir my friend.

 

[craz1]

Here is what I found in one of my projects. The guy liked silicone I guess. However the MC was in pretty good shape.

 

[Pete Wrigley]

Here is what I found in one of my projects. The guy liked silicone I guess. However the MC was in pretty good shape.

Looks like worms. Yuck!

 

[Pete Wrigley]

I'm not sure this pictures captures it well enough but... The "GS750L" emblem on the side covers has started lifting on the ends. Any good way to fix this? I figure heat may damage it. Soak it hot water perhaps?

​

 

[rphillips]

New $40.00, used from ebay both pins good $17.00, possibly slightly bend back straight then 2 sided tape...Just thinking out loud.

 

[nvr2old]

Maybe using a hair dryer set on high would get it warm enough to allow it to be bent back without the melting heat you get from a heat gun.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

If the emblems are metal (I think they are) and are still secured to the cover with the original nut/spring type fasteners (a rarity, indeed) remove them and gently bend the ends to match the curve. Little at a time. Check and recheck. It won’t take much. Easy does it. You’re the only one who will ever see it this way. If you’re worried about bending them too much or breaking them, leave them alone.

 

[Pete Wrigley]

Maybe using a hair dryer set on high would get it warm enough to allow it to be bent back without the melting heat you get from a heat gun.

The hair dryer worked like a charm! It's some sort of cheap metal. Removed it, heated it up and ever so slightly bent it back. :dancing:

 

[rphillips]

Just wondering if both studs were still on it. Glad all went good.

 

[Pete Wrigley]

Just wondering if both studs were still on it. Glad all went good.

Both studs on the emblem were there along with one of the "spring clips" to hold the emblem in place.

 

[Pete Wrigley]

Here's the latest...

• New Tires
• New Brake Lines
• Rebuilt Front Calipers
• Rebuilt Front Master Cylinder
• New Petcock & Fuel Line
• Replaced Oil Pan Gasket & Valve Cover Gasket
• Replaced ALL Fluids (oil, brake & fork)
• Adjusted Valves - .005
• Torqued Head Bolts
• New Air Filter

The chainguard still needs fixing and I have the case guards to add. Been riding around neighborhood. Runs fairly well. I was told by PO the carbs were rebuilt. They seem to be OK, no major issues. I'm running some fresh fuel with seafoam through just because (last registered in 2012). Should replace spark plugs I suppose. Not sure of their age.

 

[craz1]

What happened to the beautiful backrest. Bike is looking good

 

[zuluwiz]

Scratches on the sealing surface probably indicate someone's been in there before, and had to scrape the (old original) gasket off. This is fairly normal for these old bikes. Most of us have had to do this at some time or other.