81 GS850G Restomod Build

[mrb302]

This bike was bought by a buddy of mine and I wrenched on it to get it running for him. He lost interest in about a years time, so I picked it up at a great price.

This is what it looked when he got it:

This is what it looked like after I got it running:

Just a couple weeks ago I started stripping it down:

 

[mrb302]

More teardown pics:

Finally got to this:

It's sitting in the rain because I was out there scrubbing all 30 years worth or grease and road grime off of it. Shortly after that it came in, got dried off, and then got sanded. Then a fresh coat of paint:

At this point I was finally ready to get started re-building.

 

[mrb302]

The battery box had issues:

So I rebuilt it and dropped it back in:

 

[will61310]

Nice job, I really want to do the same someday - Good luck on your project.

 

[tas850g]

i'd like to do that with mine too. Kinda intimidated plus i don't have a heated garage/barn to do it in over the winter. And as some of us know, the winters are long around here so i might have time.

 

[Guest]

Hey MRB302,
What are your plans for the bike?
Also, I smell a Harley in that garage dont I?

 

[doctorgonzo]

Someday, just for fun, I'm gonna get my hands on a windjammer, put about 5 pounds of C4 under it, and vaporize that thing ala mythbusters just for years of making bikes look so damn ugly.

 

[Guest]

Someday, just for fun, I'm gonna get my hands on a windjammer, put about 5 pounds of C4 under it, and vaporize that thing ala mythbusters just for years of making bikes look so damn ugly.

Are all invited?
Would love to attend!

 

[mrb302]

Thanks for all the comments so far...

Hey MRB302,
What are your plans for the bike?

I'm thinking that I go back semi-stock but fresh paint and a touring kinda look. I plan on doing some mild head work, slightly larger bore, carb modifications, modify the exhaust. Over all a classy looking tour bike but with a few extra horsepower.

Also, I smell a Harley in that garage dont I?

Good nose! That's my 05 XL1200C Sportster. I bought it a few years ago and rode it stock style for just over a year. Last winter I started chopping it, modified the tank, fender, cam cover, primary cover, etc, etc, etc...

 

[mrb302]

Someday, just for fun, I'm gonna get my hands on a windjammer, put about 5 pounds of C4 under it, and vaporize that thing ala mythbusters just for years of making bikes look so damn ugly.

I have a little idea that might just change your mind. It's a ways off still and I don't want to spoil it, so stay tuned.

 

[jwhelan65]

Great lookin bike, was never a big fan of the Windjammer..looks much better naked. You do great work.

 

[mrb302]

Just a quick update... working on the electrics right now...

Before:

After:

I'm scrubbing the fuse block still, but it will be back on shortly.

 

[mrb302]

Got quite a bit done this weekend...

Swing arm and forks are back on... Here are the update pics:

Swing arm before:

Swing arm after:

Then installed:

 

[mrb302]

Forks after cleaning, painting and re-install:

 

[boingk]

Damn, this thing is going to look aces! Just a tad jealous here, wish I had the patience, money and equipment to bring my 850 up to that kind of standard. Very sharp indeed.

Anywho, hope the rest of it goes well - boingk

 

[mrb302]

It's been a while so I thought I'd trow up a quick update...

Got the front end back together, new handlebars, got the seat and rear piece back on, re-wire the rear turns and got them installed...

Right now I'm working on the brakes...

Here are the front calipers, before and after so to speak...

Close up glamor shot:

Right now I'm waiting for the caliper pistons to show up... Just got the rebuild kits. I'm also working on the final drive / rear axle / rear wheel at the same time.