Just acquired my 5th GS (most have already been rescued, ridden, and sold), an '83 GS650L that hasn't been ridden since 2002.
The Good
-----------
* No missing parts, everything is original, no bastardizations. Tank, seat, side panels all in great shape.
* No apparent damage or crashes
* Appears to have been well cared for before it got stuck in a shed for 20 years. All bolts come out easily, axle isn't rusted, inside the RH timing generator casing looks great.
* Lights and signals work.
* 12k miles
* Engine not frozen. Turns easily with lube in the cylinders.
The Unknown
--------------
* Tank doesn't appear to have any leaks, pinholes, but I have not yet cleaned it out. There is sludge and maybe some rust, but I've got gallons of Evaporust and know how to use it.
* Strength of starter motor uncertain.
The Bad, and the Ugly
----------
* As the photos show, it's crusty. Lots of rust, oxidation, hard rubber bits, and peeled paint. Hopefully the rust is just surface rust, especially on the fork tubes. Too bad the shed it was stored in since 2002 wasn't more weatherproof, this one could have been a nice survivor.
The Plan
------------
* As usual, first get the engine running. Then brakes, tires, etc. The front wheel in the pic was pirated off the GS550 since the 650's front was so rotted I couldn't roll it onto the lift.
* Handlebars will definitely be replaced. The seat will probably get replaced, but it's in very good condition, so we'll see.
* Not yet sure if I pull the engine to get better paint on the engine and frame. We'll see how ambitious I become.
* I also have an '81 GS550T, so if the 650 engine is strong and the rust coverable, I may pull some parts from the 550 to improve the 650. First on the list would be headlight & bucket, then maybe the forks & triple tree. Brakes will depend on condition.
The Good
-----------
* No missing parts, everything is original, no bastardizations. Tank, seat, side panels all in great shape.
* No apparent damage or crashes
* Appears to have been well cared for before it got stuck in a shed for 20 years. All bolts come out easily, axle isn't rusted, inside the RH timing generator casing looks great.
* Lights and signals work.
* 12k miles
* Engine not frozen. Turns easily with lube in the cylinders.
The Unknown
--------------
* Tank doesn't appear to have any leaks, pinholes, but I have not yet cleaned it out. There is sludge and maybe some rust, but I've got gallons of Evaporust and know how to use it.
* Strength of starter motor uncertain.
The Bad, and the Ugly
----------
* As the photos show, it's crusty. Lots of rust, oxidation, hard rubber bits, and peeled paint. Hopefully the rust is just surface rust, especially on the fork tubes. Too bad the shed it was stored in since 2002 wasn't more weatherproof, this one could have been a nice survivor.
The Plan
------------
* As usual, first get the engine running. Then brakes, tires, etc. The front wheel in the pic was pirated off the GS550 since the 650's front was so rotted I couldn't roll it onto the lift.
* Handlebars will definitely be replaced. The seat will probably get replaced, but it's in very good condition, so we'll see.
* Not yet sure if I pull the engine to get better paint on the engine and frame. We'll see how ambitious I become.
* I also have an '81 GS550T, so if the 650 engine is strong and the rust coverable, I may pull some parts from the 550 to improve the 650. First on the list would be headlight & bucket, then maybe the forks & triple tree. Brakes will depend on condition.
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