first startup of GS1000 after 10 years.

[RobertGS]

So after 10 years of having my only bike, a GS1000N, in storage, I've been working on her and finally ready to start her up tonight.

Had the bike pretty much dissassembled, top end and carb rebuild, sorted out a grungy tank liner and pin hole in the tank and various other odds and ends.

It's been a long wait. Wish me luck on the startup.

I'll post how it goes.

 

[Agemax]

good luck. just keep an eye out for unexpected oil or fuel leaks and smoke coming from any part of the electrics!

 

[Guest]

Hope it goes as smooth as this one!
One of our members here, OMG "smoke"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfagDCb0FIc

 

[RobertGS]

That can't be good...

But hey, mine's only been out of action for 10 years. What could go wrong?

I'll video the action, whatever happens, and keep a close eye out for any issues.

 

[Agemax]

That can't be good...

But hey, mine's only been out of action for 10 years. What could go wrong?

I'll video the action, whatever happens, and keep a close eye out for any issues.

that smoke was not as bad as it looks. most exhaust/header paint cures with heat when it is freshly applied. the best way to heat an exhaust is to start the bike. the smoke is purely the paint "curing" as it gets hot.
the smoke quickly disappears and the paint on the exhaust dries hard.

 

[SVSooke]

Yeah I'd think that was either engine or header paint heat curing.Fully expect my 78 1000 to do something like that on start up.

 

[RobertGS]

So the deed is done.

After 10 years the GS1000N started up ok..I think. It was good to hear that engine again. Only a bit of smoke. I expected more.

The only concern I have at the moment is the engine sound. I had the top end redone (valves, shims, new cam chain) by a mechanic. The engine sounds good except a bit more "tappy" than I remember. High frequency taps from the top end... Can anyone advise if this might be normal on startup after that kind of work.

I'll bring it to the same guy to balance the carbs. Anything else I should be thinking of?

 

[tkent02]

Your valves were probably silent from being too tight, very bad. Now they have a little clearance, you can hear them as you should. Tappy valves are happy valves. Did he do a valve job or just adjust the valve clearances? I would certainly check the clearances again after a few hundred miles of doing a valve job.

 

[RobertGS]

Well that's music to my ears.

The work did involve a valve job, plus rings, honing cyls, shims and cam chain. Also a thorough carb rebuild.

Thanks for the tip on checking the clearance after a bit of riding.

Just a few other things to sort out before getting on the road. Need new brake lines and new seat cover mostly. Also not happy with the fuel line and filter. Line is old, filter is new but huge. Suspicious that the petcock needs a rebuild. The rest I can tinker with I think. Like a new paint job for sure at some point.

 

[Guest]

Pit Replica makes a nice seat cover. A little slicker, a little thicker, but aesthetically it's a 10. Leaky petcocks equal crankcases full of fuel. Ditch the filter and use a new fuel line.

 

[steve murdoch]

Robert, glad to hear your GS are up and running after a long siesta.
Where do you live? Apex in Toronto is an excellent place for stainless brake lines. Shipping obviously adds cost but i think it still is a worthwhile upgrade.
http://www.apexbrakes.com/

 

[RobertGS]

Thanks guys, great looking seat. I've already ordered one from Saddleman though not 100 sure it'll fit now that this site had helped me understand my model...

I'm in Toronto Steve so Apex is a great suggestion for the brake lines thanks.

About my enthusiasm that there wasn't much smoke on startup I think I spoke too soon. Didn't let it warm up enough. Sure enough some smoke coming from the lower engine. Also the left hand pipe started throwing quite a bit of smoke. That's worrying me because it was what the bike was doing 10 years ago... before the engine work, though I'm not positive it was the same side.

Anyway, interested in what you guys think about the left pipe blowing smoke after the work I described below. Hoping for more reassurance. Could that come from the carbs not being balanced (they haven't been yet) . New rings settling in? Why only one side?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[RobertGS]

Before I get a reply on the smoke here's the latest. Started it up again this morning and voila No smoke at all and I ran it for 15 minutes. It's like the motorcycle gremlins were at it last night.

Took it for a few spins up and down the alley behind the house. Fun.

 

[chuck hahn]

If it sits for a week or so between start ups and the valve stem seals are bad, its gonna smoke agaain for a good 10 minutes or so.

If its just an overnight sitting, the oil usually doesnt have enough time to leak past them, so therefore, no smoke.

 

[Guest]

Pit Replica makes a nice seat cover. A little slicker, a little thicker, but aesthetically it's a 10. Leaky petcocks equal crankcases full of fuel. Ditch the filter and use a new fuel line.

I ordered a seat cover from pit replica, took 5 weeks to get here and when I went to install it this last Friday it ripped out on 2 of the sewn seams. I have been sending e-mails ever since and they have not responded yet. Time will tell if I can recommend them , but as of now I would not.

 

[RobertGS]

My current guess on the smoke is that the pipes had oil in them from 10 years ago when it was smoking really bad on one side.

Engine fixed. Pipes still have oil in them. Oil needs to burn off on first startup.

We'll see. I'd be pretty bumed if valve seals are bad after a valve job.

 

[Agemax]

My current guess on the smoke is that the pipes had oil in them from 10 years ago when it was smoking really bad on one side.

Engine fixed. Pipes still have oil in them. Oil needs to burn off on first startup.

We'll see. I'd be pretty bumed if valve seals are bad after a valve job.

that is probably the case, just run it and ride it for now and if it does decide to smoke a bit later on.........worry about it then

 

[chuck hahn]

I must have missed the post about it having a fresh valve job...so yes it possible the pipes had some in them.

 

[RobertGS]

Thanks Chuck,

I'm hoping.

 

[chuck hahn]

when you installed the new valve stem seals, did you use a dab of grease on the valve guide and then slip them on? This helps them slide right on and not gawl the rubber.