Getting my 1983 GS650G road ready

[Bachness]

I'm not real sure where to post this but I'd rather not post 100 different question threads so I hope this works out. Here is my story. Back in July I got a 650G. I have spent a lot of time reading manuals and these forums/Bikecliff's site to get myself ready to do the work. I have already done an oil change, new front tire, new rear tire going on tomorrow, boot o-rings changed, Steve did a wonderful job on my carbs, and I have most of the parts I need purchased.

Here is what I have left to do. 1st is valve shims. Then put carbs back on while changing throttle and choke cables and syncing the carbs. All three brake calipers need to be done as well as new brake lines. All of this work is a first to me so I'm looking for good tips with the specific hang ups that I have that I can't easily find tips for by searching the forums.

My current issue is removing the cam cover. All the bolts came out easy but I can't get the cover off. I've knocked it around a little with a rubber mallet but can't seem to jar it loose. Any tips on how to unstick it? Once I get it off I feel good about my ability to do the rest of the work on this project.

Thanks in advance on any tips for this and future questions I might have.

 

[Redman]

If it is like the 1100g, there is one more cam cover screw that is hard to spot, next to the cam chain area.

 

[Bachness]

If it is like the 1100g, there is one more cam cover screw that is hard to spot, next to the cam chain area.

I removed 17 total and the 4 for the breather cover. I don't see anymore to remove.

 

[Steve]

OK, you got all 17 (plus 4). Sometimes you will encounter a very "thoughtful" previous owner who has used some gasket sealer. You will basically have to wedge a putty knife into the gasket area, being careful to not gouge any surfaces. Once you have it started, you should be able to work your way around.

Some earlier bikes (I don't remember which ones) had locator barrels on opposite corners of the valve cover to locate the cover positively. The parts fiche does not show them for your bike.

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[Bachness]

OK, you got all 17 (plus 4). Sometimes you will encounter a very "thoughtful" previous owner who has used some gasket sealer. You will basically have to wedge a putty knife into the gasket area, being careful to not gouge any surfaces. Once you have it started, you should be able to work your way around.

Some earlier bikes (I don't remember which ones) had locator barrels on opposite corners of the valve cover to locate the cover positively. The parts fiche does not show them for your bike.

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Perfect, thanks for the tip. There are locator barrels on the front left and rear right. Luckily I've got some patience and didn't try to hammer through them. Now to scrape off the gasket and clean the debris out of the area so I can get at the shim measurements.

 

[salty_monk]

The 650G works with the twinpot brake upgrade.... It's likely a similar cost to rebuilding the stock calipers after you've sold on the rotors. Just an idea for you.

I'm currently (very slowly!) putting together an 1100G

 

[Bachness]

The 650G works with the twinpot brake upgrade.... It's likely a similar cost to rebuilding the stock calipers after you've sold on the rotors. Just an idea for you.

I'm currently (very slowly!) putting together an 1100G

Thanks for the tip. I did a little reading and it doesn't seem I have the tools or time to deal with it right now. Looks like a good future project though.

Spending too much time trying to carefully scrape this glue and paper gasket out without throwing too much debris where it shouldn't be. I'm thinking about trying to dampen the gasket to maybe get it to hold together better and not crumble as much. Maybe oil would be better than water for this? Then I'm thinking I could use oil dampened q-tips to dab out pieces of gasket that are in the valve shim area? If anyone has dealt with this before and has a tip I'd be happy to hear it.