GS 1000 - Ugly seat

[Roadrash 1000]

The 1980 GS 1000 I just picked up has the worst seat, backrest, rack thing going on. I want to get rid of that and into something much smaller. There is a motorcycle graveyard down the road from my house. Can I pick up something I like better and make it fit, or do I have to work with the one I already have? Thanks.

 

[bonanzadave]

I see ya deleted the Craigs listing. Post that picture back up. I dont think many people saw it.

 

[80GS1000]

Which year/model of GS1000 do you have? Sounds like a G or L model. And yeah, they are hideous. :lol:

Do you like the way the E model GS1000 seats look? I would imagine it would be a straight swap, but check the dimensions first before laying out cash.

And all modifications are possible, just a matter of measuring, time, and cash.

 

[Roadrash 1000]

Hey Dave, I tried to post a picture of the bike but it was to hard on this sight. The picture you saw was when I was mad at it and put it on Craigs List. ha ha I took it off because I want to keep it now. The old man has it at his house fixing it for me. The bike is a 1980 GS1000G. I like the one in the picture 80GS1000 has. The E model seat is a better seat for me also, thanks for pointing it out. I don't like the handle bars also, but that will be alittle later.

 

[bonanzadave]

Post a pic

Post a pic

John its not that hard. Setup a photobucket photo album and with this site and the photobucket site up at the same time just copy and paste. Or send me that picture and Ill post it here. Im at:
I know nothing about that seat so your at the mercy of the gurus here. Begging and groveling for answers helps. :-D
At least your near sport wheels.

 

[Roadrash 1000]

Ok guys Daves going to be cool and help me out with a picture. The bikes going to need more than a seat. I'm taking the little fairing thing off along with the highway pegs. I'd like to change the handle bars also, ones that go staight across. Any ideas of ones that would fit this model? Thanks alot for everyones help, my bike and I really need it.

 

[80GS1000]

Ok guys Daves going to be cool and help me out with a picture. The bikes going to need more than a seat. I'm taking the little fairing thing off along with the highway pegs. I'd like to change the handle bars also, ones that go staight across. Any ideas of ones that would fit this model? Thanks alot for everyones help, my bike and I really need it.

Any 7/8" bar will fit. The ones that are flat across are called drag bars. Check them out here: http://motors.search.ebay.com/searc...=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=

 

[Roadrash 1000]

Thanks alot 80GS1000. That is exactly what I'm looking for. Handle bar problem solved. If anybody thinks I should do anything else to the bike speek up. You can't hurt my feelings so don't be shy.

 

[80GS1000]

Thanks alot 80GS1000. That is exactly what I'm looking for. Handle bar problem solved. If anybody thinks I should do anything else to the bike speek up. You can't hurt my feelings so don't be shy.

Post up a pic of your bike and we'll offer some constructive criticism. :-D

 

[Roadrash 1000]

I tried the Image Shack thing but had no luck. So I sent a picture to Dave to post for me. Remember this bike needs help. ha ha I got those handle bars off ebay, thanks for the tip. Your going to get a good laugh when you see it. Go ahead and rip it apart.

 

[bonanzadave]

Hey John, No one is gonna rip it apart. Its got lots of potential. You think the seat and sissy bar suck but someone is looking for one in the parts wanted section. Ill post your pic there too. Good luck !

 

[Billyboy]

There's nothing wrong with that seat and rack. What you've got there is a touring bike.

If you can't find a good seat, you can cut that one down like I did mine.

 

[80GS1000]

Hey John, No one is gonna rip it apart. Its got lots of potential. You think the seat and sissy bar suck but someone is looking for one in the parts wanted section. Ill post your pic there too. Good luck !

It's actually pretty nice looking.

I'm an "E" guy so here's what I would suggest. Ditch that seat, the handlebars, the windscreen, and those tires. Get an "E" seat, install those drag bars you bought, get some Pirelli Sport Demon tires. Repaint that blacked out engine. Ditch the dorky, huge stock turn signals, replace them with something like GSXR 750 signals. The bike would look great that way.

 

[Billyboy]

It's actually pretty nice looking.

I'm an "E" guy so here's what I would suggest. Ditch that seat, the handlebars, the windscreen, and those tires. Get an "E" seat, install those drag bars you bought, get some Pirelli Sport Demon tires. Repaint that blacked out engine. Ditch the dorky, huge stock turn signals, replace them with something like GSXR 750 signals. The bike would look great that way.

Sure it would! But it's not an "E". Its a "G". Sparpy just sent me a scanned copy of an article about the GS1000G. It is hailed as one of the best touring bikes of its day.

 

[80GS1000]

Sure it would! But it's not an "E". Its a "G". Sparpy just sent me a scanned copy of an article about the GS1000G. It is hailed as one of the best touring bikes of its day.

True enough. What would you suggest to improve the looks on his "G" model?

 

[Roadrash 1000]

Thanks Dave your a great help. Ok I can tell I better be careful of what I say. The seat is fine for some but its just not my style. I am on the same page as 80GS1000. Is my bike a G model? The title called it something else. Its getting changed over so I don't have it right now but it had 2 letters at the end. This is NOT a stock seat right guys? Thanks Billy for schooling me on my touring bike. This is a great site and everyone is so helpful. I have alot to learn.

 

[Billyboy]

RR1000, yeah, you've got a G. Shaft drive. Maintenence (almost) free.

PM me your email and I'll send you an article about your bike.

As far as looks, I'll admit they're not the prettiest, but very functional.

I'd start with a real good cleaning. Repaint the jugs like was said.

If it was me.... I'd Paint it. Someone tried to make it look fast and bada$$, which it could be... It is fast. I'd paint it some nice rich classy colours.

I'd throw on a sport touring fairing, or even go as far as a vetter or windjammer, and maybe some hardbags. Keeping with the classic styling it has. I want to do some long distance touring and that bike would do it.

Of course, I'm not particular to the big heavy GK models, but these are the mods I'd do, GIVEN THAT I ALREADY HAVE A GS1000. See sig.

If I didn't already have my bike, I'd do like 80GS1000 said.

 

[dpep]

That is not a stock GS seat. All you have to do is find a stock, flat 79-81 850G or 1000G seat and bolt it on. You could try to get a few bucks selling the seat you have. Or of course you have the option of cutting down and reupholstering it yourself.

 

[80GS1000]

...but these are the mods I'd do, GIVEN THAT I ALREADY HAVE A GS1000. See sig.

If I didn't already have my bike, I'd do like 80GS1000 said.

Good suggestions there.

Not sure I understand your point, and I'm not trying to flame - I have a GS1000 too, granted it's in the process of being rebuilt.

Maybe I should just keep quiet and let the G and L guys offer up their advice on a G bike.

 

[Billyboy]

Good suggestions there.

Not sure I understand your point, and I'm not trying to flame - I have a GS1000 too, granted it's in the process of being rebuilt.

No flame percieved.

I mean my GS1000 C is set up with a shaved down "superbike" style seat, and Euro sport bars. These give me a forward lean and an agressive position. My bike is a chain drive. Currently its nekkid, but I'm putting a gs1150 fairing on it.

Had I also a GS1000 "G" (Shaft drive) that is made for the long haul, I'd set it up for touring. Comfort, wind protection, storage.

Only having 1 bike, I'm making a compromise between the two styles with the addition of the GS1150 fairing.