Gs1100 needs engine rebuild. Is it even worth it?

[mumbufuku]

So I've got an 82 GS1100gl that I've had for a few years. This bike is absolutely not in showroom condition, there's rust forming on the frame, and the tank and side covers need to be repainted. Also found out that the odometer was replaced at some time in its life so actual miles are unknown. It's current running conditions are very poor before the engine is fully warmed up. I started it a few days ago and my whole garage was filled with blue smoke. There's a lower end knock, the timing chain sounds like its going to explode out of the block, and it misfires so bad that it'll bog out at anything more then 1/4 throttle, banging and backfiring all the way. Just spent about 300 dollars rebuilding the charging system so that it even runs at all. Had the carbs and valves looked over about a year and a half ago.

Haven't done a compression test on it yet so can't comment on that. The part that I find strange is that when its fully warmed up, it runs "fine". Plugs look fine too.

I guess my question is do you think its worth trying to rebuild an engine on a bike that is worth maybe 1500 dollars fully restored, or should I just cut my losses and attempt to part it out.

 

[Steve]

That might depend a lot on how sentimentally attached you are to it and how mechanically-inclined you are. :-k

If you can do most of the grunt labor and just contract out the special stuff (surfacing the head and block), you should be able to re-do the engine for less than $500. If you have to have a shop do all the work for you, it will likely cost at least $1500.

Not sure why you would have put that much into the charging system. A new stator is not that much money (unless you only buy OEM), and an improved R/R can occasionally be found for about $50.

The timing chain issue might be a matter of setting the automatic tensioner so it can actually adjust the tension. It is distressingly rather common to find that they were installed incorrectly.

The misfiring and bogging sounds like a carburetor issue. Easy enough to rebuild the carbs or have someone here on the forum do them for you. There are a few of us that provide this service.

The blue smoke (especially when starting) is usually valve seals. Requires removing the head, which then also requires removing the cylinders to change the base gasket. Depending on the miles, might as well do the rings while you are there.

Now, you are likely to get a few responses saying that "it's an L, it's not worth anything", but you can safely ignore them. There is nothing inherently wrong with an L. The biggest problem is the uncomfortable handlbars, but they can be changed easily. After that, it's the seat (also fixable) and the smaller gas tank (not much of a problem, but not easily changed).

.

 

[mumbufuku]

The main cost of that 300 dollars was replacing the melted wiring harness that the previous owner turned into a rats nest of poor connections and babies first solder joint. I did everything... new battery, regulator, stator, starter switch, starter relay, then sending it out to a shop to figure out why it wouldn't start (bad clutch safety switch)


As far as the rebuild is concerned, I'm an automotive mechanic and dabble on motorcycles on the side, so I'm sure I could figure it out. Is there any specialist tools I would need other then the typical hand tools?

The main concerns I have with the rebuild is parts availability and price. Sure I could rebuild it but I would still be taking a loss. I'm not sentimentally attached to this bike as I have a much newer Yamaha fj-09 which I love. The problem is that nobody is going to by a bike that needs major engine work. So I'm kinda stuck with it till I get it sorted out

 

[ukjules]

It surely is impossible not to be sentimantally attached
to this poor bike !
It must be saved !

This is the site for help ! as I'm sure you know.

I would as a step one give it a good days
service work! and see where your at then.

Check timing, plugs , leads , air filter ,
status of plugs and carb settings.
Check inlet carb boots...
Bite the bullet and check the valve clearances
but prepare to get a new cam cover gasket.

if no better get the head off and as said
perhaps new valve seals ... valve lapping.

I reckon a days work then report back !

(if it helps I have my second engine out
and have to do exactly the same !! on that one)

 

[mumbufuku]

Oh and another thing its doing, the left turn signal works fine on both sides front to back. The right front just stays on when you hit the switch, the right rear doesn't even come on. The bulbs and the connections are both ok. Checked for voltage at the rear when switch is on and it is getting power. Kind of at a loss on what to check next.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Check the ground wire for that rear signal but to answer your question - yes it's worth it

 

[Redman]

Oh and another thing its doing, the left turn signal works fine on both sides front to back. The right front just stays on when you hit the switch, the right rear doesn't even come on. The bulbs and the connections are both ok. Checked for voltage at the rear when switch is on and it is getting power. Kind of at a loss on what to check next.

is not flashing because (assuming stock flasher) the one bulb is not comming on. If have power at the socket, and bulb is good and making contact, then problem likely related to the ground.

 

[GalDemSuga]

The main cost of that 300 dollars was replacing the melted wiring harness that the previous owner turned into a rats nest of poor connections and babies first solder joint. I did everything... new battery, regulator, stator, starter switch, starter relay, then sending it out to a shop to figure out why it wouldn't start (bad clutch safety switch)


As far as the rebuild is concerned, I'm an automotive mechanic and dabble on motorcycles on the side, so I'm sure I could figure it out. Is there any specialist tools I would need other then the typical hand tools?

The main concerns I have with the rebuild is parts availability and price. Sure I could rebuild it but I would still be taking a loss. I'm not sentimentally attached to this bike as I have a much newer Yamaha fj-09 which I love. The problem is that nobody is going to by a bike that needs major engine work. So I'm kinda stuck with it till I get it sorted out

I'm no professional mechanic but with help from the great members on this forum, I just rebuilt my 82 GS1100G. So you can do it too!! Good Luck and get to it.