Hello From Vancouver

[stu78]

I have been riding dirt bikes, not competitively, for over 25 years now. This year I have decided to get my motorcycle license. Long story short.....about 12 years ago I rode a CBR 250, rode it, intending to get my license. Unfortunately, I had to cancel the motorcycle road test that I planned on taking. I then sold that bike because I needed some cash. Fast forward to about 3 weeks ago....I just purchased a 1983 GS400E. I love this bike. I will get my motorcycle license and have some fun this summer, touring British Columbia....as long as my wife will put up with it. I stumbled upon this forum while looking for information on my bike. After hiding out as a guest for a few weeks, it was time I registered because I am sure I will have many questions for all of you knowledgeable GS owners. I'll post some pics of my bike soon. I just wanted to introduce myself and get acquainted with some of you.

Thanks,

Alex

 

[trevor]

Hey Alex,
Welcome top the forum. Great bunch of people here. Looking forward to seeing some pics. Oh and btw, keep a look out for bike meets, shows etc. in your area...one in Aug in Chillawack called Vintage in the Valley...great show put on by Dale at Bigtop Powersports....
Cheers

 

[steve murdoch]

Welcome to the site, Alex.
You are a brave man for touring on a 450E.

 

[Guest]

Welcome to the site, Alex.
You are a brave man for touring on a 450E.

Brave? What exactly is it that makes a 400 unsuitable for touring?

If I could ride mine from BC to the tip of Baja and back - more than once - I don't see a problem. It has more horsepower than a BMW R60 and people rode those around the world.

What is it that scares you?

 

[Guest]

Nothing wrong with a 400 for touring, we're all used to the 850 class and up for that but your bike will do it just fine. Welcome to the site.

 

[BigD_83]

Nothing wrong with it as a solo rider, but if the wife is along as a passenger...that could lead to some interesting conversation. If she is as understanding as Trevor and Rob's better halves, maybe she'll ask you to get a second, more comfortable bike so she can be happier as a passenger.

Perhaps she wants to ride as well?

Welcome to the nuthouse, Alex.

In what part of the city do you park your ride?

 

[stu78]

This is one of the pictures I took of her the day I went to go see and buy. I knew that this bike needed a good tune up. It was stored for about 10 years. The guy took care of it though and started it every week while in storage. It did start very easily (cold start) and ran well. I have taken off the windshield and forward chrome bar that is sitting in front of the engine. It is still running really well so far. I have done an oil change and changed the spark plugs. I have no illusions that this bike will run flawlessly without maintenance or tweaking with it. In fact, I think I share the same sentiment as all of you GS owners by purchasing a bike of this vintage because we like to work on stuff.

BigD_83...As for my wife wanting to ride....not a hope. She pretty much wants nothing to do with it. One day she'll want to ride.... I live in Coquitlam. Lots of nice roads to ride around here. Next week I will complete the MST and be able to ride more on my own.

I wanted to post a few more pictures but I am unable to upload more than one. Should I dump them on photobucket and post links instead?

ALEX

 

[GS400L]

View attachment 45766

This is one of the pictures I took of her the day I went to go see and buy. I knew that this bike needed a good tune up. It was stored for about 10 years. The guy took care of it though and started it every week while in storage. It did start very easily (cold start) and ran well. I have taken off the windshield and forward chrome bar that is sitting in front of the engine. It is still running really well so far. I have done an oil change and changed the spark plugs. I have no illusions that this bike will run flawlessly without maintenance or tweaking with it. In fact, I think I share the same sentiment as all of you GS owners by purchasing a bike of this vintage because we like to work on stuff.

BigD_83...As for my wife wanting to ride....not a hope. She pretty much wants nothing to do with it. One day she'll want to ride.... I live in Coquitlam. Lots of nice roads to ride around here. Next week I will complete the MST and be able to ride more on my own.

I wanted to post a few more pictures but I am unable to upload more than one. Should I dump them on photobucket and post links instead?

ALEX

Hi Alex,

We're you able to to fix the oil leak?

 

[leducgser]

A 400 itself will tour fine. I saw a story of a couple of guys that rode to Alaska on the Alaska highway on a couple of Honda 360 twins. That must have been tough. I have a 400 twin that I've ridden long distances on and while the bike is easily capable of extended highway speeds I wouldn't want to tour on it. These are commuter bikes and are just not very comfortable for long trips. And your wife will start to complain after the first 100 kms or so guaranteed. another problem I encountered was the limited range on these bikes, have to plan your trip carefully. At highway speeds a 400 is working harder and burning more fuel than a bigger bike will. The only thing that helped me was my 400 had a 6 speed.

 

[stu78]

A 400 itself will tour fine. I saw a story of a couple of guys that rode to Alaska on the Alaska highway on a couple of Honda 360 twins. That must have been tough. I have a 400 twin that I've ridden long distances on and while the bike is easily capable of extended highway speeds I wouldn't want to tour on it. These are commuter bikes and are just not very comfortable for long trips. And your wife will start to complain after the first 100 kms or so guaranteed. another problem I encountered was the limited range on these bikes, have to plan your trip carefully. At highway speeds a 400 is working harder and burning more fuel than a bigger bike will. The only thing that helped me was my 400 had a 6 speed.

I would definitely agree that it has limitations on the highway. The revs are a little higher than I like while doing a buck ten down the highway. I have been calculating the last three gas tanks to be about 45-50 mpg...really not bad.

Being a short rider, this is a great first bike. As I ride it more, it feels lighter and easier to manage. BTW...I just passed my final road test on Wednesday. I have had a smile ear to ear....to bad the weather hasn't been nice since my road test. I know I have lots to learn still but it sure is damn fun riding that thing. I get alot of motorcycle riders in parking lots coming up to me and asking about the bike. I think the GS bikes have alot of allure to all types of riders whether they are sport riders or cruisers.

 

[BigD_83]

Where have you been riding so far? Have you had a chance to get north of Whistler or east of Mission?

There are enough of us in the Vancouver area that we should try to arrange a 2-3 day ride over the Duffy Lake Road, onwards to Princeton, down towards Wenatchee, and back to Vancouver via Cascades Highway 20. It's be an epic ride, not to be taken lightly, but a tonne of fun for sure.

 

[only7bikes]

Where have you been riding so far? Have you had a chance to get north of Whistler or east of Mission?

There are enough of us in the Vancouver area that we should try to arrange a 2-3 day ride over the Duffy Lake Road, onwards to Princeton, down towards Wenatchee, and back to Vancouver via Cascades Highway 20. It's be an epic ride, not to be taken lightly, but a tonne of fun for sure.

Hmmm, that sounds like a fun ride and depending on when it happens I'd entertain the idea. The GS1000L that I bought in John Day is looking better all the time. Must have a clutch, carb cleaning, air filter, tires and handlebar grips. I don't think the carbs have ever been apart because the lead caps are still covering the idle screws.

I'm riding the Tiddler Tour on Vashon Island tomorrow on my CL125.

 

[argonsagas]

Engine displacement has taken on a new understanding in the last couple of decades. People used to take smaller engine bikes anywhere they wanted to go, including cross country, without much concern.

In the 1950's 650cc was the BIGGEST you could get on a standard bike. When I got my Moto Guzzi V7 it was considered a LARGE bike.....700ccs!.

In 1970s Guzzi had a 750 that was prized in Europe for police work and later an 850. Guzzis were adopted by California Highway Patrol and they loved them.


All that said, highway speeds were lower than today, and to be safe on the roads you do need to keep up, but my experience with a Honda CM450 (1982) is that it WILL keep up, even with two aboard.

 

[stu78]

Where have you been riding so far? Have you had a chance to get north of Whistler or east of Mission?

There are enough of us in the Vancouver area that we should try to arrange a 2-3 day ride over the Duffy Lake Road, onwards to Princeton, down towards Wenatchee, and back to Vancouver via Cascades Highway 20. It's be an epic ride, not to be taken lightly, but a tonne of fun for sure.

I have been riding mostly in Coquitlam, Anmore, Richmond. I have yet to find a couple of hours in a row to go East on Lougheed Hwy towards Mission. I would definately like to meet up with any of you guys and go for a ride. Not sure if my wife would be too happy if I took off for a couple of days and leave her with 3 kids including a 6 month old....

But, a morning trip would be awesome.

 

[stu78]

Engine displacement has taken on a new understanding in the last couple of decades. People used to take smaller engine bikes anywhere they wanted to go, including cross country, without much concern.

In the 1950's 650cc was the BIGGEST you could get on a standard bike. When I got my Moto Guzzi V7 it was considered a LARGE bike.....700ccs!.

In 1970s Guzzi had a 750 that was prized in Europe for police work and later an 850. Guzzis were adopted by California Highway Patrol and they loved them.


All that said, highway speeds were lower than today, and to be safe on the roads you do need to keep up, but my experience with a Honda CM450 (1982) is that it WILL keep up, even with two aboard.

To be honest, anything bigger than a 400 or 450 would require me to really modify the bike. I'm 5 feet 3 inches with boots on. I am quite comfortable with my 400. I am somewhat limited to the smaller engines. I'm happy now, but i'm sure i'll want something bigger in a year or two. I'm keeping this one forever though. It's alot of fun to ride.

 

[argonsagas]

To be honest, anything bigger than a 400 or 450 would require me to really modify the bike. I'm 5 feet 3 inches with boots on. I am quite comfortable with my 400. I am somewhat limited to the smaller engines. I'm happy now, but i'm sure i'll want something bigger in a year or two. I'm keeping this one forever though. It's alot of fun to ride.

Leg length/Inseam becomes important when stopping at traffic lights, etc. and centre of gravity for the bike is also important, especially when stopped, but when in motion it is not really noticed.

I am a few inches taller than you and found the GS1100s, all models, were my leg limit when stopped as they are both heavy and top-heavy and when they go over more than a few degrees from vertical my leg length does not permit my feet to to move far enough away from the bike to support it without increasing strain, then, there is the point where it is no longer possible to restrain it, and it will go over.

On the occasions my feet have hit gravel or sand on pavement and the feet slip, the bike just went down. I learned to hop off while it was in that final moment and, except once, it has been embarrassing, but no other concerns.

The once I went down with it was on snow, actually when I hit a patch of very dirty snow that I did not see when turning into a gas station at night. At a higher speed it may have just gone over it, but I was just at walking speed when the front wheel slipped sideways and the bike went down so quickly I could not get away from it before it hit the ground. No damage at all, (aside from embarrassment) and I was able to get out and stand it up right away.

 

[stu78]

Leg length/Inseam becomes important when stopping at traffic lights, etc. and centre of gravity for the bike is also important, especially when stopped, but when in motion it is not really noticed.

I am a few inches taller than you and found the GS1100s, all models, were my leg limit when stopped as they are both heavy and top-heavy and when they go over more than a few degrees from vertical my leg length does not permit my feet to to move far enough away from the bike to support it without increasing strain, then, there is the point where it is no longer possible to restrain it, and it will go over.

It would be interesting to find other GS's and try to sit on them to see how they feel. Are these bikes naturally top heavy? My 400 is about 425lbs wet.....i'm guessing. Honestly, I don't have very much trouble controlling it at a stoplight or intersection. How much heavier are the 600's? 750's? 1000's? I have never sat on a cruiser but would that be easier, because of the lower center of gravity, to manage at a stop?

 

[ddaniels]

Welcome to the forum. Don't worry about getting a larger displacement if you are comfy enough on yours. It will do fine on the highway.

 

[Guest]

I would definitely agree that it has limitations on the highway. The revs are a little higher than I like while doing a buck ten down the highway. I have been calculating the last three gas tanks to be about 45-50 mpg...really not bad.

You should be turning almost 6K at 110kmph. The sweet spot for cruising on these motors is between 5 and 6k; they'll run indefinitely at that speed. The power [such as it is] kicks in between 6500 and 9500, so you're one shift away from passing or steep hills on the highway.

When you consider the short 56mm stroke, the piston is travelling at the same speed as a typical 80mm stroke at about 4000 rpm. The valves are tiny and low lift so they aren't a factor below 10k. What IS a limitation on these motors is heat; I'd say the limit is constant operation above 120 kmph in hot weather - but then there is a speed limit anyway.

The other limitation is fuel. Because of the 10:1 compression ratio you need to run 92 octane gas. Mine would always ping on mid grade and regular was hopeless. In cold weather you can get away with it at low speeds. The best option is the 94 ethanol free from Chevron or Shell. Ethanol will make the mixture leaner which makes it burn hotter; not a problem on fuel injected bikes with a compensating feedback loop, but anything air cooled with a carb really shouldn't run ethanol. Even my lawnmower agrees. Sure, it works, but it wash't designed for it.

I would strongly recommend checking the valve adjustment as soon as practical. It's easy; the forum will be there to assist, and the cost is minimal at a valve cover gasket. On these motors, the consequences of not doing it could be seriously expensive so ignoring it isn't logical.

The fuel tap should be checked for leakage - super easy - and of course the oil should have been changed recently with the right stuff. With fresh appropriate oil and the valves adjusted you can wail away with no worries.

My experience is that you should be getting about 65 -70mpg CDN - not that the Imperial gallon really exists any more. I prefer km/L instead of that silly l/100km brainfart; in which case you should be getting about 23 km/L.

 

[Gorminrider]

How much heavier are the 600's? 750's? 1000's?

My 650 is top heavy compared to our 400s. Top heavy turns into an advantage ... can be really easy to U turn from a full stop. You don't have to hold it in a turn-you just drop it and run the throttle...(am I describing it right?)

I have never sat on a cruiser but would that be easier, because of the lower center of gravity, to manage at a stop?

On your bike, you are a large part of the "gravity".It's therefore "balance", not gravity.. I'm no gymnast and maybe too old but still, I strive to"grace" .... Watch some videos of good bike handlers and it's grace which follows from skill whichever bike they ride and however tall or short they are.

That said, if you (meaning note-to-self!) pack a load, bias it ever so slightly to your "leg down" side until you learn to remember that there IS a load up high. I hate those top-cases because I know I would fill it so I won't allow one aboard.

as to low-riders, I am surmising based on limited experience and the general assumption that bikes are made for the median population....and they are still made to suit the normal leg length (30-32"?) so riding them might involve another "get-used to it" stretch. and don't Your legs move further from "foot forward" to the ground? Certainly the posture is different. Your "leg down" may still have to get around a wider seat, which can make a bit of difference as well. Roughly, I'm really saying that bikes for shorter legs is just a matter of research. Some suit shorter people better than others whatever the style.
Just avoiding parking on slopes won't be hard to learn. I've a friend same height as you. He was thinking shorter shocks, narrowing the seat, low bikes and while he has slightly narrowed a seat on one bike, he rides a pretty tall bikes and it's pretty much just avoid parking on slopes.