My new project thread: 78' GS750

[Spiff]

Hi there, It seems my old introduction and project thread has gone missing, I have no clue what has happened to it so l thought I'd just make a new one since things have started to come along now.
Here's the bike:

A 1978 GS750(E I believe), the cylinder block and top end has been swapped out for a 850 unit along with the carbs at some point.

Now I have started to dismantle various parts so I can clean up the bike after it has been standing for the last 10 years or so...
It's also getting a respray in a nice metallic black along with new decals of the original pinstriping.
I have ordered new "suzuki" and "gs750" emblems and I will also try to get a hold of new decals for the engine side covers.
Here it is today:

I've also ordered new fork seals and springs

 

[7981GS]

Not sure if there is a solution to this but, I would recommend coating the side cover emblems with some kind of coating as the paint rubs off of them if you ride your bike.
My NOS ones didn't last 100 miles before the gold was missing on the "GS" letters.

Eric

 

[Spiff]

hmmm... thanks for the heads up! I'll keep it in my head

 

[chuck hahn]

Find whoever made that seat and beat their brains out with it!!!!

 

[tkent02]

I was just going to say I love the seat... Except for the color.

 

[obsidianghost]

Normally I would dislike that seat, but with the color of the bike I kind of dig it. Its kind of a nice look.

 

[TheCafeKid]

If you ever what to sell that seat, let me know. I'd even toss a stocker into the deal maybe...

 

[Charlie G]

Welcome back Spiff! I'm glad to see your still working on the bike. Do I remember right, that the bike was you Mom's? It's been awhile....


Charlie G

 

[chuck hahn]

Dont hit your mom with the seat if she did it..but that color is just too much for the eyes to endure.

 

[Spiff]

Welcome back Spiff! I'm glad to see your still working on the bike. Do I remember right, that the bike was you Mom's? It's been awhile....

Charlie G

Thanks, that is correct

I'll throw in one more pic of the seat just for fun

Witch is awesome btw... but agreed; maybe not the colour It's getting reupholstered. I'm thinking brown leather, to go along with the brown pinstriping on the tank.

And for something else, NOS!!!!

And front brake master cylinder:

Did some polishing today on the side cover, it came out pretty good even though the pics doesn't quite show it.
A couple of more treatments and I reckon it'll be perfect.

compared to the other side:

I'm also gonna remove carbs and valve cover to better clean them, they're really dirty:

 

[Spiff]

Some other problem areas:
chrome on the gas cap cover is a little worse for wear....

I'm thinking about getting it rechromed since I can't find another one in good shape anywhere it seems...

the starter cover and clutch adjustment cover show similar signs of wear but those are more hidden so I think I can live with that but the gas cap cover really bugs me...

This one is pretty self explanatory I think

I'm gonna replace the headlight, trim and bucket. But it looks like I need to replace the brackets too, if I can't bend them in to shape. Can't drive around with the indicators like that

Here's the damaged headlight trim rings and there is also cracks in the headlight bucket.

And lastly, I'm missing the knob for the light switch!

Annoying as without it it's possible to push the lever a little further than it should and then the rear light and instrument lights doesn't work.
So if anyone has a knob that will fit and can spare it I would greatly appreciate it if you could make the effort and send it to me

 

[cowboyup3371]

You can still get them OEM and pretty cheap too. I just picked up mine from my local shop (last time I order from them though - their attitude is making me go to Boulevard more and more) and some new screws from Ace

 

[Spiff]

Today I got my new progressive springs and fork seals.
So I have started to change them, but I forgot to buy oil for the forks so I can't assemble them yet
Anyway, notice how much the old springs have sat themself compared to the new ones.

New fork seal:

Does anyone have a trick on how to remove these? Man I struggled with getting it out, would appreciate if someone knows of an easy way for when I do the other side.

Also, there wasn't any stopper ring for the oil seal. I'm guessing I should get a new installed before I assemble the fork again?
And do people here use fork oil or the 50/50 mix of atf and motor oil?

 

[cowboyup3371]

If the metal clip is already out, just take a pick (all I used) and start prying it up. You'll want to replace them anyway.

 

[Spiff]

I did the other yesterday, it had the clip ring in it. So I'm gonna order up a new one before I assemble the front end again.

Also, I came across some old photos of the bike way back in 97 I think. So I scanned them, since I knew you guys would probably like to see

 

[Spiff]

So now I'm a little uncertain, 'cuz I've already bought the black metallic paint. But seeing the bike in red...

 

[Charlie G]

Thanks for the pictures, Spiff. Personally I think the blue bikes are faster.

cg

 

[Spiff]

Why do I have the feeling you're biased ?

Bonus points if anyone knows the paint code for that red!

 

[Spiff]

Spent a whole lot of cash today on more nos parts:
-headlight bucket with all chrome trim rings.
-new headlight switch knob
-gs850 choke cable
-new screws for the tank emblems
-new stopper rings for the side emblems
-new decal on the right side engine cover
-new stopper ring for the fork seal.

Updates to follow once I receive the parts

 

[Spiff]

Today I was gonna overhaul the master brake cylinder but realised that If I started to squeeze the brake lever my brake pads and possibly the brake piston would fall out since my front end isn't assembled

I then thought; lets clean the carbs then. So I removed them but when I was in the process of splitting them I realised I would destroy the phillips head bolts whitout an impact driver. So guess what i'm gonna be buying tomorrow...

So nothing went according to plan since I also forgot to pickup sandpaper for wetsanding of the tank so I just started to polish stuff...
Some results;

before shots of the rear indicator

after shots

Fork brace and front indicators;

Mirrors:

Wonder if I will get it together again