My very first bike Gs850GLZ

[pureinstinct]

So Ive jumped into making sure my Suzuki GS850glz runs almost new.

When i bought it it made a 45 min trip to my house, so i would say its in fair shape. But ive read most of gs out there 98% of them aren't running the way they should. And i would like for my bike to run awesome.
So far, i have the carbs all torn down and dipped in berry man carb dip.
Was waiting on some cash to buy parts. Had my pilot jet give me trouble when removing. I had to Drill the sucker out This is where i am as of today.

Im having the intake boots change as they were hard-brittle. still not sure if i should change the air boots. or go with pods?? Advice.

Also my air filter smells like gas. and i'm positive the filter hasn't been change in some good 10 years. Again with pods, should i go pods or buy new filter and new air boots?

Ive read a lot of cliffs page as well as the garage and many of the rebuilds. But im not too sure of what rout to take as far as in which odder should i work on my bike. Like i mention i want to run almost new. I know this will take time and some mulla. But with in time of course.

Id like to share my experience working on this bike. This is my first bike and proud to own her!
Pics to come of the fun I've had.

 

[terrylee]

Do a valve adjustment while waiting on the carbs. Read ten mistakes newbies make on Basscliff's site and check them off your list as you go. terrylee

 

[eil]

Hi there! It sounds like you're off to a good start! The 'Z' at the end of your model number, is that a 1983? I have me a GS850GLT (1980) that I've gone through over the winter and am just now getting out onto the road.

But ive read most of gs out there 98% of them aren't running the way they should. And i would like for my bike to run awesome.

Good on ya! These old bikes need people like us to treat them well.

Im having the intake boots change as they were hard-brittle. still not sure if i should change the air boots. or go with pods?? Advice.

If any of the boots are not perfectly flexible, replace 'em. I know it's not cheap, but the bike just will not run right if the boots don't make a good seal against the carbs and airbox.

Also my air filter smells like gas. and i'm positive the filter hasn't been change in some good 10 years. Again with pods, should i go pods or buy new filter and new air boots?

I'd recommend against pods. Reason being that if you switch to pods, you then have to fine-tune the shiat out of the carbs to get the bike to run right through the entire range of RPMs. It's a lot of trial and error, mostly error. There are people who are very good at doing these adjustments, but they have years of practice at it. I say stick to the stock airbox and be happy the the Suzuki engineers figured out all the hard stuff for you 30 years ago.

It might be time for a new filter. If the existing one isn't all crumbly, you can reuse it by washing it gently with soap and water and then giving it a very light spritz of oil. If the filter is not serviceable, you can purchase a replacement. There's also very likely a K&N filter that fits in the stock airbox, but costs a bit more coin than the original foam.

Ive read a lot of cliffs page as well as the garage and many of the rebuilds. But im not too sure of what rout to take as far as in which odder should i work on my bike.

Don't worry, you're on the right track. Get the engine running like a top and then move onto other stuff. Read the service manual, especially the Periodic Maintenance section and do all of it. If you're actively riding it, I'd focus my attention on the brakes sooner rather than later. See my thread for the reasons why.

Good luck!

 

[Good Times]

I have the same bike. Love it. I have pods, but that's what was on when I bought it. I did have to rejet my carbs to match the pods and 4 into 1 exhaust. The PO had not done it correctly and the bike did not run right.

I would stick with the airbox if I were you. It'd be money either way. More if you had to rejet. You won't get a noticeable increase in performance with Pods only.

Ok, now post up some pictures of the bike!

 

[pureinstinct]

 

[pureinstinct]

This here are my csrbs almost taken apart. Had some trouble with thoose worn out screws.



Organization is key



This my nasty looking tank. Wish it werent true

 

[pureinstinct]

Im guessing there was rust in the tank for some time now. The petcock filter screen tore with the lighest touch. So im looking for this part of the petcock.



This is something els im doughting in re-using. But im trying to use what is still re-usable. Anyone have ay tips on this part. Im not to sure of the proper name for it.



While im playing the question game. This hose leaks oil when bike is turned on. Im not to sure were it goes or what its use is.. would anyone like to educate me.

 

[Good Times]

That's the tach cable. Needs to be replaced and you might as well go ahead and replace the tach drive oil seal and oil band.

I believe the other part is your tank float. Runs the gas gauge indicator.

Get an entire new petcpck. Not worth the hassle to rebuild. It will not work for long.

Evapo rust for the tank or take it to a radiator shop and have them line it. Typically the cheapest and most effective option.

Probably need to spend some time on basscliffs site. He has tutorials for all of this. I would advise looking over the carb tutorial.

If you haven't already post up in the GS owners area and you'll get his mega welcome.

Good luck.