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New from Oregon, GS425

  • Thread starter Thread starter A74R1
  • Start date Start date
A

A74R1

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Hello all... been lurking for awhile now, huge member over at another forum for my other bike a Yamaha xt225, but now I feel since I've owned my 79 GS425 for about 9 months now and have been doing a bunch of work on it, I thought it was time to introduce myself.

Live in the outer suburbs of Portland on the west side and had recently been looking to get a more of a commuter bike for running into work. I've put over 40k miles on my little dual sport and felt like it should be putting those miles in the dirt, not on the street. Back in October I saw a poorly written ad on CL selling a non-running GS425L some kid didn't know what to do with. I ventured down to check out the bike and ended up putting an offer of $300 on it. Guy took my offer and I went home with the keys. Since it was non-running I had a friend trailer it to my work where it sat for a good 6 months while I tinkered on it. This is what it looked like the day it arrived.

photo1-2.jpg


7,000 on the odometer and from what I can tell in pretty decent shape.. I've replaced a lot of things to get it back in working order, so that has definitely kept me busy. My main goal is to turn it into a retro-mod brat/cafe style bike.. I think I'm nearly there, just need to add a few more things and polish up some covers...

but this is what it looks like now...

image1-4.jpeg


Runs pretty well, but having an issue with the left side ignition coil... I would love to hear some input on this issue... I think I've narrowed it down to a dying coil.. my symptoms are that it start bogging and afterfiring around 6-7000 rpm and won't go above that unless I'm in 1st gear, sometimes 2nd. Had tested the coil and it is showing just slightly lower than 3ohm resistence. It's driving me mad I just want to be riding!

Anyways... that's the jist of it. I look forward to spending more time on this site and perhaps connecting with a few fellow GS owners in the area. Cheers!
 
Welcome to the forum. There are a few member in the Portland area and maybe someone can loan you a coil to see if that's it. I've had symptoms as you've described and it turned out to be dirty carbs and a leaking intake system. What you've done so far, changing the seat and such, looks great!

cg
 
Welcome mate! Looks like you're doing a good job with the 425 there, I'm definitely a fan of these little GS Twins :)

Has it still got points? If so, it could be the condensor rather than the coil that's causing you grief...
 
pete said:
Welcome mate! Looks like you're doing a good job with the 425 there, I'm definitely a fan of these little GS Twins :)

Has it still got points? If so, it could be the condensor rather than the coil that's causing you grief...
Click to expand...


Appreciate it! I really love the bike as well, when it is running well anyways...

So yes, it still does have points, and I've recently purchased a used coil off ebay and when I put it in the bike ran perfectly for about 15-20 min, or I'm guessing until the coil heated up? But I am still experiencing the same issues of backfiring and bogging only on that coil's side. I don't think it's a leak or the carbs, I've been through them 3 times now and like I said, the bike actually runs perfectly with a good coil in there. Does anyone know if there is a replacement for the stock coils for a good price? I don't think I want to convert to electronic ignition at this point.
 
I don't have one, but I do so love the 400-series bikes from most of the Japanese manufacturers. It looks like you have been putting in some quality time rehabbing yours.

Have you tried swapping the coils around to see if the problem follows it?

PS I like the new seat
 
It's more likely the condenser that is failing, rather than the coil

Replace your points and condensors, they go bad with time
 
BigD_83 said:
I don't have one, but I do so love the 400-series bikes from most of the Japanese manufacturers. It looks like you have been putting in some quality time rehabbing yours.

Have you tried swapping the coils around to see if the problem follows it?

PS I like the new seat
Click to expand...


I actually have swapped the coils and the problem does follow it. This is why I'm thinking it is the coil. Anyway to bench test the condensers? I know that they are in line actually bolted onto the coil itself. Would it be as simple as cutting the wire and splicing a new one in? I have a few replacement parts to try...
 
Welcome to the forum and keep up the good work on your bike. The condenser being mentioned is for the points. Would be happy to give you a hand, am home most days. I have a few parts maybe we can find a coil that will work.

V
 
ok... so last night I apparently had decided to go through everything one last time... test all connection, test voltages, test resistences, tighten bolts, swap coils, all those things... What can possibly be going on with my bike?!?!?

Ended up not finding any issues and felt oddly at ease once I finished putting the tank and seat back on...

Watched an episode of #bikerlive and went to bed...

Woke up this morning, and like a miracle my bikes is fixed!!

Through all my tinkering and swapping out coils and being hasteful and not tightening up the bolts on the coils, I realized it wasn't being grounded enough and at a certain rpm or voltage charge that is what was causing all my rough running issues. Ended up being one of the simple things possible... but now at least I know everything is buttoned up... timing, valves, connections, electrical, carbs cleaned and adjusted, bike is in tip top running condition.

Guess all your responses from yesterday made me decide to have one last go over and it seemed to have worked. YA!! :clap:
 
Glad to hear it! Now you can really just go ride and have fun, the best thing about these old girls is servicing them, repairing them, improving them, whatever, then getting to just riiiiiiiiiiide when it all works out :D

How'd you get it in the gallery at the last pic there? Do you work there or something?
 
pete said:
Glad to hear it! Now you can really just go ride and have fun, the best thing about these old girls is servicing them, repairing them, improving them, whatever, then getting to just riiiiiiiiiiide when it all works out :D

How'd you get it in the gallery at the last pic there? Do you work there or something?
Click to expand...

I own and operate a small fine art printing business and gallery.. It's nice to have free parking downtown Portland, just ride in and park it in the back.
 
gustovh said:
I like the idea, your bike is looking nice. Where is the gallery located?
V
Click to expand...

Downtown Portland in the Pearl... Pearl Printing and Gallery.

Most likely if you stop by in the dry months I'll be riding the GS. :)
 
went on a ride Saturday to go pick up a new pair of summer gloves.... on the way back I lost power to the right cylinder in 2nd gear around 10k rpm while trying to pass a truck. Figuring I friend a coil or condenser, I managed to make it home on just the 1 cylinder. Upon inspection found that the contact point on the right side decided to destroy itself, separating the point from the spring and frying the points. Got 2 on order and going to replace both at the same time.. guess this is what I should expect for a 35 year old bike being on the road for the first time in 21 years..
 
It was never a difficult job to set points and time them, but I don't miss it. I'd look into converting it if I were you. It might be a bit pricey though.

cg
 
Charlie G said:
It was never a difficult job to set points and time them, but I don't miss it. I'd look into converting it if I were you. It might be a bit pricey though.

cg
Click to expand...

Looked into that and have read mixed reviews..

I've read about some that convert and don't get much more than a few thousand miles out of the new electronic system before it fails..

I think it's close to $350 to convert my particular bike over, and I'm thinking it may be cheaper to keep with points..

Perhaps I should just carry spares with me?
 
Change your condensors also (you can do that without changing the timing)

$350?

No Dyna S for your bike?
 
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