New GS owner, 79 Terry Vance GS1000

[BAchvytrk]

Hey all, I'm new to the GS world but not new to old bikes. I have quite a collection and am pleased to ad this 79 Terry Vance edition gs1000 to my collection. I'm looking for more information about the bike. From what I have found out so far, it was a contest giveaway bike and they only made 10 of them. I found the ad from April of 79 for the contest, and have the original documentation from the contest give away. Can anyone tell me anymore info? This bike needs quite a bit of work, but it seems like it will be a worthwhile project. I've heard good things about this group and look forward to all your help and advice!

 

[dorkburger]

Welcome. Cant really help, but definitely an interesting bike, and great that its documented. Good luck with it.

 

[Vmass]

Welcome to the site! That is a very cool bike. I do recall a couple of threads on this site over the years regarding the Terry Vance bikes and the contest. I seem to remember a thread about one being crashed and totaled. So, I think you may have 1 of 9.

What's the plan for the bike?

 

[steve murdoch]

Welcome to the site.
That one sure wasn't on CL very long.
There have been a couple of them through the site over the years.
One of them was BOTM. Good luck with the resto.

Go to http://www.thegsresources.com/botmgallery.php and check out the July 2010 motorcycle.

 

[Vmass]

Does anyone know if the ten contest bikes could be identified by a VIN or was this simply a paint swap without documentation?

 

[rudeman]

It was a contest prize touting Terry Vance's 1978 IDBA Pro Stock Title. Basically a bone stock GS1000N painted to resemble the Vance and Hines bike. I think they were still racing for R.C. Engineering at the time. This is the ONLY factory replica bike based on the GS1000.

 

[BAchvytrk]

What I really need is a lower engine case. The clutch came apart and blew out the case. That's why the bike got parked in 82 with only 4200 miles on it. I'm looking for 78-79 cases correct? Tanks rusty inside, haven't pulled the carbs yet, but can't imagine they look too good.

 

[rudeman]

Post in the Parts Wanted Forum and also browse the Parts For Sale Forum. There's lots of stuff out there.

 

[bobgroger]

What I really need is a lower engine case. The clutch came apart and blew out the case. That's why the bike got parked in 82 with only 4200 miles on it. I'm looking for 78-79 cases correct? Tanks rusty inside, haven't pulled the carbs yet, but can't imagine they look too good.

Get the top case too. They are machined as a set. Or if there is value in the engine number you may be able to get the case welded up and remachined.

 

[BAchvytrk]

Get the top case too. They are machined as a set. Or if there is value in the engine number you may be able to get the case welded up and remachined.

I'm not sure if there's value in the engine number or not. I'm more concerned with getting her running again. Do you know what year range cases will work? 78-79 is what appears to be the only ones o can use.

 

[Nessism]

78-80 are the same

 

[Big T]

78-80 are the same

What Ed said

Just be sure that, if it's an 80, it's not an 80 1000G, which has different cases

You might want to contact V&H on the serial number issue, but, since GS engine and VINs don't match, may not be an issue. The VIN should be the deciding factor

 

[BAchvytrk]

What Ed said

Just be sure that, if it's an 80, it's not an 80 1000G, which has different cases

Thanks guys. I'm assuming the 80 1000g was shaft drive, correct?

 

[BAchvytrk]

I sent an email to Vance and Hines this morning, waiting on a reply.

 

[bobgroger]

Except I think the GL was chain that year, one year at least

 

[Nessism]

G is never chain. Always shaft.

 

[Frank Z.]

Very cool, and sure to be a most collectible GS, given it's marketing history and (very) limited issue numbers. Good luck with getting her sorted.

 

[bikemtn]

I love this bike!

 

[tatu]

I remember one of these coming up on ebay a few years back that belonged to a lady she was getting rid of it, it had very few miles and I thought was near mint with all the papers and books, that I think I read was a competition giveaway.

The early clutch baskets used to be weak, I had one that cracked through one'v the rivets and exploded through the bottom case that was patched and welded up ok.

 

[Nessism]

Did the clutch basket change over the years? If so, I'm unaware of it.

A very worthwhile mod for those bikes is the addition of heavy duty clutch hub springs and backing plate. In addition to keeping the hub from blowing up it also improves the smoothness of the clutch engagement.