New owner from Saskatchewan, Canada - 1978 GS1000C

[Guest]

Hi all, some of you might have seen my thread in the general discussion area asking for your advice about some of the bikes I was considering.
Well, here it is, I am finally a GS owner, bought the bike that I originally planned to get. I am attaching a picture of it already sitting in the garage with my other bike in the back.
This GS1000 was located in Winnipeg, which is about 600km from Regina where I live. Getting it wasn't easy, at first I planned to trailer it home using my friend's truck, but that plan fell through so I decided to ride it back.
I've never ridden long distance like this before, my riding experience is only city riding so far. Riding it back home was quite the trip, weather forecast showed thunderstorm but thankfully it didn't happen.
I did get caught in the rain and all of the 600km home the wind gusts were so strong that at times I thought I'd end up in a ditch, perks of living in the prairies I guess.
I had to stop every 50-70km to take a break because my wrists were hurting (I realized, stock handlebar is not comfortable for me), fingers were numb and wouldn't move, and pain in the neck trying to keep head straight in the wind.
Oh and the left hand grip was either not glued properly or old, it was trying to slide off the handlebar all the time, I had to keep an eye on it.
By the time I got home, all the muscles were sore, I showered, ate dinner, went to bed and slept 13 hours straight. What's the secret to riding long distance? I haven't figured it out.

Anyway, the bike is home now, and I didn't drop it riding back so that's good. I will be looking for your advice on a few things in the near future in regards to it.
First few questions. What would be a good handlebar for me with lower rise and pullback? I am eyeing the superbike handlebars, which brand is better: EMGO, BikeMaster, Renthal or something else? Which grips would you recommend?
I also may want to change the position of foot pegs, slightly back would be good, but not up, I have long legs. What would you recommend?
Another thing that I noticed, throttle when the bike is off returns to position as normal, but when bike is on it sticks slightly and kind of works as an on/off switch. I would prefer it to open up gradually so I have better control.
Clutch is somewhat stiff compared to my Honda, fingers got tired fast, is that normal? Anything can be done about that?
Overall I like the bike and looking forward riding and slightly modifying it in the months/years to come
Thanks, Mike.

 

[Nessism]

Great job getting the bike home! A mans gotta do what a mans gotta do sometimes.

Emgo and Bikemaster bars are basically same. The Daytona bend is nice as is the ever popular Superbike bend.

New cables should help minimize hand effort, at least as much as possible. Hopefully someone didn't install some aftermarket clutch springs.

Ordering shorter cables, from a GS that came with low bars like the 1000S, is the way to go.

 

[tkent02]

For me the Superbikes are too low for a long bike like the 1000, although they feel fine on the smaller GSes. The Daytona bars might work, dunno. You could try stock bars from a smaller GS. I have GS450E bars on my 750, maybe a 750E or a 650E bar would be good for you on the 1000. You get a decent bend, and it has the serrations to keep the handlebar from turning in the clamp, which the cheapo bars don't have.

 

[dorkburger]

Welcome, and congrats on the bike, and getting it home safely.

Some handlebar info.
http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?239292-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Guide&highlight=

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys.
For the handlebars, I measured the clamp area and it is about 5 inches so the handlebar center width should be no less than that?
The EMGO and BikeMaster superbike handlebars have 4.75 and 4 inches center width respectively, I guess these are a no go then?
What do you think of these Universal Street bars from EMGO: https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/emgo-7-8in-universal-street-sport-handlebar.html
It seems to have serrations in the middle but not on the left hand side for the grip. I'm also thinking whether 32" overall width would be too wide or not for this bike.

 

[argonsagas]

Hi all, some of you might have seen my thread in the general discussion area asking for your advice about some of the bikes I was considering.
Well, here it is, I am finally a GS owner, bought the bike that I originally planned to get. I am attaching a picture of it already sitting in the garage with my other bike in the back.
This GS1000 was located in Winnipeg, which is about 600km from Regina where I live. Getting it wasn't easy, at first I planned to trailer it home using my friend's truck, but that plan fell through so I decided to ride it back.
I've never ridden long distance like this before, my riding experience is only city riding so far. Riding it back home was quite the trip, weather forecast showed thunderstorm but thankfully it didn't happen.
I did get caught in the rain and all of the 600km home the wind gusts were so strong that at times I thought I'd end up in a ditch, perks of living in the prairies I guess.
I had to stop every 50-70km to take a break because my wrists were hurting (I realized, stock handlebar is not comfortable for me), fingers were numb and wouldn't move, and pain in the neck trying to keep head straight in the wind.
Oh and the left hand grip was either not glued properly or old, it was trying to slide off the handlebar all the time, I had to keep an eye on it.
By the time I got home, all the muscles were sore, I showered, ate dinner, went to bed and slept 13 hours straight. What's the secret to riding long distance? I haven't figured it out.

Anyway, the bike is home now, and I didn't drop it riding back so that's good. I will be looking for your advice on a few things in the near future in regards to it.
First few questions. What would be a good handlebar for me with lower rise and pullback? I am eyeing the superbike handlebars, which brand is better: EMGO, BikeMaster, Renthal or something else? Which grips would you recommend?
I also may want to change the position of foot pegs, slightly back would be good, but not up, I have long legs. What would you recommend?
Another thing that I noticed, throttle when the bike is off returns to position as normal, but when bike is on it sticks slightly and kind of works as an on/off switch. I would prefer it to open up gradually so I have better control.
Clutch is somewhat stiff compared to my Honda, fingers got tired fast, is that normal? Anything can be done about that?
Overall I like the bike and looking forward riding and slightly modifying it in the months/years to come
Thanks, Mike.

I have never been on a GS1000, but Superbike bars were best for me on the 1100G and 1100GK


A windshield will make a HUGE difference if you want to ride distance, but also if you want an earlier riding season as well as a later riding season....plus it keeps off much of the rain, as well as sleet and snow. Neck pain from the wind will never happen again.

Yes, both bikes have seen all of those weather conditions....and (only once) the GK saw more than 2000kms in one day.


Sticky cable may respond to lubrication. Remove the bar end and dribble mid-weight oil into the cable. Be patient as it takes a few seconds for each drop to get in there. Continue until it drips at the other end. All done. IF that does not do enough, you have to remove the cables and clean them. , then use a heavier lube. Still not work? Time for new cables.

Problem may also be sticky carb links. Spray them liberally with carb cleaner to wash away sticky crud , wash them down, then use a light to mid-weight oil to lube them.

If you have a cable lubricant device (it allows you to fit the thing to the cable end and then squirt the lube inside) that would be great,,,if not, just be patient.

Vibrations in the handlebars can come from several sources, but most often due to carb set-up. There is much to be found on this site about that.

Gel grips are better than stock rubber grips. They are readily available at all bike shops and on e-bay. Drop them into a pot of HOT water before installation. That will soften them and allow them to slip on easily.

Check your headlight. Many bikes come with sealed beams and you do not want them as light output is significantly less than halogen. My personal preference is the plasma-blue bulbs, 5000 to 6000 kelvin. That range is closest to daylight/ Lower numbers are yellow, higher numbers are blue. They actually do put out a better light than the standard halogen . Cheap and readily available on e-bay.

 

[Nessism]

Thanks guys.
For the handlebars, I measured the clamp area and it is about 5 inches so the handlebar center width should be no less than that?
The EMGO and BikeMaster superbike handlebars have 4.75 and 4 inches center width respectively, I guess these are a no go then?
What do you think of these Universal Street bars from EMGO: https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/emgo-7-8in-universal-street-sport-handlebar.html
It seems to have serrations in the middle but not on the left hand side for the grip. I'm also thinking whether 32" overall width would be too wide or not for this bike.

Tons of guys running Superbike bars on their GS's. They fit fine.

 

[RayC]

New GS guy

New GS guy

Following this forum for weeks now and received alot of great stuff
Lower bars are great euro bend
Ck out the pictures maybe it will help
Ray

 

[Guest]

Congrats!! glad you were finally able to get a GS, looks like you got the best one you looked at that's for sure. Get some Euro or Superbike bars, I'm sure they'll do the trick. Not sure what you can do about the foot pegs, only things I've seen to change from stock are rear sets. As for the throttle, maybe the cables are out of adjustment of need a cleaning and oil? Looks like you have an 'E' seat on the bike.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the detailed message argonsagas. I most likely won't be putting a windshield on this bike since I probably won't travel long distance with it in the near future, but will keep in mind.
Will look into cleaning and lubricating the clutch cable and other cables for that matter. Hmm, good point about the headlight bulb, maybe I'll replace it like you recommended.

Yeah, I think I've got the best GS1000 I could find without travelling too far or paying too much. I'll do something about the seat sometime in the future, either get the original one or order a custom made one.

Handling one thing at a time would be best at the moment. So first, I'd like to change the handlebars. If getting a superbike bars, which brand would fit? As I mentioned before, the clamp area on the handlebars should be minimum 5 inches.
At first I though EMGO or BikeMaster superbike bars would fit, but it seems like they won't because their clamp area is less than 5".

Searching on store websites I kind of narrowed it down to these two bars:
1) Renthal Street Ultra Low http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/renthal-street-handlebars-78#reviews_tab
Seems like a good quality bar, has knurling for the left hand grip, about 28.5" overall width, but it is pricey, no serrations for the clamps.
2) EMGO Universal Street Sport https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/emgo-7-8in-universal-street-sport-handlebar.html
Much cheaper, has serrations for clamps but not for the grip, and 32" wide (too wide for street?)

What do you think about those two? Any other suggestions with links are appreciated.

 

[Nessism]

As mentioned already, Emgo/Bikemaster Superbike bend bars fit on your bike no problem. There is something wrong with the measurement info you have.

 

[argonsagas]

Thanks for the detailed message argonsagas. I most likely won't be putting a windshield on this bike since I probably won't travel long distance with it in the near future, but will keep in mind.
Will look into cleaning and lubricating the clutch cable and other cables for that matter. Hmm, good point about the headlight bulb, maybe I'll replace it like you recommended.

Yeah, I think I've got the best GS1000 I could find without travelling too far or paying too much. I'll do something about the seat sometime in the future, either get the original one or order a custom made one.

Handling one thing at a time would be best at the moment. So first, I'd like to change the handlebars. If getting a superbike bars, which brand would fit? As I mentioned before, the clamp area on the handlebars should be minimum 5 inches.
At first I though EMGO or BikeMaster superbike bars would fit, but it seems like they won't because their clamp area is less than 5".

Searching on store websites I kind of narrowed it down to these two bars:
1) Renthal Street Ultra Low http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/renthal-street-handlebars-78#reviews_tab
Seems like a good quality bar, has knurling for the left hand grip, about 28.5" overall width, but it is pricey, no serrations for the clamps.
2) EMGO Universal Street Sport https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/emgo-7-8in-universal-street-sport-handlebar.html
Much cheaper, has serrations for clamps but not for the grip, and 32" wide (too wide for street?)

What do you think about those two? Any other suggestions with links are appreciated.

As to bar mount width, / position, choose the bars that fit YOU, then mount them.

Pretty well anything will fit, even without serrations. There are a great many of us who have used tape under the bar clamps: it works for many miles/kms.




Put the bike on centrestand and sit on it, then place your hands where they feel most comfortable.

Have someone available who can measure width and height while you hold your hands in position .

Only one caveat: if you ride with no windshield then it is best that you have some forward lean, as the wind pressure will push you back and the bent position eases some body pressure as wind slips around you..

Bars that sit you fully upright work behind a windshield, but without one that position will put a lot of strain on your arms and wrists


Another comment on windshields....actually already made in the first post.....one of the biggest advantages they offer is an extended riding season. They move wind aside, and that allows you to ride comfortably in colder temperatures than you might otherwise want to do. That means your riding season can start earlier and keep going longer and with you being in Saskatchewan that may prove to be an advantage.

 

[SVSooke]

I have a set of Emgo superbike bars for my 78 1000,they fit just fine on the clamps.They just don't work for me though,a bit to low,straight and wide even though I cut 3/4" off the ends.I like something around 28" with 3-4" rise and more pull back.I got mine out of azr's collection so have no idea what they're off.

I think for some reason they might be Honda bars.An added bonus is they have weights welded into the ends.At 6'2" I find the pegs nice and changing them would almost always mean going up.

 

[Guest]

Okay, I'll sit on the bike in garage and figure out where I want my hands to be and go from there.
As for measurements for handlebars center I found online on the brand specific websites. I also measured myself with a rule the distance between clamps, and it was just under 5", so I'm thinking to stay on the safe side the center clamp area for the handlebars should be at least 5".

 

[SVSooke]

The best advice I can give on bars is from the old Joe Mintion(?) columns or refresh articles,IIRC in Motorcyclist magazines.It was to measure where you feel most comfortable on the bike then get a bar 1 inch lower.I just measured my 1000's bar clamps,they're 4 13/16th for an easier 120mm.Bar width is one of those personal preference things,I really like mine shoulder width apart.if you guessed 28" you'd be right.I like more down turn than most to.I really like the bar setup on my 85 750EF

Lots of others don't like that much on they're bars.

 

[Gorminrider]

here maybe

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?239292-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Guide

(pensively) it's a shame Griffin's thread is sifting down into the heap like an autumn leaf... (sigh) but that's the internet for ya

 

[Guest]

The sizing chart for Renthal bars in that link seems to be different from the sizing charts I see on Canada Motorcycle and Motorcycle Superstore websites. Specifically the clamp area dimensions. Don't know which one is correct.
I think I'm pretty much settled on the Renthal Ultra Low bars in black, will order them soon. I like the knurling feature for the left grip, I think it will help to keep the grip in place.

Now, once I do that, I will need to replace cables from the 1979 GS1000S since they are shorter, correct? Which cables exactly would I need?
Thanks.

 

[argonsagas]

The sizing chart for Renthal bars in that link seems to be different from the sizing charts I see on Canada Motorcycle and Motorcycle Superstore websites. Specifically the clamp area dimensions. Don't know which one is correct.
I think I'm pretty much settled on the Renthal Ultra Low bars in black, will order them soon. I like the knurling feature for the left grip, I think it will help to keep the grip in place.

Now, once I do that, I will need to replace cables from the 1979 GS1000S since they are shorter, correct? Which cables exactly would I need?
Thanks.

I know of no rule on this, but will offer an opinion.

Cable routing is critically important, as you must have the cables free to move at all times.

This means no kinks or sharp bends that will cause inner cable restrictions ( inner binding against the outer one,) and they must not be subject to binding when turning or when shocks are compressed.

Aesthetics may be a reason for change, but as long as you do not create any such restrictions in your cable routing, I see no physical reason not to continue use of the original cables.

 

[Nessism]

The sizing chart for Renthal bars in that link seems to be different from the sizing charts I see on Canada Motorcycle and Motorcycle Superstore websites. Specifically the clamp area dimensions. Don't know which one is correct.
I think I'm pretty much settled on the Renthal Ultra Low bars in black, will order them soon. I like the knurling feature for the left grip, I think it will help to keep the grip in place.

Now, once I do that, I will need to replace cables from the 1979 GS1000S since they are shorter, correct? Which cables exactly would I need?
Thanks.

Humm, if you dismissed the Bikemaster bars because the center clamp area is too narrow you better dismiss these Renthal bars as well because the clamp width is only 4.3", not the required 5" you mentioned previously. http://road.renthal.com/shop/road-products/road-handlebars/road-se-bars

Regarding what cables, how about all of them that attach to the bars in some way.

 

[Guest]

Okay, sounds good, I will install handlebars first and then see if I need to replace the cables due to kinks and whatnot.

Ed, on the canadamotorcycle website if you click on the size chart the value for clamp area is different: https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/renthal-street-7-8-handlebar.html
Well, anyway, I already ordered the renthal bars so if they don't fit then will have to return them.
By replacing all cables, you mean brake hose and electrical cables as well or just clutch and throttle?

One more thing I noticed, there is something wrong with the brake switch. Brake light turns on only when I fully squeeze the brake level or pedal, if I am squeezing 1/4 or half way it's not on. What could be the problem?
Thanks.