Place to get my gs650e restored?

[Macdiggity]

It's not about the 20k miles...it's about what I feel I'm getting in terms of value...a 20k mile ninja won't be worth anything in 10 years, even if I don't ride it. If I had a documented show queen that I barely rode it would probably increase in value over the next 20 years with records. And I would enjoy looking at it every time I left for work with it in my garage. Not planning on getting rid of the bike. It's an emotional attachment, and a luxury. I didn't buy a motorcycle for practicality, I have a volvo. I have a vision of what I want, and I have the perfect bike to start out with. Obviously I know that a motorcycle will run past 20k miles...I bought an almost 40 year old motorcycle based on looks. I didn't even ask the guy the mileage, and I've lost the gauges, it had less than 20k but maybe it'd been off for 10 years who knows. The title says exempt on the mileage. Regardless, monetarily it would be more satisfying for me to spend the money on what I want, instead of just settling for some jo shmo sport bike. If people are telling me that all it needs is $3k or $4k to get it mechanically mint, and then basic maintenance (which I can take care of) afterwards, that seems more reasonable to me than buying another bike that I won't like as much for the same price, and maintaining it at the same rate.

Yea that Triumph is really nice, but it's 3 hours away and with transportation costs (I use uhaul to tow my bike), registration and insurance, It would cost almost $7,000 when it's all said and done. Which is totally fine and in the budget...but that's not cheaper than the prices I was stating a new bike that I'd like would cost. That was def on my short list and bike I've seen posted a few times over the last 6 months.

 

[tom203]

Well, I'm convinced....you're emotionally attached to this critter! So it looks like you have a garage - handy for this kind of fun- tools too?? A significant other that can lend mental support? Don't assume you need to rip it apart just yet....do the little things first. The smoking could be from camcover gasket,tach drive,
in your brief ride, does it still have second gear, shift ok??

 

[Macdiggity]

Yea everything worked other than it not staying on. Shifted through all gears fine but the clutch was completely gone. I still rode it but there was no clutch feel at all. I tried adjusting the cable to see if that was the problem, but then I had a hard to time pulling the actual clutch. So after that I then tried to get it looser, but then loosened it too much, and now little spinny thing that adjusts the cable tightness isn't doing anything lol. And it also fell over (heard the drop but now sure how it happened) and broke the throttle piece under the grip (no body damage), so I'm going to put clip ons or some kind of flat handlebar and all new levers and cables to go with it (maybe not a throttle cable).

 

[BigD_83]

Just take it one step at a time. You're starting off with a bike that has good bones, so follow the steps. Make it safe and reliable first, then make it look pretty.

There is plenty of work you can do to it without taking it to a shop. The only real difficulty would be if you didn't have space to work in, but there are people who find ways around that, even.

Are bike mechanic co-ops a thing there?

 

[scratch]

Just take it one step at a time. You're starting off with a bike that has good bones, so follow the steps. Make it safe and reliable first, then make it look pretty.

Wise words... the last part is customizing. You must admit, it's rediculous to consider new bars when the bike is smoking.

Like any large project, the way to get it done is to devide it into smaller groups. Electrics, fuel, brakes, etc..
When I look at a new bike project, I do electrical first. That's just me.
But, by breaking it down into systems you can focus on one area withou getting distracted or overwhelmed.

In your case... figuring where the motor is smoking or leaking would be a good start. Address that first, most likely a seal or a easy gasket fix. A win under your belt will help... and if it's a bigger job like rings, best to figure that out and get a plan together.

Running & safe first
break down into smaller systems
pick a target and get to it

folks here will help if you get in a pickle

 

[tom203]

Clutches are easy fix....good that transmission seems ok, cuz they are no fun to mess with.
Don't take it to a place like this poor guy

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/d/philadelphia-1982-gs-650-mechanic/6873986373.html

 

[chuck hahn]

Know anyone that comes near Oklahoma City fairly regularly> Trucker buddy??? Im willing if it can get to me. Im a tech at Schoolhouse Cycles in Norman OK. Im the "Jap Bike Guy". I can PM you my number if youd like.

 

[salty_monk]

It can only be $300 or so to get a transport to Chuck then fly out & ride it back over a weekend... His work is well documented on here (Just don't let him set fire to your gas tank... )

Personally I would upgrade the brakes too - especially if you think you'll be riding two up and not concerned with originality. As cheap as rebuilding all the stock stuff & usually just a bolt on with the right brackets.

Have you ever ridden a "real cafe"? I love the look but they are damn uncomfortable for more than a short spin.

Good luck with it.