Possible new owner - What's the consensus on GS1000G?

[sacruickshank]

Not sure if this is an appropriate question for this sub, but I'm looking at a GS1000G project bike and would be interested in the forums consensus: awesome, meh, problem child, other? It's two hours away, so I'd like to to learn as much as possible before committing a day to go see it. Also, deciding if I want this as my next project or a Triumph Sprint triple that is newer and closer. Both are similar price and level of rescue effort, i.e. basket cases.

I've owned multiple GS's in the past (2x450, 550T, 650L, 850L) so I know the bikes.

Thanks

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I have both an old GS and a Triumph triple. The GS will be similar enough to your 850GL, so there shouldn’t be any surprises there. The triple is definitely more challenging to work on. Is it new enough to be fuel injected? What year? I’ve had to buy a few special tools to work on the Triumph. I enjoy working on and riding them both. But it’s really apples and oranges.

 

[rphillips]

Love the GS1000G's, Almost exactly the same as the GS850's but with more power. Only neg. I remember, some of the early shaft dr. Suzuki's had a weak gear in the rear hub, not sure what models. I never had a problem with my "80" GS1000G. I now have a "91" GSX1100G and probably liked the old GS100G better. I'd think a good project, especially as you already have experience with the Suzuki. I know absolutely nothing about the Triumph... Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[Griffin]

In my opinion, the GS1000G is the best of the GS line.

if I could only keep one of my bikes, that would probably be the one.

 

[Nessism]

In my opinion, the GS1000G is the best of the GS line.

if I could only keep one of my bikes, that would probably be the one.

Agree! Great seat. Plenty of power. 100,000 mile durability. Awesome!

 

[sacruickshank]

I have both an old GS and a Triumph triple. The GS will be similar enough to your 850GL, so there shouldn’t be any surprises there. The triple is definitely more challenging to work on. Is it new enough to be fuel injected? What year? I’ve had to buy a few special tools to work on the Triumph. I enjoy working on and riding them both. But it’s really apples and oranges.

The Triumph is 2004, so it is FI. I've rescued Triumph Triples before as well, both carb'd (Adventurer, Tbird Sport) and FI (Speed Triple).

Agreed on the apples&oranges, the Sprint is sport touring bike with fairings and more forward lean. The GS is more of a standard.

 

[sacruickshank]

Love the GS1000G's, Almost exactly the same as the GS850's but with more power. Only neg. I remember, some of the early shaft dr. Suzuki's had a weak gear in the rear hub, not sure what models. I never had a problem with my "80" GS1000G. I now have a "91" GSX1100G and probably liked the old GS100G better. I'd think a good project, especially as you already have experience with the Suzuki. I know absolutely nothing about the Triumph... Good luck and keep us updated.

The GS1000G option I'm looking at is also an '80.

 

[rphillips]

GS1000G's were 2 yrs. only, thinking about the only difference in those yrs. was the colors.

 

[Nessism]

Buy them both. Based on your past history, it's just a matter of time before you are on to the next project.

 

[sacruickshank]

Buy them both. Based on your past history, it's just a matter of time before you are on to the next project.

Fair point, but I don't have infinite garage space nor spousal good will. And I've still got a GL1100 on the stand that needs a new starter and brake overhaul.

 

[sacruickshank]

Here's the money question ... would those of you who like rescue projects be scared off by 42k miles, unknown service history, and outdoor storage for some unknown time with the cylinders and cylinder head off? Caveat - the bike was well covered and under an overturned boat and the general condition (light surface rust) seems good, but the seller hasn't shared a pic of the gas tank yet.

The price is low, but the risk seems high.

In fairness, the Triumph also has the cyl head off and at least one bent valve, but it's at least being stored inside and the mileage is lower.

 

[rphillips]

Personal preference... 40K on any GS1000 wouldn't bother me a bit, as they all have roller bearing crankshafts. You said both were basket cases, any basket case makes me flinch, why it was taken apart, and can you be sure all the parts are here.

 

[Eli69]

If you're gonna ride a bike, the 1000G is perfect. Comfy and solid. I have no idea how many miles are on mine and I would take it on a 1000 mile ride any day. The picture below is from my solar eclipse ride from 2017. The side bags are off in this pic. It still looks and runs the same. It also killed at least one deer and was in similar condition to the one you're looking at when I got it.
It's called "The Ugly"

 

[sacruickshank]

Personal preference... 40K on any GS1000 wouldn't bother me a bit, as they all have roller bearing crankshafts. You said both were basket cases, any basket case makes me flinch, why it was taken apart, and can you be sure all the parts are here.

From an information and logistics perspective, the Triumph has the edge. It's located closer, has 16K claimed miles on the clock (need a battery to confirm), and I've been able to inspect it for parts. The head was taken off due to noisy valves, one of which ended up being bent

The GS is 2+ hours away and I haven't been able to inspect it to confirm all the parts are there. It was taken apart to replace a head gasket for compression reasons.

As I type through this, I'm leaning towards the Triumph, assuming the seller can get the title sorted out ... a different drama.

 

[rphillips]

Well, thinking most any "reasonable person" would look at these 2 bikes and would for sure pick the one with half the age, half the mileage, 25 yr. newer technology... Wondering if you, me, and a few others around here may not be too reasonable for even talking about this choice... Me not knowing anything about the Triumphs, would pick the Suzuki.

 

[Nessism]

Ha, I found the OP asked the same question on reddit. Answers, not much different. I wonder the same question is on a Triumph site? Ha ha. Sorry to break nuts.

It seems to me that the OP has been cycling through fix/flip projects with some regularity. It seems doubtful that either of these bikes will stick, but only he will know. Maybe won't know until the bike is fixed, even. Anyway, I'd go for the Triumph. Newer, better resale.

 

[sacruickshank]

Ha, I found the OP asked the same question on reddit. Answers, not much different. I wonder the same question is on a Triumph site? Ha ha. Sorry to break nuts.

It seems to me that the OP has been cycling through fix/flip projects with some regularity. It seems doubtful that either of these bikes will stick, but only he will know. Maybe won't know until the bike is fixed, even. Anyway, I'd go for the Triumph. Newer, better resale.

Yes, I did ask a similar question on reddit, although this question started a little more specific about the 1000G's reputation within the GS line. Sometimes there are nuances, like the 8V/4carb 550's are a better option 16V/2carb variant that came later. You typically only get that level of experience from a platform specific forum. And "no", I didn't ask the same question on Triumphrat.net.. No worries on breaking nuts, if I had a barn, I'd buy both, as some of the redditors suggested.

And it's a fair point if either would stick. I rescue neglected bikes as a hobby (Buy, Fix, Ride, Sell) so there is a lot of turnover in my garage. If it were a business, the Triumph probably has the higher resale, but the Suzuki is more likely to stick since it would probably fit me better.

Cheers.

 

[sacruickshank]

Well, thinking most any "reasonable person" would look at these 2 bikes and would for sure pick the one with half the age, half the mileage, 25 yr. newer technology... Wondering if you, me, and a few others around here may not be too reasonable for even talking about this choice... Me not knowing anything about the Triumphs, would pick the Suzuki.

Yup, I'm probably in the "unreasonable" category.

 

[melchiro]

Hmmm, which PROJECT bike to pick...
For me, ANY bike that I decide to purchase, MUST HAVE, a valid TITLE. No exception on this!

The Triumph Triple? That's a water cooled bike & I don't have any desires to own a bike with a radiator/coolant.

That said, going with past experiences of buying "Project" bikes, I calculate what it would cost for replacement parts. The GS1000G parts are still attainable through Ebay & other various website.
Worst case scenario for the GS1000G that you are looking at, it may need another fuel tank, a full engine rebuild with new overbore pistons, possible wiring harness work, ETC. Obviously, the machine work for the new pistons will cost the most. Machine Shop labor is not cheap.

Time & money & garage space..That's what is needed for the GS1000G. Thankfully, I had that for my GS Project bike.

Have you read my, "New to me, GS1000GT", post in the, "Project/Rebuilds" section? My $140.00 purchase price project bike took nine years so far & I'm still not fully finished yet. But this bike brings a smile to me.

So if you have the dollars, the time & patience, my vote is the GS1000G for you.. Good Luck!

Regards,

Mel

 

[sacruickshank]

Hmmm, which PROJECT bike to pick...

Have you read my, "New to me, GS1000GT", post in the, "Project/Rebuilds" section? My $140.00 purchase price project bike took nine years so far & I'm still not fully finished yet. But this bike brings a smile to me.


Mel

Mel, I scanned the post, but admittedly didn't read all the gory details. Awesome post and project, I'm just not that patient.

If I read it correctly, you bored out the cyls and used slightly larger pistons. Was that a choice or was there damage that required the process?

The basket case I'm looking at has the cyl and head off, but I'd prefer to re-use the existing pistons without boring if possible.