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

[Grimly]

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.

At this stage, the best thing to do is get your micrometer out and measure up.
It might have been stripped because of oil consumption caused by worn rings - it's a common enough complaint that new rings will solve.
The other common reason for stripping the top end and barrels off is to remedy a chronic base gasket leak and by that time it's usually best to fit new rings anyway.
I'd not be at all surprised if your pistons and bores are perfectly good.

 

[sacruickshank]

At this stage, the best thing to do is get your micrometer out and measure up.
It might have been stripped because of oil consumption caused by worn rings - it's a common enough complaint that new rings will solve.
The other common reason for stripping the top end and barrels off is to remedy a chronic base gasket leak and by that time it's usually best to fit new rings anyway.
I'd not be at all surprised if your pistons and bores are perfectly good.

Thanks. The seller did mention a leaky head gasket and that he had some light machining done and bought a new gasket, before losing interest.

To complicate my "next project" purchase decision there's now an '80 GS850G with similar mileage nearby that also needs work, but is not a basket case. I'm still leaning towards the 1000 even though it's further away. I'll go look at the 1000 and use the 850 as a backup. The Triumph mentioned earlier in this thread is moving down the list due to title uncertainty.

Thanks all for the guidance.

 

[sacruickshank]

UPDATE - Thanks for all the info. I'm currently planning to pick up the GS Saturday.

Oddly, this bike has a color scheme and turn signals that don't match other GS1000G's I've seen online. It's light blue with black forks, chrome turn signals, and black headlight ears. From the pics, the paint looks like factory paint, but I guess the signals could have been swapped and the forks painted. The seller claims it's an '80, so we'll see once I get a look at the VIN.

Here's pics showing the rear fender cowl, signals, and forks. The tank matches the rear cowl.

Is this a normal '80 1000G?

 

[sacruickshank]

and here's the tank in different lighting

 

[rphillips]

It's been 44 yrs, but that's very close to the "80" color, kind'f thought the OEM color may have had a slight green tint in it. and those turn signals aren't OEM. Like said it's been 44 yrs. so don't bet any money on what I said...Luck to ya.

 

[Griffin]

That is a stock 1980 paint job and decal pattern. in 1980 the available colors were blue or black, with that pinstripe stripe pattern. in 1981, available colors were dark red or black, with a more complex decal scheme.

Turn signals are difinitely aftermarket.

 

[sacruickshank]

It's been 44 yrs, but that's very close to the "80" color, kind'f thought the OEM color may have had a slight green tint in it. and those turn signals aren't OEM. Like said it's been 44 yrs. so don't bet any money on what I said...Luck to ya.

Agreed it's a normal Suzi color, I had a GS450L with the same finish. I just don't see any GS1000G's, or any 850/1000 variant, in that same color combo.The signals look like they might be from a 90's Suzuki, like the VX800 or later GS's.

I'll know more on Saturday when I pick it up..

 

[sacruickshank]

UPDATE - Unfortunately, the seller told me today "I can't find the title". On the bright side, at least he told me before I drove 2+ hours each way.

There is also an '80 GS850G nearby with similar 41k miles. That one is known to have suspect charging and ignition coils, so there's some risk, but for all I know the 1000 could have had the same issues. The title is confidently known, so that's a plus. The 850 is physically similar to the 1000, less power yet heavier. Not yet sure if I'll pick that one up.

 

[rphillips]

I know all states are different, but here in TN., If he's the last registered owner, he can go to his County Court Clerks office, at his courthouse and get a duplicate, replacement, title in just a few min. for $14.... Wish it were that simple everywhere... Also thinking in "80", about the only difference in the 850 vs 1000 was HP, even difference in wgt. was less than 10 lbs. I don't remember any of the body/chassis parts hat weren't interchangeable, but again it's been 45 yrs.

 

[Nessism]

The 1980 GS850 is a great bike. One of the best seats ever created. The 850 engine is super smooth, also. More so than the bigger engines. You won't notice extra weight compared to the 1000/1100 bikes. Yes, a little less power, but more than enough for most riding use cases.

 

[sacruickshank]

UPDATE #? - Pulled the trigger on the local 850G. Here's a pic, will post more details on a new thread. Only known issues are cracked RH side panel, tear in the seat cover, suspect charging, and uncertain firing of a few cyls. The airbox is on the seat. Between the Vetter fairing and the rear rack, it is not easy to get that beast on the center stand.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Grimly]

Between the Vetter fairing and the rear rack, it is not easy to get that beast on the center stand.

That's because the springs are sagging after 45 years. If you're a summer-only rider you can ditch the Vetter, but depends on how searingly hot your summers are. Year-round riders are glad of the fairing in winter.
No doubt Rob S. will be around shortly. He loves fairings and luggage.

 

[sacruickshank]

That's because the springs are sagging after 45 years. If you're a summer-only rider you can ditch the Vetter, but depends on how searingly hot your summers are. Year-round riders are glad of the fairing in winter.
No doubt Rob S. will be around shortly. He loves fairings and luggage.

Asheville summers are moderate, not searingly hot. I have another bike (OK 2 others at the moment) with a windscreen for colder temps.