The big rebuild and the big trip. Done with one, starting the other.

[klylor10]

Some of you may have seen the thread I started last month about a non-running GS850GZ with only 6,000 miles. I set out to make it worthy of a cross-country trip by the end of August. Well, after much swearing, sweat, some blood, and the invaluable help of my father and all of you on this forum, I've done it! Thank you so much.

I leave tomorrow from rainy WA, and if all goes well head east to VT, then south with the leaves to GA, where I will turn west and make my way to CA. If anyone reading this is interested in a cup of coffee/beer, a chat, or a ride, let me know where you are and when you'll be free.

On to the nitty gritty. In just over a month I was able to accomplish the following items:

-Carbs: complete rebuild and balancing. New intake boot O rings and hex head screws everywhere I could replace them.
-Valves: Checked clearance, replaced gasket on cover and breather, new half moon seals
-Airbox: cleaned and resealed, replaced air filter with a K&N
-Frame: removed rust and repainted with anti-corrosion paint
-Battery: powdercoated battery box, new AGM battery
-Kickstand: removed rust and powdercoated
-Cables: lubricated all control cables and speedometer, replaced tachometer cable
-Ignition: new spark plugs and plug caps
-Wheels: new tires front and back, cleaned and greased spline
-L-switch assembly: rebuilt switch, replaced cover and horn button (that switch comes straight out of nightmares, I swear)
-Brakes: replaced all hoses with stainless steel braid, flushed system 3 times, removed and cleaned front MC, replaced rubber boots on caliper axles
-Tank: flushed a few times with fresh gas, installed inline fuel filter
-Tachometer: opened and cleaned due to sluggish movement
-Oil pressure switch: replaced switch and cleaned housing and ground plate
-Windshield: installed a Slipstreamer S-03
-Reg/Rec: replaced with SH775, rewired things a bit.
-Rebent headlight bracket that was all wonky
-some other things I am likely forgetting

Phew. Typing that all out felt real good. The only issue I'm experiencing is a flickering oil pressure/kickstand switch (see this thread), which I think may be an issue with the kickstand switch, but I'm not sure. Might take it to a dealer somewhere along the road.

Anyway, I know how fun pictures are, so here it is! I haven't figured out embedding in text yet.

 

[Guest]

This bike deserves to be seen.

Really respect the work you've done on it. Have a great trip and make sure you post if you have any problems. I'm curious, what brought on this huge undertaking of a road trip?

 

[klylor10]

Thank you! I'm very proud of it. I just graduated from college and needed to get away from things for a while and see the US, which I've never done although I've traveled a fair amount in other countries. I had the trip planned and then bought this bike hoping for a bit more power.

On a side note: how did you embed the image?

 

[storm 64]

Nice motorcycle! It looks like you dotted you i's and crossed your t's for a lot of trouble free miles. Definitely keep us updated through out your adventure. If you happen to pass through northeast Ohio give me a call. (I'll private message you my phone number) You can crash out at my place if you'd like. I have a full service GS motorcycle shop if yours needs any maintenance. Have a great trip!

 

[cowboyup3371]

There are going to be a lot of GS members along the way that can help so make sure you post up a thread here if you get in trouble along the way. Give a shout if you are rolling through the Dayton Ohio area as well.

As far as pictures, see this how-to on Basscliff's site - http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/how_to_post_pictures.pdf and get yourself a Photobucket account at the very least.

 

[steve murdoch]

Klylor, the money you were "hemorrhaging" on the restore was well spent.
The bike looks great.
Please do a travelogue of your upcoming tour. Never been a long distance person but i like following others and their adventures.

Already with offers of help along the way, proving once again what a great site this is.

 

[dorkburger]

Nice work. I have to admit, when I first read of your plans, I thought the time frame was.......ambitious. looks like a win for you. The bike looks great. Good luck on the trip. If you're foolhardy enought to travel thru NJ, let me know.

 

[Guest]

Things have become very simple to embed pictures. Simply go to your picture where you host it online and right click on it, "copy URL". Come back to your post and click on the "insert Image" picture, click the "from URL" tab, and paste the URL you copied. I also un-tick the box "retrieve remote file...." Like everyone say, it would be great to hear from you on the trip if you're able. Are you tenting or hosteling/hotel?

 

[Charlie G]

Yes, do post a travelogue thread for use. Members here can offer you friendship, spare parts and knowledge along the way. It can be a lot of fun to meet folks. I love a multiple day ride. I hope to do the same is the next few years. Good luck

 

[klylor10]

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the delay in posting, I haven't had access to a computer until now. I am thrilled to hear the outpouring of support and kind words. Thank you all! I'm currently in Utah headed eastward soon. I'm thinking I won't make it up north to VT like I had planned, but if there's anyone on here in the south I'd love to say hello.

I just passed the 3k mile mark a few days ago, and everything is going super smoothly with one exception: my mpg has been low (32-36mpg running on 87 gas, ethanol free when I can find it). I've noticed a decrease in power recently, too. Any thoughts on what this might be? Perhaps I'm running too rich? I'm posting a more detailed question in the Carb/Fuel/Exhaust forum, but thought I'd mention it here.

thanks again for all the help. Y'all really were integral in making this trip happen.

 

[Guest]

I'll wait to see your post in the Carb section to give advice so this one doesn't get drowned with technical stuff. Glad to hear the bike for the most part if running as it should, those things are a work horse indeed. 3K miles, man that sounds like a good adventure so far. Hope you're able to post pictures when it's all over and have a blast.