The GS Resources GS

[dpep]

This website has long needed a motorcycle of its own. In a few weeks it should have one.

I have for some time now been looking for a new home for my trusted and beloved Mr Ratley, an '82 1100GK Yellow Frank model (more on that later) who has reliably and selflessly served me in spite of the negligence and abuse I have shown it over the years. Then it came to me that the website that has served me so well and the motorcycle that has served me so well were a perfect match for each other. So I contacted Frank and after persuading him of my plan got him to sign off.

Mr Ratley is currently running well and I will soon be having him painted a beautiful yellow. Once that is done I will be hauling him up to Frank's in North Georgia where I will pass it to him. At that point he becomes responsible for overseeing the project.

That project will be to transform Mr Ratley into a one of a kind, stunning looking, sweet running, smooth handling sport touring motorcycle worthy to represent the excellence of the GSR. We would like many members to be involved by contributing suggestions, parts, expertise and/or funds toward that goal. There will be a separate thread or forum for the work.

Frank has agreed to four things that I requested of him.
1. that he keep the bike for at least three years.
2. after that should he want to sell or pass it on it would be to another GSR member
3. that he attend at least 1 GSR ride each season on the motorcycle
4. that he keep a log of what all is done to the bike for permanent reference

In addition it would be nice if he would a) ride the the hell out of it, and b) post up lots of pictures.

Stay tuned. More to follow over the next month.

Mr Ratley 'before' picture.

...

 

[Guest]

Interesting idea but why are you painting it yellow?

 

[storm 64]

Sounds like a great idea to me. I'll figure out how I can add my two cents to the project one way or the other... Good ol' Mr. Ratley

 

[marvinsc]

The Yellow would refer to a long running insider knowledge of the existence of the ever elusive motorcycle known as the "Yellow Frank".

 

[JTGS850GL]

I didn't realize that Frank lived in North Georgia. I may be able to contribute labor to the project if he's that close.

 

[Steve]

You're not quite "neighbors", but it's only about 65 miles (straight line). :-k

.

 

[allojohn]

Marvelous idea, should be fun.

 

[bwringer]

Count me in!

No idea what will be needed, but I've probably got a couple of old spark plugs around here somewhere I could send in...

Then again, I've seen Mr. Ratley. You may not want to disturb those plugs.

 

[Steve]

Let me know if it needs a stator.

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[dorkburger]

Very cool idea. I hope it comes to fruition. Stator (the mascot) and the bike together would be icing on the cake.

 

[salty_monk]

I'll send a set of brackets / spacers should he decide to go that route with brakes...

 

[administrator]

I didn't realize that Frank lived in North Georgia. I may be able to contribute labor to the project if he's that close.

I used to live in Loganville but I now live in Blairsville. That's about a 2 hour ride.

 

[administrator]

Count me in!

No idea what will be needed, but I've probably got a couple of old spark plugs around here somewhere I could send in...

Then again, I've seen Mr. Ratley. You may not want to disturb those plugs.

Wow Brian, should I be scared?

Frank

 

[administrator]

I would like to thank Don for bringing this idea up, as well as supplying the motorcycle for this project. I'm honored that you would even consider doing something like this. Thanks so much!

As Don mentioned, this will be a project bike of sorts. The intention is to get it running reliably (if there are any issues there) and make it pretty as well as get it to be a mean touring bike. I plan on documenting the whole process via the main website. That way anyone passing by can see what's going on with it. It's been a while since a touched a GS so I may be askng a few questions your way. I look forward to working with you all on this.

Frank and soon, Yellow Frank

 

[allojohn]

Interesting idea but why are you painting it yellow?

And what's wrong with yellow?

 

[Steve]

And what's wrong with yellow?

Done properly, it doesn't even look all that bad on a BIG bike. :-\\\

It is certainly VISIBLE. :encouragement:

.

 

[Steve]

It's been a while since a touched a GS so I may be askng a few questions your way. I look forward to working with you all on this.

Just so you know, ... we know of a GREAT forum that knows ALL ABOUT these bikes. You need the address? :-k :-\\\

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[Grimly]

That would be a cool demonstrator of sensible mods and updates - the kind of things most owners would be interested in doing to their own bikes to keep them reliable and safe. Nothing one-off and expensive though; keep it in reach.

 

[dpep]

Count me in!
Then again, I've seen Mr. Ratley. You may not want to disturb those plugs.

Yeah, well..... I was thinking of throwing in a 55 gall drum of PB Blaster.
...

 

[allojohn]

Done properly, it doesn't even look all that bad on a BIG bike. :-\\\

It is certainly VISIBLE. :encouragement:

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That is a honking big visible bike!