Possible fixxer upper?

[919Rev]

I am not an experienced motorcycle mechanic like a lot of you guys, but I have some interest in fixing up an older bike to my liking. I was wondering what some of you experienced restorers thought of this bike for a possible project.

79 Suzuki GS1000 L

[97af]

You cant buy a television for $500.00. It would be a great learning expierience if you have the patience for it. You'll probably be able to trouble shoot any electrical problem from here on out after you're finished with it too. I had a GS1100 a number of years ago, great engine but the ignition systems back then needed a little help. I say do it and have a little fun with it.

[rmb]

It could be an interesting toy for around town, the enging looks pretty badly oxidized, it may have been stored outside.

[919Rev]

I emailed and asked him if it runs. This was his response.

Not at this time it needs to be put back together. Not in a basket but not all there either. It turns over and the compression is very good. It has been bobed so the final out come (look) is wide open

[schrock86]

Its cheap enough, just make sure to give it a good check over. I cant tell if he did any cutting and welding on the rear, but if he did just make sure it looks safe. As long as he didnt hack up the wiring harness, I'd say go for it. Its always helpful to take someone with you who knows what their looking at if possible.

[schrock86]

Originally Posted by 919Rev

I emailed and asked him if it runs. This was his response.

Not at this time it needs to be put back together. Not in a basket but not all there either. It turns over and the compression is very good. It has been bobed so the final out come (look) is wide open

Didnt he state in the post it came with Extra parts? Now he says its not all there

[919Rev]

A little more info on the bike...

I asked him:
Are most of the major parts there...including carbs, etc?

He answered:
Yes it has everything it needs to run but needs some minor things to make it legal. Like a front brake lever and*new tires ( the tires on it look good but dry roted)

[3dcycle]

from my experience i would say stay away. he has taken it apart of lost stuff and forgoten where stuff goes. i would rather have a seized motor than one thats has been torn apart and kinda put back. also the difference in a $500 bike and a $750 bike is alot, chances are the $750 will be cheaper in the long run..
for instace i am fixing up a 92 vfr750 this winter, it cost $1000. but all it needs is a real good cleaning a paint job and some body work.
before this we pulled in a 86vfr700 needs everything, forks are bent sub frame bent R/R bad tires,chain sprockets,oil cooler, radiator, body panels suck.etc.. so unless you are really really good, save up just a little more money and get one in better shape, unless you never want to ride it, and just work on it for ever.

[919Rev]

Originally Posted by 3dcycle

so unless you are really really good, save up just a little more money and get one in better shape, unless you never want to ride it, and just work on it for ever.

Thanks for the dose of reality. Guess I will wait for an opportunity that is a better fit for a "beginner".

[3dcycle]

Dont get me wrong IF that is the kind of bike that you want, and dont mind taking awhile to do it get it, that is the condition of bikes i learned on, but you feel so much better working on a bike that is a little nicer.

[arctic954]

It doesn't take much before a cheap bike like that becomes a very expensive project.....that in the end will only be worth a little more running.

[919Rev]

You guys aren't giving me the lollipop and bubblegum answers that I desire today.

[arctic954]

.....why not restore a running cb750???

[jay313]

Never put an old bike back in good running condition, but after my experience rebuilding a 1970 Beetle this past year, I vote for finding one that actually runs and then just making it run like it should. The previous owner of the VW I rebuilt for my son pretty much lied his butt off about everything, and I didn't have the experience to know any better. Now that I've been through it, I know what to look for. When (if) I get around to buying my first bike project, I want something that runs before I actually begin working on it.

[3dcycle]

oh and another thing to keep in mind when looking for a project is, whether or not you plan to keep the bike or sell to make money, and do another. if to sell and make money, good luck with that one. you might break even on parts but labor is free.
If you want to keep and ride awhile(which is what i recommend) dont worry about the cost and take your time and make it what YOU want, and dont care what other people think

[brian]

Originally Posted by 3dcycle

unless you never want to ride it, and just work on it for ever.

Originally Posted by 919Rev

You guys aren't giving me the lollipop and bubblegum answers that I desire today.

Well it sure isn't sugar coated but this sounds like the best possible answer.

Now I will tell you the old gs1000 bikes were very desirable to build into drag bikes, more so than the gs1100, the 1000 motors have more parts avalible and are easy to get power out of. I bet you could get a bone stock but rough condition RUNNING one for 500 if you just looked for a while.

Is an old Gs your dream bike? if not haul ass, unless you just have disposable income and want to get something running. In that case do it and you will learn alot but you're gonna put more into it then it ever be worth.

[919Rev]

I want to build something to ride....I prefer a cb750, but it seems that those are extremely hard to find.

I was just kidding about the lollipop and bubblegum answers. I appreciate the sound and honest advice.

[brian]

Get a honda that runs. Id personally get a 900, or 1000 cb so I didn't get bored.