My old GS resurrected... Build/question/wtb thread [pics & video]

[Agno]

Edit: This is now my update/question/build thread.

I sold my GS almost 2 years ago to an acquaintance.
I got an e-mail from her asking if I would like to buy it back.
The problem is that she lost the key and parked it, uncovered, in the backyard for at least a year.
here are the pics she sent me.

I'm trying to decide what I should give her for it or if I even want the thing back at all.
What should I expect from a bike thats been sitting so long? And what should I offer if anything?

[mike__R]

Do you still have a key for it?  Find out if it still runs or if you'd need to clean the carbs to get it running again.  Looks like for sure you need a new chain & sprockets.

[Agno]

Yeah, the chain and sprocket are definitely history. It was running good when she lost the key (there was only 1). The battery, which was new, is surely shot. I'm sure the carbs need some tlc also.

[adidasguy]

The V&H still looks nice and shiny!

I'd call it a parts bike until I know it runs. It needs a complete make over. $300 or so because if it doesn't run, it could be parted out for that. Otherwise, consider the expense of getting it to run then completely repainting it.

You can short out the ignition wires to get it to run. Then a replacement ignition (should do gas cap and seat lock) is $100-$150.
You might get a lock smith to make a key - take in the seat lock. Easy to remove and put back (providing the same key worked everything). Some lock smiths do not like working on gas caps because of the fumes. Ignition is a pain to get out just to see if it runs.

[mister]

Go around there and Slap her for treating the bike with such disregard. 

What should you give her? A good bloody talking to for starters. Then ask her how much she wants for it. Then laugh when she tells you a grand. Cause everything will need relubing and greasing and stuff. And you'll be looking at a pretty penny to bring it back up to riding standard. So $150 seems fair to me.

There's probably water in the fuel too.

So what's the count now...

- new chain
- new sprockets
- new or repaint gas tank
- new steering head bearing (doubt it'll be salvageable)
- new battery
- new plugs and probably leads
- possibly new handlebar electrics
- possibly new disc rotors - I would replace them cause of the state they are in, but you might get away at a pinch
- all cables need to be lubed again, possibly replaced if there is too much corrosion at the ends
- new keys (yes plural, get more than one so you always have a spare)
- new oil / filter
- possibly new fork seals

Michael

[adidasguy]

The more I look at it the more parts and screws I see missing. Right stator cover missing the Suzuki stick on logo so that's probably full of water and corroded away inside. How do you lose a chain guard? Why so many screws missing?

On second thought - I'd take it for free and part it out. Then buy a good, working bike for $1000. You're looking at a total rebuild - probably in excess of $1000 to have anything you'd be proud to ride.

[tt_four]

Unless she filled the tank before she parked it, the inside us most likely rusty, no way to know until you get the gs gap out though. I was thinking $600, until I read everyone else's prices and I think there's sound better. Pull that timing cover off and make sure the engine still spins while you're at it. Not like it's been sitting that long, but bad things would happen if any water pooled in the cylinder.

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

How much did she give you for it.

[average]

You know she's going to try to make some of her money back that she paid you so somewhere around what she bought for....minus a hando or 2...but to me the bike really doesn't "look" that bad beside the chain and sprockets. You won't know what you have until you get a key. I really don't see a way of getting around cleaning the carbs. That's just good PM and you know that'll be one thing you can put behind you if the bike does have any issues...

[Adfalchius]

So $150 seems fair to me.

Are those 89 clipons I spy?  Buy it for $150, sell the clipons for $150, part the rest out for another couple hundred profit.

[KlaXon]

For bike startup dont need a key. I have been forgotten my keys few times, and easily started with wires coming from lock.. Like in movies then dudes steeling a cars  

And for that stupid b***ch who left the bike like that, really need a god slap 

[reajcox]

That's F***ING sad right there. If and that's a big if I was attached to the bike and had nothing but time and money to get it back to right. I'd give a hun for it. You could part it out and make some scratch, but you'll have parts that you cant even give away and they'll haunt you.

More than likely you're looking at...

Ignition, fuel, and seat keyed set
Sprocket
Chain
Tires
Fork seals
Clean the tank
Clean the carbs
Lots of prep work
Paint and polish
Filters
Oil
Seat Recover
+ all the little missing pieces

I'm sure some of the folks here will help with some budget parts but Holy S**t that's a rough bike. Some people have no respect for their ride.

[The Buddha]

Oh yea it is sad, and a lot longer than a year. I've left em for a year, they look much much much better. Well, how bad was it before that is a Q I'd ask though.
Cool.
Buddha.

[fraze11]

Thats a shame.  I mean hell, you can buy a tarp and bungee's at the dollar store!  That certainly woulda helped a bit ....

Let it go...

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

Ok i've got it. If you're not too worried about getting it back, tell her the truth. That it'll more than likely cost more than it's worth to fix it, so if she wants you'll take it off her hands for nothing. If not, walk away from the money pit.

[Toogoofy317]

yeah, smells of money pit. I'd let her know too about what she did to that poor bike. How many broke students woulda paid a few hundred for that and loved on it! I could never imagine treating Flick like that he's like a child to me. I feel bad if I don't wash him every other week. She also makes us girls look bad!

Yup tell her you will take it off her hands for free. Most salvage yards would charge her to take it. Or walk away.

Mary

[Agno]

So... After telling the owner of this bike that I could only give her $100 for it, she decided to think about it and I didn't hear from her for 7 months or so.

I got a call out of the blue telling me that she feels bad for trashing my old bike, and that I can have it back (for free) if I'll come pick it up. I did just that.

I've decided to bring the old gal back to life to be used as a cheap yet reliable learner for my girl. (Trying to keep her off of my Speed Four )

I rolled it down an inclined driveway at about 6-7mph and dropped the clutch. Sounds and feels like it still has good compression.

So far:            - I have ordered a new chain and sprockets
                       -  will be picking up a new battery tomorrow
                       - Stripped all bodywork
                       - pulled out cheapy turn signals and broken mirrors

       

    I would like to check the tank for rust and possibly re-coat it before start up, Problem is I still don't have a key sorted out. I tried disassembling the filler cap but ran into a snag.



    Can't get the bloody thing off! The ring will lift slightly as shown and the whole unit will rotate. Just don't want to break or bend anything. Any suggestions?

[Oracle]

you cant blame her..... women treat other women viciously... and for those of you referring to her as "it" ! how dare you! she might be rusty but shes still a lady! have some manners! i give you props for helping a beauty thats hit *hopefull* temporary rock bottom. 

[Agno]

After playing with it a bit more I realized that the key is probably required to remove the whole fuel filler assembly.

Guess ill have to sort out the Key situation first.

Ebay sets the way to go?

[numus]

After playing with it a bit more I realized that the key is probably required to remove the whole fuel filler assembly.

Guess ill have to sort out the Key situation first.

Ebay sets the way to go?

Yup... The internal piece is held in place and needs the key to remove it.. Any good lock smith (or.. some other people who may not be at legit) should be able to pick the lock and pop it...
Or http://www.lockpickshop.com/LS.html you could take this time to learn how to do it yourself.