Things I would have done differently to spend less on the GS build

[bombsquad83]

So I've realized that I've put about $1000 in parts into my GS to get it to where it is now.  That's not including tools that I bought to work on the bike.  Most of these have to do with not knowing what the heck I was doing when I started working on things.  So I thought I would start a post on how I would have saved money while rebuilding.

1. Fuel lines - I spent way too much on OEM fuel lines.  A fuel line is a fuel line.  I should have bought a bunch of 5/16" line and been good to go.

2. Carbs - I screwed up so many things in these that I had to buy parts I shouldn't have.  If I would have been more careful and done more research, or found someone who knew what they were doing I would have been in a better place with my carbs with less money burned.  I would do the following instead of getting a K&L rebuild kit, and OEM parts from dealers.
     a. Buy OEM float needle and valve, float bowl gaskets, and other non-generic parts only if I really needed from Ebay if possible?
     b. Buy o-rings somewhere much cheaper than the dealer after determining the size from measuring old o-rings.

3. Get the right tools FIRST - I screwed up things because I wasn't using a proper torque wrench, the right size screwdriver, or a proper valve shim tool.  Never settle for the wrong tool as a shortcut, unless it's been proven to work (1 1/2" pvc for fork seals, broomstick, etc.).

4. Also added to the list as mentioned, I wouldn't have bought the bike if I would have realized that it needed so many parts to begin with!  Better knowledge and research before buying, taking someone with you that knows what they are doing, and taking time to better inspect the bike would be a huge step in the right direction.  If the bike isn't running properly, bring a compression tester and a spare battery so you can use it.

5. As suggested, buy an OEM service manual.  Always check this as a the #1 resource before or along with another manual or internet sources.

6. Always check with the resident parts whores on the forum for for hard to find or expensive parts(I'm looking at you Adidasguy).  OK...maybe just about any part if we are honest right?

There are more little things along the way I could have saved on.  I'm not lamenting it all too much now because I learned a lot. 

What are you cost/pain saving tips for wrenching on the GS?  Anyone got things to add?

EDIT: Better organized my post.  Added suggestions.

[SAFE-T]

Buy something that didn't need as much work in the first place 

[SAFE-T]

In my experience, it's often really hard to get a seller to discount the price of their bike by the amount of work it needs

[bombsquad83]

Buy something that didn't need as much work in the first place 

Yes...that should go on the list.  I was already thinking about it after I posted.

[dougdoberman]

My #1 recommendation to anyone who plans to wrench on their own bike:

Buy the OEM service manual. 

As you mention in your #1 tip, there are quite often MUCH less expensive alternatives to the OEM parts.  This is one where I feel it pays to go with the real deal. 

I've found various Haynes, Clymers, etc. to have (sometimes very egregious) errors over the last nearly 30 years of working on cars & bikes.   They'll get you by just fine until they have you overtighten a bolt or put something in backwards. 

I've read through a handful of multi-page build and technical issue threads that have just been travesties of errors that seemingly could have been easily thwarted by referring to a shop manual.


Whether you procure one from eBay or pay full price at a dealer, get yourself a factory service manual. 

[bombsquad83]

My #1 recommendation to anyone who plans to wrench on their own bike:

Buy the OEM service manual. 

As you mention in your #1 tip, there are quite often MUCH less expensive alternatives to the OEM parts.  This is one where I feel it pays to go with the real deal. 

I've found various Haynes, Clymers, etc. to have (sometimes very egregious) errors over the last nearly 30 years of working on cars & bikes.   They'll get you by just fine until they have you overtighten a bolt or put something in backwards. 

I've read through a handful of multi-page build and technical issue threads that have just been travesties of errors that seemingly could have been easily thwarted by referring to a shop manual.


Whether you procure one from eBay or pay full price at a dealer, get yourself a factory service manual.

Too late for me, as I was using the Haynes manual since the PO already had it.  Great advice for future purchases though!

[ryott52]

In my experience, it's often really hard to get a seller to discount the price of their bike by the amount of work it needs

Then be prepared to walk away. If the seller won't agree to a reasonable price then take your money elsewhere.

[Ridetilempty93]

I haven't bought a bike yet but when I do get one I will eventually wrench on it. Thus, I am bookmarking this thread! Thanks! 

[twinrat]

your experience is priceless 1/ you have learnt how to source parts and information. 2/you have learnt diagnostic skills 3/you have shown competance with tools.All of these things you would not have learned if your bike was perfect .These skills will carry you through the the rest of your life with pride and abilty,to attack other challanges .

[Twisted]

The simple point. Bikes cost money. Money to maintain. Money for perishables. Money for the unknown. And money for our own dumb mistakes. I think people go wrong by thinking that by buying a bike they can save money. Maybe on fuel yes and we can learn to do maintenance ourselves but the other things soon take this out of the equation. If you are not prepared to spend money on your bike then maybe a bike is not for you.

[bombsquad83]

your experience is priceless 1/ you have learnt how to source parts and information. 2/you have learnt diagnostic skills 3/you have shown competance with tools.All of these things you would not have learned if your bike was perfect .These skills will carry you through the the rest of your life with pride and abilty,to attack other challanges .

Couldn't agree more.  Since I bought the bike to learn, mission accomplished. 

The simple point. Bikes cost money. Money to maintain. Money for perishables. Money for the unknown. And money for our own dumb mistakes. I think people go wrong by thinking that by buying a bike they can save money. Maybe on fuel yes and we can learn to do maintenance ourselves but the other things soon take this out of the equation. If you are not prepared to spend money on your bike then maybe a bike is not for you.

Agreed.  Better be prepared to spend money, or prepared to wait until you can spend money to get it working right.  Hopefully some of these suggestions will save people a little time and money vs. what they could have spent without the knowledge though.

EDIT:  I'm adding a point in there just for you Adidasguy.

[SAFE-T]

The experience of learning something new is definitely valuable, and I see that you have learned the value of finding out what others have learned before you so you don't make the same mistakes.

[SAFE-T]

I bought a '97 Yamaha YZF750 years ago for $2000 that sounded like it had a needle jet issue in the carbs. $4000 later I had a running bike I had spent $6000 on that was worth $3500. Unfortunately it was going to be worthless if I hadn't fixed it since it wouldn't run properly, but I definitely pulled a stupid on that one by being too optimistic.   

[bombsquad83]

I bought a '97 Yamaha YZF750 years ago for $2000 that sounded like it had a needle jet issue in the carbs. $4000 later I had a running bike I had spent $6000 on that was worth $3500. Unfortunately it was going to be worthless if I hadn't fixed it since it wouldn't run properly, but I definitely pulled a stupid on that one by being too optimistic.

Lesson learned there.  I'm guessing you got into engine work if it was $4000 to get running.  Would a compression test before you bought it tipped you off?  I'm going to add "bring a compression tester, and use it if the bike doesn't run right" to point number 4.

[steezin_and_wheezin]

I need 2 people to help build my toys. person #1(me) to do all work/buy everything, and #2(anyone) to tell me to stop buying parts/mods

After spending well over the cost of the gsF in parts/mods, I still don't think I'd do anything differently. I buy toys to mod, have never kept anything in stock form..

[SAFE-T]

Well, I sold the bike and put the money into silver bullion which doubled in price so I made my money back.

But a non-running bike is essentially worthless ~ we wound up rebuilding the carbs, changing the no-longer-available $800 fuel pump, rebuilding the cylinder head and replacing the CDI. A compression test would have only diagnosed some of that. I read up a pile about the YZF and was sure I knew what it was based on the bike's symptoms. If I had seen the compression problem I would have only saved $1500 of what I spent to fix it.   

[dougdoberman]

Well, I sold the bike and put the money into silver bullion which doubled in price so I made my money back.

But a non-running bike is essentially worthless ~ we wound up rebuilding the carbs, changing the no-longer-available $800 fuel pump, rebuilding the cylinder head and replacing the CDI. A compression test would have only diagnosed some of that. I read up a pile about the YZF and was sure I knew what it was based on the bike's symptoms. If I had seen the compression problem I would have only saved $1500 of what I spent to fix it.

Here's a possible example of OEM parts draining your wallet where they don't need to be.

I donno the particulars of the '97 YZF750, but electric fuel pumps are basically electric fuel pumps.  While it may not look as great, as long as it flows enough fuel at a high enough pressure, a $30 pump from the local auto parts store or tractor supply place or whatever will work equally as well.   

[Dr.McNinja]

Buy something that didn't need as much work in the first place 

Quoted for truth

[ohgood]

I haven't bought a bike yet but when I do get one I will eventually wrench on it. Thus, I am bookmarking this thread! Thanks! 

i have one now- yamaha fz6. 26K mile valve checks, efi, and so far, no issues at 36,500 miles.


but, the OP was pointing out how to make a better decision about wrenching on his own bike. the best thing gained the OP may not have realized is that servicing a motorcycle is a very easily done process. once it is realized that all the parts are put together by humans and can be repaired by humans (not magical fairies at the stealership) there is an empowerment.

everyone spends time fixing or gadgeting up their first bike. after that we learn what is required, what is fluff, and what is very very nice to have.

my list:
1) torque wrench
2) active forums AND a FSM of whatever bike for torque specs and maintenance schedules
3) the ability to determine when something just doesn't matter
4) ride

[datel]

Great Post!   Everyone of us should take stock once in awhile.

My problem is that once one part looks new and nice and works great, the five next to it all of a sudden look old and need replacing.  By the time those are taken care of, my mind tells me the engine needs a little tweeking . . . $$$.  After doing that I end up with a bike that really looks nice but isn't running well.   

That happened to me a couple years ago just before a planned trip.  That's when I learned about renting.