Ressurection of an '89

[jen_]

Hello,

I haven't been here in a while.  My first bike was a super sweet 04 GSf in yellow.  I rode that for a few years before the ex put it in a ditch. Upgraded (with help from my dad) brakes, front and rear suspension, bars, tires... but then moved on to other bikes, and away from my mechanic.  Currently riding a Ducati m796.

But now the BF wants to ride.  So yesterday we picked up the most pathetic 89 I have ever seen.  It runs, but it's going to need some stuff to be safe for a noob.  I need to get some parts headed my way but I have some questions.

1. The front forks are wasted.  The compress super easily--bottom out on speed bumps.  Maybe they just need new seals and oil?
2. The clip-ons need to go.  Do I just need the mounting plate for the standard bars, or is there other missing hardware?
3. What are the most relaxed/touring bars I can put on it - keeping in mind that the control cables are probably too short. Will the cables be long enough for bikemaster superbike bars?

It also needs tires, and has a gaping hole in the right side engine cover.  Is there anything else I should do beside change the oil and lube the chain?  I'm not thinking full restoration, I just want it rideable for a year then we can pass it on to the next noob.

Jen

[cbrfxr67]

" Is there anything else I should do,...."

Yes,..post pictures!  Oh and welcome back,..... 

[jen_]

Yeah, that's a hole in the right side engine cover.


Is this a fuel filter?  Was this on my 2004 and I just never noticed it?



Ordered: tires, fork seals and oil, handlebars, handlebar mount, bar ends, oil filter, right side cover.  Just need to make it rideable for now.  Pretty can come over the winter.

[MARider]

I just picked up an 89 my self and I am thinking that the front on these are just set up super soft anyways. I think I have ordered the same parts list as you at this point, I am keeping my clipons though. Fuel filter is an aftermarket one..I will warn you that with that installed if you need to get your tank off it is a PAIN to get that past the other fuel line to get to the off valve under the tank..

[BockinBboy]

You aren't mistaken, that is a fuel filter and it was not on your '04... or any year GS500 ever.  That is also the wrong type of filter to have even if you needed one.  The PO might have put it on due to the insides of the tank... so I would check if its rusting that bad to really warrant having one.  The tank actually has a filter on it, it's part of the tank petcock.  Unless that screen is shot, it should be more than sufficient on its own in most cases - which is why these bikes don't come with a filter on the lines.  Also, because they are only gravity fed (no fuel pump of any sort), in-line filters tend to be problematic with fuel starvation symptoms - so you have to be mindful of getting the correct filter if you truly need one.

Great start to getting her roadworthy.  I would add some brake maintenance on to that list as well.  Consider bleeding the brakes at a minimum, if not replacing the lines (unless they are already upgraded to stainless).  Brake fluid should be changed every two years, and brake lines every 4 (unless stainless) - its one safety thing you don't want to overlook, and its easy enough that there isn't much excuse not to do it.  Check the pads as well.

The stock fork springs are ridiculously soft to begin with... I'm sure replacing the rubber and oil will improve the current situation, but you won't be impressed by the difference.  I truly suggest replacing with aftermarket springs - Any member who has done this mod, says its the single best upgrade to a stock GS500.  It can be done easily and under $100... Rich Desmond is a member here who is also the owner of Sonic Springs - I'd check 'em out - for about $80 you'll feel a completely different bike underneath you.

You can use superbike bars - they are pretty similar to stock... on most GS500 models, the change to superbike bars does not require any longer cables or anything, its a direct swap... but I can't confirm that on your 89, since it came stock with the clip-ons and the cables are indeed a slightly different size than the later models which did not have clip-ons (so maybe someone with this experience can add to that for us??)  Keep in mind you will also need a top plate with the centered clamps to fit any full bars.

I will say you shouldn't have much trouble selling the clip-ons if you wish.  There is a market for them since 89 and some of the 90 models are the only ones that ever came with them.  In fact, I may be interested myself depending on price and condition - so keep me in mind if you want to sell them.  I do have an extra top plate from an '07 in my parts bins, but I don't have the clamps for it.  (Just noticed you bought the top plate already)



- Bboy

[Twism86]

You wont have a problem getting rid of those clip-ons!! Actually since you posted this the vultures are probably circling already! If I still had mine I would have offered a free swap to regular bars with you  '89 clip-ons are like the holy grail of parts.....

Go with sonic or progressive spring. Get rid of the fuel filter. Change all fluids and put on new tires. Check the tank for rust. If you feel up to it clean the carbs and put in larger jets while you have them open. All of that will really freshen up that bike.

[MARider]

You aren't mistaken, that is a fuel filter and it was not on your '04... or any year GS500 ever.  That is also the wrong type of filter to have even if you needed one.  The PO might have put it on due to the insides of the tank... so I would check if its rusting that bad to really warrant having one.  The tank actually has a filter on it, it's part of the tank petcock.  Unless that screen is shot, it should be more than sufficient on its own in most cases - which is why these bikes don't come with a filter on the lines.  Also, because they are only gravity fed (no fuel pump of any sort), in-line filters tend to be problematic with fuel starvation symptoms - so you have to be mindful of getting the correct filter if you truly need one.

Great start to getting her roadworthy.  I would add some brake maintenance on to that list as well.  Consider bleeding the brakes at a minimum, if not replacing the lines (unless they are already upgraded to stainless).  Brake fluid should be changed every two years, and brake lines every 4 (unless stainless) - its one safety thing you don't want to overlook, and its easy enough that there isn't much excuse not to do it.  Check the pads as well.

The stock fork springs are ridiculously soft to begin with... I'm sure replacing the rubber and oil will improve the current situation, but you won't be impressed by the difference.  I truly suggest replacing with aftermarket springs - Any member who has done this mod, says its the single best upgrade to a stock GS500.  It can be done easily and under $100... Rich Desmond is a member here who is also the owner of Sonic Springs - I'd check 'em out - for about $80 you'll feel a completely different bike underneath you.

You can use superbike bars - they are pretty similar to stock... on most GS500 models, the change to superbike bars does not require any longer cables or anything, its a direct swap... but I can't confirm that on your 89, since it came stock with the clip-ons and the cables are indeed a slightly different size than the later models which did not have clip-ons (so maybe someone with this experience can add to that for us??)  Keep in mind you will also need a top plate with the centered clamps to fit any full bars.

I will say you shouldn't have much trouble selling the clip-ons if you wish.  There is a market for them since 89 and some of the 90 models are the only ones that ever came with them.  In fact, I may be interested myself depending on price and condition - so keep me in mind if you want to sell them.  I do have an extra top plate from an '07 in my parts bins, but I don't have the clamps for it.  (Just noticed you bought the top plate already)



- Bboy

Not to highjack but I have been looking for braided lines and cant seem to find them..well for the older model years. Should I assume the banjo bolts are the same size on both older and newer models so I can just use the ones listed for 04 and above? Any one try spacers in the forks as a alternative for sonic springs? (have a katana 600 I will be mutilating for parts so front end from that will be going on in the colder months..damn MA and its winter.)

[BockinBboy]

The difference you'll likely find is that the angle changed over the years.  I haven't found anything exact, but based on posts from adidasguy, he noted several differences among lengths and bolt angles of the brake lines over the years - and the changes did not mesh up with the well-noted model differences of say the 89-00, and 01-02, 04+ model year separations. It would be best to measure what you have on your bike currently.  Though having a slightly different angle is not a deal breaker in most cases I can think of, but it may put it off enough to stretch a line to where you actually need an extra inch or something.

The spacers with the stock springs are HUGE... I'm sure adding additional spacing would stiffen it a little, but if you already experience bottoming out with your stock setup - that really won't change... you'll get less travel too.  But, if you truly are going to swap the front end, I don't think I would drop the cash on springs either.  Keep in mind though, that the springs shouldn't be hard to sell later too.  I've always seen the For Sale threads here for them get snatched up fairly quickly.  Many folks will buy them, and they get rid of the bike before they make it on... or will take them back out to sell separately from the bike - as they aren't an item you see on the bike, and they don't really degrade...

- Bboy

[jen_]

Thanks for the info so far.  Parts have begun to trickle into the garage.


Wheels out for rubber.

Next question:  Left turn signal doesn't work. Not the flasher or the dash light. Right works fine.  Where to start troubleshooting this?

Next next question: Cleaning the white wheels... anything better than kerosene/carbcleaner/wd40? Probably too lazy to repaint.

[Meuryn]

That is also the wrong type of filter to have even if you needed one.

Out of interest, why is that the "wrong type" of filter? I've got an identical one installed, which was sold as suitable for low pressure gravity systems, and haven't had any issues?

[Big Rich]

For the wheels: I always use soap and hot water with tires mounted. If you use kerosene while the tires are off, make sure it doesn't get into the bearings - it could dissolve the grease in them.

Is it both signals on the left (front and back) that aren't working? If so, I'd guess the handlebar switch is at fault. If it is just the front or rear on the left side, I'd guess a bad bulb or bad wiring.

I like the paint job on that tank btw!

[MARider]

I have a inline filter on my bike as the tank had some rust inside. I had taken a length of chain and cleaned it out but to be on the safe side I installed one. I have had no issue at all with fuel starvation.

[jen_]

MODS: Move this thread to Projects?

Handlebars and mount off:


My OMG ANOTHER SEIZED BOLT face:

[BockinBboy]

That is also the wrong type of filter to have even if you needed one.

Out of interest, why is that the "wrong type" of filter? I've got an identical one installed, which was sold as suitable for low pressure gravity systems, and haven't had any issues?

Generally, because its a paper type filter... usually okay on a lawn mower or other similar applications with a plastic tank where they are used more for prevention.  Definitely depends on quality and how bad your tank is, how well it will do on the bike... Some folks put them on and don't have an issue, while others run into problems every time the tank gets toward the reserve.  From my experience, if your tank really doesn't need one (its clean), then paper filters will work for prevention.  But if it does really need one (rusty tank), the paper filters don't flow well enough, especially as they collect more bits.  What I was suggesting is that you know you won't have an issue whether it truly needs one or not if you use one like the pic below.



- Bboy

[jen_]

Parts keep coming off the bike, and the "to-do" list grows...seems a bit overwhelming at this point -- wondering if we will figure how to put it all back together...



The seal on the right one is totally blown.  Ordered new seals for both. Keeping the stock springs, refilling with heavier oil.  No idea how to change seals, that next on the googling list.


Wasn't planning on changing these, but I think they are shot. Are they?

[gavimoto]

Great job, what tires are you looking at fitting?

[Big Rich]

Jen, I highly recommend new fork springs while you are in there.....but of course it's your call if they are needed or not.  You can look on the Sonic Springs site for springs. And there are some good videos on YouTube by BaltimoreGS on how to do springs / seals.

There should be an indicator on the brake pads (I can't see it in the pics). If you're close to that indicator, then new pads are a good idea.

[jen_]

I agree that the springs are a good idea...but...this bike is just going to be a learner bike. We don't plan to keep it more than a year or two.  Was trying to keep costs down, by getting a fixer upper. I didn't even plan on doing the front suspension at all.  At this point, with tires we are into $350+ in parts and fluids.  I have to draw the line somewhere. A braided front line would be great, too.  Wasn't going to do the brakes, but they look so terrible I am going to at least do the pads and change the fluid.

That non-functioning left turn signal probably means another part to order...

The more we take apart on this bike, the more apparent it is that the bike sat for some time out in the elements.  Just trying to make it functional and safe to learn on, and hopefully not spend the whole summer doing it.

Tires going on are:  Metzeler Lazertec Rear 130/70 and a Conti Motion 110/70 front.  Going for middle of the road, longer life tires.

[gsJack]

The brake pad in your pic above has a lot life left in it, they require replacement when the grooves are gone but it's best to replace them a little before that.

Can't beat the Avon Roadrider tires for middle of the road longer life tires.  The Conti Motion is a radial tire and the Lasertec is a bias tire.  A radial front with a bias rear is considered a bad mix but a bias front with a radial rear is OK.  Your mix wouldn't pass inspection in EU but we don't have inspections here in OH but some states do.

The Lasertec is a good tire I've used but they've got too expensive here compared to other brands.  My all time favorite handling tires on my GS500s remains a bias Lasertec front with a radial Conti RoadAttack rear but they're not enough better to justify their current prices.

Tires I've used and miles used on my GSs:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500tirelogs_zpse04c1f44.jpg
. 

[yamahonkawazuki]

You wont have a problem getting rid of those clip-ons!! 
Go with sonic or progressive spring. Get rid of the fuel filter. Change all fluids and put on new tires. Check the tank for rust. If you feel up to it clean the carbs and put in larger jets while you have them open. All of that will really freshen up that bike.

the 89 clipons as stated, ARE and always will be the holy grail of parts