Looks like I have decided to get the bike running again.....

[TheGoodGuy]

2001 GS500, last ridden probably 8-10 years ago.. I cant remember.

Needless to say I will have to do a check up from ground up. I know last time I rode it, I had a nasty valve clatter when the engine was hot and idling, otherwise it ran fine. I assume the valve shims need adjusting or something.


I' have a million things to do to get the bike and me rideable, but first thing first, register the bike - for which I need insurance. My previous insurer was Markel American, I used to pay 50/yr for liability back in the day. I have no idea how much bike insurance costs these days.  So who's your provider, esp in CA? Markel does not do california any more..


I am sure I have 10 years of old gas (with stabil) still in the tank. Assuming the tank is still solid after all this time.. I can drain the fluid, but what do I do with 5 gallons of basically varnish. I assume I'll have to clean the tank out - maybe a shop would be a better option to do this. I'll def need new tires, last had BT45's. The shocks / forks have to be checked. New battery.. jesus, the list keeps growing..

That said, I'll need new riding gear too.. my old stuff is not going to fit.

So why am I going riding again after all these years... well I finally have someone who got a new bike and I could use a riding buddy. The last decade I'd been driving a convertible (since 2012 June), and while that has been sitting on my gf's driveway - needs new suspension - its time to get the bike up and running for occasional pleasure rides.

[struckjm]

my GS is underwritten by Progressive. It's about $90 a year for liability and a few extra upgrades.

[Bluesmudge]

I'm also on Progressive and pay $300 total per year for 4 motorcycles with maximum liability and uninsured motorist protection. No collision, etc. I think they range between $29 - $120 per bike, depending on the bike. Progressive's price for liability coverage seems to be correlated to engine displacement, not the age of the bike. This is in Oregon.

Good to hear you are bringing the GS back. How convenient that you have this forum here to help you 
I hope you drained the carbs before letting the bike sit for 10 years.

[ShowBizWolf]

Awesome thread! I look forward to updates and progress 

I'm also with Progressive. I was with Nationwide for several years but Progressive's prices were soooooo much lower for all my vehicles when I got a quote last year. Currently I pay $93 for the whole year, for full coverage on my '98. I'm in Pennsylvania.

[The Buddha]

Oh yea Manjul, welcome back, we missed you.
Cool.
Buddha.

[cbrfxr67]

where pics? 

[TheGoodGuy]

where pics? 

I give up, the image tags arent working. I'll fix with the update and see ..

[TheGoodGuy]

Oh yea Manjul, welcome back, we missed you.
Cool.
Buddha.

its been a while. I need to post an update on things in O&E soon.. anybody seen or heard from Pandy..

[The Buddha]

If you are looking into cleaning carbs, I really dont recomend any "cleaner". I know I used to recomend yamaha carb cleaner diluted with hot boiling water almost 10-1 but have opened up carbs that were "cleaned" that way. Not a pretty sight. That strips away the thin layer of protection letting the cheap cast aluminum corrode when our wonderful alcohol and oxygenated fuel hits it.

Tooth brush, wd 40, gasoline and elbow grease. Good luck on it.
I am infact getting back to this forum too after nearly 6 months of being very inactive due to life's curveballs.
I've not seen Pandy post, and Aaron (Yamahonkawazuki) Passed away a few months ago. Its not been a happy time round here but some members are very ably carrying the torch including some very very fun 400e and other crazy projects people have embarked on.

Cool.
Buddha.

[TheGoodGuy]

If you are looking into cleaning carbs, I really dont recomend any "cleaner". I know I used to recomend yamaha carb cleaner diluted with hot boiling water almost 10-1 but have opened up carbs that were "cleaned" that way. Not a pretty sight. That strips away the thin layer of protection letting the cheap cast aluminum corrode when our wonderful alcohol and oxygenated fuel hits it.

Tooth brush, wd 40, gasoline and elbow grease. Good luck on it.
I am infact getting back to this forum too after nearly 6 months of being very inactive due to life's curveballs.
I've not seen Pandy post, and Aaron (Yamahonkawazuki) Passed away a few months ago. Its not been a happy time round here but some members are very ably carrying the torch including some very very fun 400e and other crazy projects people have embarked on.

Cool.
Buddha.

I didn't know Aaron passed away, I know he was getting some surgery last check on FB. I didn't realize it. RIP...
Pandy was active on whatsapp a while back but I have no idea, she was having issues with her health for the last few years.
Yeah I have been busy with side projects

[The Buddha]

I dont even know why I am sad - is it cos I stopped doing the stuff making me happy (riding, audio, wheeling/dealing and running helter skelter, posting BS here and other forums) or the crap like china virus and subsequent working from home and the constant drinking and doing nothing.
Do we get old from not riding, or do we get old and stop riding

Anyway I am about dig a bunch of trenches in my yard for making the mother of all workshops. Hopefully after the shovel and wheel barrow have sat in the sun for 4 days there be no virus and I wont die from virus bite while digging the trench.

Cool.
Buddha.

[Bluesmudge]

I dont even know why I am sad - is it ... the constant drinking and doing nothing.

Probably that. Maybe go for a ride instead.

[The Buddha]

I dont even know why I am sad - is it ... the constant drinking and doing nothing.

Probably that. Maybe go for a ride instead.

Too dark and cold by the time I finish work, but now on the weekends are game for the mid day, but I have to do some yard work cos its a mess.
Besides I do like drinking, just that I think its side effect is to make me focus on the lack of activity otherwise.
Cool.
Buddha.