This is my second GS500. Found it standing on the mechanic's workshop on one of my visits. It was about six months ago. The first look of the bike made t clear that there was no major damage to the bike, which is not very usual for auctioned bikes from the era. So the first look made its impression on me that this could be one perfect bike for the restoration.
Moreover, the bike had recently been in use with someone so obviously it had not been standing in the dark for too long, another plus.
Here is how it looked at first:
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/09122013006_zps435503ab.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/21112013_zpsb9c0bc30.jpg)
My experience with my other GS has been pretty good. What's good about GS500 is that its parts are relatively easily available here. If the bike is perfectly restored, low maintenance costs coupled with better fuel economy means peace of mind. Here is a pic of my blue GS before I post other pics:
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/IMG_2453_zps9695ae4a.jpg)
The engine needed complete check up and overhaul. Complete new paint was obvious and the same for wiring. Front disk brake and calliper was from some 80s model bike and looked hideous so it also needed replacement.
Expected time for the whole restoration was two to three months, however it was not till the end of five long months that I finally got the bike.
At first the bike's chassis arrived with new paint job done. All black.. I got medium length handle bar for the bike, coated with matt black. Front forks base also comes in matching black, while disk brake and calliper is painted golden. Sorry for the bad quality of pics here, these are mobile pics taken inside the workshop.
Note the plain black fender on its first trip to the painter's shop.
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/82102of6_zps2e231ee0.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/82103of6_zps7a3e0b8e.jpg)
With the arrival of chassis from painter and newly painted rims and brakes etc. the parts were assembled to give it the bike's shape. tyres are mounted, disk brakes installed, oil pouring air bleeding in progress:
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/82101of6_zps8612a683.jpg)
Front fender returns from second visit to the painter's shop. Its looking cool now O0
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/82104of6_zps2f209a70.jpg)
With the arrival of chassis from painter and fitting back of rims and tyres engine was opened for inspection. Some pics before engine was sent for new paint and rebuilt.
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/10052014_zpsdb5ad21b.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/10052014001_zpse0aad086.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/10052014003_zps05b82677.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/10052014002_zpse64e127c.jpg)
Inspection of engine internal parts revealed that it had locally made valves in it, which were replaced by new valves. The rings were also worn out and replaced with new rings. Engine head was damaged on the outer side so replaced. Carbs were in good condition and needing cleaning only, rest everything was good to go. Apart from that in electrical bike needed complete new wiring and CDI unit was also in bad shape so replaced with one in proper functioning condition..
Engine arrived after repaint while tank was still with the painter. Tank and pulser plate were the last parts to arrive. Most of the wiring had been completed and the bike assembled during this time. Engine back in place..
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/82105of6_zpsda49e1ab.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/82106of6_zpse938241f.jpg)
And here comes the final product. ready to ride :tongue2:
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/2_zps7dd508d5.jpg)
Check out the tank now, after painted thrice :icon_mrgreen:
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/6_zpsbae49e4e.jpg)
Am loving this bike :D
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/GS-11of3_zps4c5aa49e.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/GS-12of3_zps8a627eb2.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/robustus0007/7_zpsaf4c4ac0.jpg)
Wow! I think that came out fantastic. Good luck with it. Very Nice Indeed. :thumb:
Love the look of this, man. I sort of used your stripe idea :P
looks great. what size rear is that? looks tall.