Hey, everyone! I'm super new to the forum but I just bought a 1991 GS500E two days ago and wanted to what the experts thought.
I bought the bike after the second owner, in 2004, had it covered in the back yard in the South Bay (SF Bay Area) for about 12 years. It has 438 original miles. When the owner showed it to me, he had put in a new battery and the bike turned over but would not start. Not surprised but I'm thinking that he forgot about using "PRI" on the petcock, so I'll give it a try later after work.
I'm SUUUUPER excited to get this thing running, changing out the fluids (oil, brake, forks), tires and re-cover the seat. Is there anything that I might be missing to get this thing road worthy or some tips to get started?
I'm planning on picking up a manual. Unless, of course, some kind soul is willing to pass one on to this me.... :kiss3:
Anyways, looking forward to being a part of the forum and hearing from y'all!
Pictures coming soon!
Also, looking forward to more fun facts about the GS when I post things.... (Took me a while). :icon_eek:
WHAT IS THE FRAME MADE OUT OF?!?!?
Hi Hupjai and welcome to the forum!! Contrats on the bike and hope you enjoy it!! :star:
Those fun facts... if you are talking about the questions, don't worry, they go away after you post 5 times ;)
I'll leave it up to the others to give ya tips on what to do with your low mileage bike (short on time right now, at work lol) to get it in top shape but I do believe the frame is steel.
Forgive me if you included pics already (sometimes I can see them here at work and sometimes I can't) but we would love to see pics!!!! :D
Welcome to the site man! The good news: everything you need to know is around here somewhere. Now for the bad news....... letting a bike sit is the WORST thing somebody can do (aside from major crashes / fire). Every piece of rubber will need replaced too. Brake lines, tires, all the fuel lines, etc will all need replaced. Look over all the wiring (and the air box) for evidence of mouse / critter damage too. The brake fluid may have destroyed the master cylinders, along with possibly the calipers. What does the inside of the gas tank look like? It might have some major rust issues.
I know it sounds daunting, but there really is a bunch of stuff that needs addressed before that bike is safe..... let alone fun.
Quote from: Big Rich on February 19, 2016, 07:13:35 PM
Welcome to the site man! The good news: everything you need to know is around here somewhere. Now for the bad news....... letting a bike sit is the WORST thing somebody can do (aside from major crashes / fire). Every piece of rubber will need replaced too. Brake lines, tires, all the fuel lines, etc will all need replaced. Look over all the wiring (and the air box) for evidence of mouse / critter damage too. The brake fluid may have destroyed the master cylinders, along with possibly the calipers. What does the inside of the gas tank look like? It might have some major rust issues.
I know it sounds daunting, but there really is a bunch of stuff that needs addressed before that bike is safe..... let alone fun.
Thanks for the warm welcomes! I've already found a bunch of great links on the site and y'all are all so wonderful!
What creates the electric arc that ignites fuel in the cylinder?
My answer, "spark plug". What, electricity? Physics? Molecules in the air that conduct electricity? The Battery?
The tank has rust on the inside, just checked. I was tempted to start it using the prime and massaging the stubborn choke lever but no start.
Anyone know if a place in the South Bay that treats gas tanks? haha
Looking forward to replacing EVERYTHING! :2guns:
"The trident of Zeus"...... seriously, that's the question that everybody seems to have problems with. Spark plug (s) is correct. Couple more posts and you don't have to worry about it though.
Have you taken the float bowls off yet, or tried draining the carbs? If there was gas stored in the carbs for any length of time (most likely), then you'll also have to clean the carbs. And not just a "spit and polish, replace a few jets" cleaning, you'll really have to get in there and do some scrubbing.
Awesome! Y'all are too kind.
Sorry for the wait, a few technical difficulties over the weekend.
http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/slideshow/ (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/slideshow/)
I'll upload the actual photos after this weekend for those that don't wanna click the link.
I hope that link works.... :icon_lol:
Note the ding in the tank.... by me... right after buying the bike... on the trailer.
Most of the lines are brittle, I have no gas flowing through the bowls. I drained them and left the petcock on "Prime" hoping that it would flow out. I knew it was a long shot. Nothing but old nasty gasoline. I suspect (with no experience) that I would need to clean out the entire carburetor and replace all the rubber. Anyone know if there are any kits I could purchase at once? I don't want a long shopping list but I want to have the lines and gaskets replaced the right way.:x
I guess that includes the brake lines as well. The fluid is black, I'm guessing it'll need to be replace and I'll need to buy a brake line bleeder?.....
Lots of guess! :embarassed:
DAMN YOU "spark plug"!!!!
EDIT: Photos!
Here it is!
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0046.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0046.jpg.html)
The front
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0047.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0047.jpg.html)
Cowling
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0054.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0054.jpg.html)
Instruments
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0048.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0048.jpg.html)
Gonna redo the foam and recover this
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0049.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0049.jpg.html)
Back end
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0051.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0051.jpg.html)
Stock Exhaust
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0052.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0052.jpg.html)
Wheels need a scrub
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0053.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0053.jpg.html)
Kinda dirty
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0055.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0055.jpg.html)
Really dirty....
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0058.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0058.jpg.html)
Rust, leaky petcock?
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0059.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0059.jpg.html)
From the battery?
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0056.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0056.jpg.html)
Lovely, bike tipped over in the trailer while unloading
http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0057.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6
http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0061.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2
Opposite side, it was already there when I got it... swear! :icon_mrgreen:
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0063.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0063.jpg.html)
Will need to replace
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/kirbydapink/IMG_0060.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/kirbydapink/media/IMG_0060.jpg.html)
Old, nasty, gasoline can be wicked stuff. I don't know of any proper carb kits, but you can buy everything piece by piece on Partzilla.com. Just check the parts diagram and find all the orings and stuff. In regards to the brakes: I would really want to make sure the calipers are working 100%..... so it might be a good idea to pop the pistons out and clean out the insides as well. You can usually find new-ish calipers on ebay for less money than a rebuild kit btw.
How much do you like that quarter fairing? There's a member here (I think Erika is her name?) that just had a llittle accident and she busted her fairing up a little. If you don't like your fairing and want to sell it, she might be interested.
I just replaced all the O-rings and gaskets in the carbs yesterday!
It was not pleasant. Many stuck parts and old brittle rubber but it got done.
I'll need to replace the fuel lines as they are brittle too.... plus, I tore one. :icon_lol:
I'll try to start the bike next weekend after the rain that is anticipated in the Bay Area. Till then, I'll polish the plastic I had to take off!
I think that I'll hold on to the fairing for now. I like the look, but I'll wait till I try it in action! :thumb:
91-now = 25 yrs.
So it ran 438 miles in 91 and sat 12 yrs to 04. Then the guy tried to start it ? then it sat 12 more ??
Cool.
Buddha.
According to pictures, that's partial/daily/trip mileage, ODO says 7168.
:))
Sent from my toilet seat using HTC FartPhone
According to the photos you right, Shepa! Whoops, I feel like a fool.
Last registration sticker was 1998 so I dunno anymore, Buddha. But cool math.
I'm going to replace the fuel lines and spark plugs tomorrow after I charge the battery tonight.
*Cross-fingers* :dunno_black:
Last week the battery came in, I charged it over night.
Replaced the battery.
Flushed the tank with new gas.
Replace the spark plugs.
Replaced the fuel lines with some nice, soft lines.
Installed a temporary fuel filter.
Cleaned the carburetor a second time.
Replaced brake lines with stainless and bleed the brakes
THE BIKE LIVES! O0
I just picked it up from the shop I asked to install a new chain and tires for me. :thumb:
My appointment for the CHP VIN verification process is this Thursday. After that, it's all done! Running and registered! :police:
Note: I might have to clean the carbs a third time, there seems to be a "flat-spot" for the throttle.
Note-note: the butterfly valve that is in the carbs were stuck wide open, which is why I needed the second carb cleaning. I didn't know they were supposed to move..... hehehehe :dunno_black:
Photos when I get the plastics back on with a little cleaning! :woohoo:
Things that I will be looking forward to buying/upgrading/throwing money at:
I plan to either hire someone to or reupholster the seat with more foam myself. Might change the look but I feel like I would like a little more room to stretch my legs
With the same notion, I'll be looking into the GSXR peg mod or buy some rear pegs with "extended raiser" from eBay and use them to lower my foot position.
Stock Belly Pans look sweet, totally going to be keeping an eye out for a used one with stock hardware *hint* *hint*
Rear Shock upgrade. I've seen a lot about replacing the stock with a stock shock from a katana, also will be keeping an eye out.
Front spring. I will probably change the fork oil with something heavier but also look into new springs much halter down the line.
Gotta change the oil and get some fresh oil to replace the stuff that's been sitting in there for sure. Will probably take care of the oil before the CHP inspection! :thumb:
Engine oil and filter changed! :icon_mrgreen:
I don't know why... but... THERE'S ENGINE OIL SEEPING OUT OF THE GASKET NEXT TO THE EXHAUST HEADER.
It's gushing out after the bike is warmed up and I can't tell exactly where it's coming from.
I can tell that it's near that it's near the cylinder block bolt area.
ALSO there is smoke coming from both that area as well as out the exhaust.
My neighbor suggest a valve stem seal or a head gasket, will order both and take a stab at it after the CHP VIN verification.
Any advice on this would be appreciated, I'm only kinda freaking out. :bowdown:
Picture of the leak?
N photo yet but I looked again and it's coming from the left header. I think it's the head gasket.... :technical:
I feel like it has been mentioned somewhere that process of getting to the head gasket can disturb the base gasket so do that one, too (I went ahead and did both of mine when I had the engine apart).
I have the sneaking suspicion that you should consider replacing the tank and frame petcocks as well (my bike is five years younger than yours and I had to do mine last year).
Great news! The bolts on the exhaust were not tight at all! Got that to spec and no more leaks. :woohoo:
The bike is still smoking a little but a lot less after it warms up.
Oil level is at the correct mark now and I'll be monitoring the lever as well as the smoke.
I ordered a new tank valve after seeing the shape of the filter, will replace after I treat the tank. What would the petcocks have to do with my issues?
Thanks!
Update!
No more smoking! But the GS seems to be consuming oil. There's no obvious leaks on the motor. It's about 3 or 4mm on the dipstick every week.
It's getting more cleaned up but I'll need to have another run through to get the bike more reliable. My petcock seems to be in not so great condition and my fuel capacity is not down to 2.4 gallons. :technical:
I'm unloaded the photos to the thread that I've been meaning to post. Yay, photos! :D
Will be doing a bunch of more work once I'm done moving and after my final exams!
Currently
After new tires and a chain on the bike.
(http://i.imgur.com/nweu9Wwl.jpg)
Mmmmmmm.... new rubber.
(http://i.imgur.com/eP0DcXIl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/OPhARL9l.jpg)
So far so good!
Cleaned up the plastic and it's coming along! :thumbup
(http://i.imgur.com/trQ5he8l.jpg)
Pet chicken Eh?
Aaron
Awesome update Hupjai... keep them coming. I love your bike 8)
I hit "Quote" instead of "Modify". :whisper:
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on May 06, 2016, 01:09:04 PM
Pet chicken Eh?
Aaron
Is that a forum auto-correct? :technical:
Petcock* lol
Quote from: ShowBizWolf on May 06, 2016, 01:27:06 PM
Awesome update Hupjai... keep them coming. I love your bike 8)
Thank you! So kind! :icon_mrgreen:
I'd still like to clean it up much more and color match a bellypan I picked up from Iarn. Much more to come and I figured that everyone loves photos so I'll try to be better about documentation!
Also on the list of things I want to do, build a media blasting cabinet, dust collector and a CB650 café... plenty on content. :whisper:
Time for a little update!
I moved to another part in town with.... a GARAGE! :woohoo:
I currently have the bike with the tank, carbs and air box out to treat the rust in the tank. It looks like some patience and Evaporust is taking care of the rust in the tank wonderfully. I'm working on cleaning the carb wanted to see if anyone has experience taking separating the two carb bodies. I want to replace the air tube "hose" that ripped off but it looks like I'll need to pull the carbs off that bar that runs across, holding them together. Unless I can just slip it on... then whatever. I'll be cleaning the carb for a 4th time, this time I won't be rushed and be a little more comfortable.
Also, I've been cleaning the bike here and there and it's looking a lot better than when I first got it, covered in dirt/dust/animal fur/doo doo. More updates soon after round two of college midterms! :2guns:
Pictures will soon follow.
Cool beans!!! Woot toot for a garage, for sure. I like Evaporust... only ever used it once but it was neat stuff.
Good luck with the rebuild Alex!
For the carbs, if it's the part I think you're talking about - you can loosen the screws holding the two carbs together, but don't disassemble completely. This should allow you enough wiggle room to put that new T connector in.
While you're at it - there's a metal bar on the front of the carb that controls the choke. Make sure that slides easily back and forth, or else your choke will never work quite the way you think it should.
If you can rig up a temporary fuel supply, try to run the bike without the gas tank and air filter mounted, so that you can make the slides are bouncing up and down properly.
Drop by if you ever need help.
Quote from: Endopotential on November 11, 2016, 08:07:39 PM
Good luck with the rebuild Alex!
For the carbs, if it's the part I think you're talking about - you can loosen the screws holding the two carbs together, but don't disassemble completely. This should allow you enough wiggle room to put that new T connector in.
While you're at it - there's a metal bar on the front of the carb that controls the choke. Make sure that slides easily back and forth, or else your choke will never work quite the way you think it should.
If you can rig up a temporary fuel supply, try to run the bike without the gas tank and air filter mounted, so that you can make the slides are bouncing up and down properly.
Drop by if you ever need help.
Thanks! Great idea, I was concerned about all the springs for the throttle. I knew that could be a reasonably frustrating headache.
Also, how did you know I was working on making my own auxiliary fuel supply for testing the bike? Nice. :thumb:
GOT THAT T CONNECTOR REPLACED!
Quick, short, no-photo update:
I got the carburetor components replaced and adjusted the float height.
Mounted the tank and carb but found a leak in my petcock. I'm gonna get some ish for this but I used some marine epoxy to patch the .5 mm hole that had fuel shooting out the reserve intake nipple of the petcock. We'll see how that holds up!
Machined the pegs I ordered off eBay for the front, I'll see how they fit.
I've taken the front fender off to clean it off and install the fork brace I bought off a member. I'm in the process of epoxying the nuts under the fender so I don't have to fines the nuts off again.
Installed some risers and will be looking into recovered the seat with extra foam as soon as I get the bike running again! :technical:
Photos will come soon after I piece it back together!
EDIT: Forgot that I replaced the front springs with progressive springs, can't wait to see how it rides!
Plus, Evaporust worked out really well but too lazy to POR 15 the tank.
Also, how the hell do you take that top bolts off the rear spring?