Boo. What's up guys. I've been away for almost a year. Quick recap for everybody: Bought a 93 GS500E. Knew it needed some work, previous owner seemed a bit squiddish. Honestly I probably shouldn't have bought it (or not paid as much as I did) but I really missed riding. Carbs gummed up on me within a day, and before I could get to fixin', life proceeded to kick my ass for about a year and I left it sitting in a parking lot. 

In the meantime I actually MOVED and left it across town at the old apartment complex. It looks like such a POS that nobody touched it. I'm thinking I'm gonna have to rat this one. Today I finally got off my duff and called a friend with a truck, bought her lunch and hauled it back to the house.

Things I plan to do, (in rough order) I am going to do as much of the work myself as I can, though I'm a novice mechanic at best. I've ordered the Haynes manual from amazon, should arrive today or tomorrow.

recharge battery and hope against all odds it's not dead
clean out/de-rust gas tank
change oil
clean carbs
replace fuel lines
possibly replace petcock
new chain and sprockets
replace brake fluid, lines
fork seals need replacing
new tires

The last two things I am planning on having a shop do but I think I can do the rest.

Plus some cosmetic stuff, rust removal, repainting...

I found a freakin' WASP NEST on the right top side of the engine under the gas tank. Later tonight I will post some photos if I have time.

And YES feel free to call me a dumbass!!!

Welcome back! There's nothing wrong with rats!     

There are several good things about having a bike that looks like shaZam!...

1)  You won't feel as bad when you drop it or someone knocks it over.
2)  It's less likely to be stolen, 'cause thieves won't be sure it even runs.
3)  No one will accuse you of being a fashion rider.
4)  People will be amazed that it goes down the road.
5)  The look on people's faces will be even better when they can't catch you in the twisties.   

Quote from: RVertigo on April 10, 2007, 12:15:00 PM
There are several good things about having a bike that looks like shaZam!...
<snip>
4)  People will be amazed that it goes down the road.

My XS 650 was one such example. Though it was in near 100% stock and heck it even looked good for a 82, the cop that saw it on July 4th was certain it was cobbled together from scrap ... so much so that he wanted to see title for it. Parked in a private parking lot that too, I wasn't even riding it. I showed him the title and asked him, you didn't figure I stole something this old did ya, to which he quipped, "I didn't figure you'd be able to ride something this old either"
Cool.
Srinath.

Thanks guys... I agree about the looks issue. I figure the insurance company probably won't give me much if anything happens to the bike so why waste money on cosmetics. As long as it's reliable and safe I will be happy.

Of course it might take a little bit to get there.

Arrrgh is that a wasps nest on your rocker cover? If so KILL THEM, KILL THEM NOW!!!! I have a personal war against wasps and must kill every one of them on sight and make it slow and painful.
If your wondering why I hate them so much I walked into my shed one day and was stung by six of the little SOBs so all must die

Quote from: Lukewarm Wilson on April 10, 2007, 03:30:06 PM
Arrrgh is that a wasps nest on your rocker cover? If so KILL THEM, KILL THEM NOW!!!! I have a personal war against wasps and must kill every one of them on sight and make it slow and painful.
If your wondering why I hate them so much I walked into my shed one day and was stung by six of the little SOBs so all must die

[insert] something about  Godwin's Law  [/insert]


GENOCIDE!

I know you're going the 'rat-route' but if you decided to go after some of that rust (especially those headers ... mine used to look like that) I highly reccomend a handheld angle grinder ($80 tops) and a wire brush wheel. Works like gangbusters, Otherwise, just give 'er a little TLC and she'll treat ya right! 

Quote from: MinnesotaCafe on April 10, 2007, 11:50:34 PM
I know you're going the 'rat-route' but if you decided to go after some of that rust (especially those headers ... mine used to look like that) I highly reccomend a handheld angle grinder ($80 tops) and a wire brush wheel. Works like gangbusters, Otherwise, just give 'er a little TLC and she'll treat ya right! 

I actually already own an angle grinder... picked up a pad for "rust and paint removal" the other day. If I can figure out how to get at the inside header bolts that's on my list of things to do. 

You should be able to access them with an allen wrench, I use a socket for my wrench, I think it's a 7mm, I can check if you need. Just spray some JB rust penetrator, or LPS 3 on there, let it soak for an hour or so, and they should just come right off 

Welcome back Blip 

I hate wasps too after one built a nest in my carb breather hose causing my bike to stall on a narrow bridge!

Later I discovered it also made a nest in my battery breather hose!


Both are now protected with a homemade flyscreen filter.