I have a 1989 GS500 that I purchase from a member of this forum. It was alot of fun riding the bike until I seized the motor by neglecting to check my engine oil. I have a new motor that I need to install, and was wondering if anyone know what it takes to swap in a 1992 motor into a 1989 frame.

I am somewhat handy around tools, but just don't want to mess things up again. How much would this cost at a shop? Any advice is greatly appreciated. TIA.

bring it to W-S some night
i'll help you install for a meal...will work for fud

should take 2-3 hrs with 2 people

ken

It would probably cost something stoopid like $500 for a shop to do it.

Changing an engine in a GS is simple and straightforward, about as easy as it gets until you get to modern downtubeless frames. The first time will have you swearing and throwing tools around. After that, all you do is swear at it.  :mrgreen:

You do need the manual, but it is pretty much just start disconnecting things off the engine. Loosen all the engine bolts, remove the right side downtube, remove the engine bolts and wiggle the engine loose.
The hard part is putting the new one in,  removing the left engine cover makes it easier.

good luck,
James

I put one in by myself one day. Wasnt too bad.  I also did an xs650 by myself once. Both are heavy. Get a friend to help, the hardest part is getting it in and out, there will always be one wire that you forgot to unplug when you have the motor halfway out.

got mine down to a science, out in 15 mins and back in, running in 20

Quote from: Blueknytgot mine down to a science, out in 15 mins and back in, running in 20

One day, I want to see your garage. How many GS's do you have ?

If you have a floor jack, that will make things much easier.    Put it under the motor and raise it slightly so you can pull all the mounting bolts.
Use it to lift the motor up as you wiggle it. Then rotate the motor so the back comes out the open side of the frame.
Place the new motor on the jack. With the motor facing straight into the open frame, roll the jack in so the motor is sideways in the frame. Raise the motor up into the frame, then rotate it to the right as you jack it up or down and get it to line up with the frame mounts. Keep the jack under the motor for now.
Install all the bolts and spacers. Put the frame rail back on and put the nuts on all the bolts. Then lower the jack and tighten all the mounting bolts.
1 man job with a jack :mrgreen:

Thanks for the words of advice. I will definitely consider taking all the help I can get.

i have about 2 GS's worth of parts, minus a frame and couple oddities for 2nd GS,  a 77 honda goldwing, waiting for scrap truck to take it away, an 85 honda V65 sabre (1100 V4 engine) i have lost all semblence of intrest in (make an offer and come get it it does have a title) 84 kawi 440 LTD belt drive, needs diagnosis on charging system, 82 Yamaha XJ 650, needs alittle TLC, but i might heal it alittle just to beat hell outa it for awhile longer while i work on next GS engine. have an 87 Ford F150 that is just to expensive on fuel and engine is alittle tired, 1000 obo for it, 2 other cars that are going to scrapers ,very very shortly.  my car port looks like miami the day after andrew came through, im trying to fix some things around the house, and things on cars/bikes keep needing fixing, i can never get caught up.  but once i can get rid of some of this stuff, things will look better.    as to my speed with engine swap, take your time, place your bolts in order as you take them out. my exhaust is a hindle full system, springs hold it on to exhaust flanges bolted to head, no airbox on carbs, my battery cables are routed close, my ground cable goes to my starter bolts.  4 14mm nuts for engine mounts,drop exhaust,2 12mm bolts for tank,turn off fuel, unplug hoses from tank and remove tank, un clamp carbs from boots and hang over left fram rail, unplug plug wires,un plug stator lines,ingintion triger plate and nuetral light. drop the engine on a floor jack. only takes me about 15 mins to drop it, and about 20 to get it back, going back in alittle trickyer to line up.

My bike is in a shop right now.  A Suzuki dealership in Van Nuys to be exact.  I was told I pretty much broke my engine because of too little oil.  Sounds about right.  They said it would take more than a thousand to fix.  That part didn't sound too right.

Any one in the L.A. area know where to find a gs5 engine or gs5 engine parts?  It seems by what I've been reading that the engine install and removal can be done on your own.  I'm not very handy so in case I try and end up breaking something else...anyone know of a reputable bike mechanic in the Los Angeles area?  the SF Valley preferably.

Thanks.

Yeah, call Los Angeles Motorcycle Salvage.  Ask for Zig.  

http://www.losangelesmotorcyclesalvage.com/index1.html

Not as cheap as internet boards for used parts, but they have more parts than you could ever imagine.  I've been in the back and its a maze of parts and motorcycles in various states of dissassembly.  They're the largest cycle salvage yard in Southern California.  

If you act hesitant, you might be able to get a break on the prices they quote you.  Only downside is that you have to visit an relatively unpleasant neighborhood off Slausson/110 Freeway in South Central LA.

sweet.

Thanks.

Quote from: werase643bring it to W-S some night
i'll help you install for a meal...will work for fud

should take 2-3 hrs with 2 people

ken

Yes Werase is the man... just dont laugh at his YSR50 parts collection, or the YSR50 itself... You'd cramp up bad... I know from experience. I have to get one too... most likely in 2 years or so... for my son who is 1 right now.
Cool.
Srinath.

If he was in the LA area I would.

neat thing of that ysr50,  a YZ80 engine is spose to bolt right in.  now thats scary

yeah, the 74-78 yz motor bolts in...but the 79-80 engine has 6 speed tranny!!!!!! and bolts in :mrgreen:

Hey werase...
I got somehting for you... email/PM/call when you can.
Cool.
Srinath.

where is werase from anyway...

As per his earlier post... W-S stands for Winston Salem NC. We used to meet ~ 1 a month for lunch before I went to a different building at work... but somehow that is not that important cos its easier from here... however we haven't managed lunch in a while. Actually we did taco hell ~ 2 months back. Oh no... Hope those YSR50 jokes didn't piss him off...
Cool.
Srinath.

hehehee..... oil.

Its not important until you dont have any. :dunno:

i did the same... look for my ten page post for a laugh while you slip in the new motor!