Well, if it looks like I'll hang on to this bike longer term, I'm sure I'll replace those connectors.  There is just enough slack in there to do it one more time.  I'd like to replace the tach and speedo since they have some rash and are broken (but working). 

Tach cable broke while I was playing with the bike today.  It starts easily now and just needs a few minutes to get good and warm, like you would expect.  I'm not going to try any more tuning until I get the O-ring in. 

Nice! Looks like the bike I am currently fixing.


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That is as much as I have gotten so far. Just screwed up the primer on the tank (missed scuffing up a section so the primer just crumbled off under moisture).

Just replaced the gauge cluster with a 2004 cluster. Wiring the electrical tach was incredibly easy.

Really would like to replace the headlight with a more modern look but can't find anything.

I'll have the tank done tonight, for the 2nd time.  Waiting on a new petcock and a brake lever.  The O-rings I need for the carbs will be here today.  Took both carbs apart yesterday and cleaned them.  That is a nerve racking procedure.  I dropped tiny parts twice and one time did not even know it.  Fortunately I had my clymer manual and checked the detailed exploded view to make sure I had every part there upon reassembly.  Everything looks good.  I'd be on track for completion this weekend but I'm afraid that petcock won't show up in time. 

How do you wired the gauges? Can i put electrical speedo from newer model on 1997 gs?

Got home from vacation last night and had the final parts I needed waiting for me.  Everything is working now and the tank, albeit ugly, is ready to go on tonight.  I did the $5 carb sync from this site (thank you!) and that cured EVERY hiccup, spudder, etc.  Before that, the engine would rev really high and stay there.  I thought I might have had a throttle cable problem.  Also had a really tough time getting the idle set right.  Once I put the carb sync on I saw that the right carb was doing all the work.  Got them evened out and it just purrs now.  Ready to ride! 

Great find... 

I have owned my 2009 for all of 60 days  and all of these "project" threads make me want to find a neglected bike and get to work.   I really love these threads...thanks for the updates

Rode it for the first time tonight and it did fine.  This is not the bike for me (riding position) but I knew that when I bought it.  It was a fun project getting some piece of barn rust to a riding state.  Somebody will enjoy this bike as well.