So I bought my GS '03 say three months ago and I can't ignore the rust that's on it.

It seems the best advice is what I know I should do: take it apart, sand it down, prime with x solution, and paint.

Taking it apart is a good learning lesson for me, but I want to avoid dropping fat stacks on the job if that's possible.

How would you tackle this?

Here are the pics. Assume the rust is symmetrical.

Cheers!

Take apart.
Sand blast (bead blast)
Epoxy primer
Polyurethane top coat

NOT cheap!!!!

-Cookie

You can buy a chemical rust converter, most aren't to expensive, are treat everything except the exhaust. It's fast, cheap and easy to do. I've used it on Volkswagen restorations and it works very well. Rustoleum makes a small bottle for about $20/US and a little bit goes a long way. Good luck. Rust is like a cancer to cars and bikes.

Those spots on the frame you cant get out without sand blasting.
That battery brace is always a pain to maintain.
Its not too bad, I'd ignore it till you need an engine rebuild or something like that. By then you may actually have gone on to say a bike that wont rust on the frame ... like an aluminum frame.
Cool.
Buddha.

the least expensive route you could go with is coca-cola and aluminum foil. you can probably just remove the hard to reach parts that you need to clean and leave the others on. it works fairly well, but takes a bit of elbow grease.

google it.

i would just clean up the headers as much as possible, sand smooth, then paint with something of the VHT variety.

BTW its time for new fuel lines, they are going to split soon! 

Just wondering how can you tell from that photo that new fuel lines are required?

The fuel lines are good, their protective sheath is also fine.
Cool.
Buddha.

Noice the discoloration of the rubber.   

If it was my bike they would be replaced due to this....




Play with the lines a little bit if they feel firm or stiff its time for new ones.

Awesome, thanks! I'll post back when I do the work

Once you've got rid of most of the rust, an excellent preventative for further rust is ACF50. I believe it was originally designed for aircraft protection, but a lot of British riders use it, especially if they ride all year. It's not the cheapest preventative around but it does appear to work well. It won't wash off immediately, or in the first rain shower.
Google it and you should be able to buy it, if your local dealer doesn't stock it.