buying 82gsx1100

[unkl.bob]

is there anything major to look for when buying a second hand early 80's gsx1100. Not so familiar with bikes as i am cars.

Frame, can crack around sidestand, and general straightness.
Engine rattles. A rattling clutch basket is common, should go away when clutch pulled in. Theyu're a ger primary drive, so there is only the cam chain to look at. Not a huge job to do. After market manual cam chain tensioners are much cheaper than factory replacements, and more reliable. If anything else is rattling then seriously contemplate an engine rebuild in the price.
Gearbox. The weak point of the gearbox is the selectors, especially on 2nd gear.
Electrics. Stators are getting old, reg/rec units can be an issue. Check all functions on the dash.
Rear shocks will undoubtedly be shot if they're original, and they're not rebuildable.
Rotting exhaust systems common, both original and after market.
What's the asking price? general condition?

[chopaweeza]

Windsor Motorcycle Wreckers have a GSX1100EFE with 20,000kms genuine on the clock for under $2k(forget the actual price)in good original condition. Been sitting since 1993 and probably needs new rings as a result.

That's not bad.

[unkl.bob]

thanks so much it all helps. Hoping to pick it up for 2500 with rwc. Apparantley it needs fork seals and carb balance. done 90000 though. going to look tomorrow

[unkl.bob]

http://www.streetfighters.com.au/forum/upload/31136850851007.jpg


her is a pic of the said bike

250,000 was common with them, and a lot have done 500,000+, 90,000 is low K's these days, assuming it hasn't been around the clock, they restart at 100,000 k's.
But they're a damned solid bike, hard to kill.
There was a technical on here just recently regarding building you're own carb balancers, dirt cheap. I'd give it a good oil/filter change as well. And always keep the oil level up, as the stator runs in the oil bath, and low levels will shorten it's life quickly.
braided lines and fully sintered pads make a big difference to braking, progressive springs (the importer is in Sydney, holds a good range, about 150 for you're bike) improve front end handling. A braced swing arm is a quick and easy handling improvement, and good aftermarket shocks (Fournales are a good period rear shock for them) GSX1100EFE cams are the equivalent to stage one cam for them.
I still have factory and aftermarket manuals for them if you need information.

Looks tidy. That was the last of the 1062cc models, have you ridden it yet?

[unkl.bob]

thanks so much chalk10 and others. It all helps. 11 years ago i owned an 83 with a 1327 wiseco kit that went like stink. Sold the bike got married and well hey now shes gone its back to my first passion. Whats a good way to brace the rear swing arm?

[unkl.bob]

nah havent ridden it. Doing it tomorrow.

if its all good im getting it and the fun begins

You could look around for a macintosh swingarm, but the gsx11 swing arm lends it self to being braced. Check with some of the local guys as to someone who can do it.

[suxukifreak]

How about this ...........http://www.bikesales.com.au/as/search/sd.do?recIndex=1&modelID=1125&makeID=56&page=0&selectedModelIndex=37&y=18&selectedMakeIndex=64&previousResultPerPage=20&currentPage=1&x=66

[Hillsy]

Make sure there's no bearing noises from the crank. Although they are roller bearing (IE strong), they have been known to go through big end bearings even at modest K's and that means a complete engine rebuild (I had to rebuild my EF crank at under 100K and I'm not alone here). And as Chalkie says, the charging system was not a strong point for them (although if it's OK now, it's probably been replaced). Other than that, it's a 25 year old bike so, if it's in original condition, most of the running gear will probably be a bit sad.

[unkl.bob]

went and looked, it was crap!!!!!!! rode a gpx750 that went hatd and i am considering it instead.