I sometimes hear people say “I want to ride a GS1000S someday!”
I bought this bike when I was 21-22 years old.
To be honest, I didn’t really want it at all.
It just kind of happened naturally.
It was a BUY NOW situation.
Even back then,
parts were already quite scarce,
and now there are even fewer—it’s an endangered species.
However,
we’re in the 21st century now.
If you search around, there are still some excellent reproduction-type parts available.
They shouldn’t be underestimated…
That’s what I realized after researching.
Considerations on Problem Areas
- Bodywork
- Frame
- Electrical
- Engine
Basically, it’s an old carb bike,
so versatility is extremely high,
which means you can make it work somehow.
However,
“non-original = aftermarket,” so
costs can get quite substantial.
Used parts are practically non-existent.
Trying to ride it with original parts
might be a pretty tough situation.
The Katana is a Brother; the GS750 is Just a Name
The older sibling (appeared before the 1000), the GS750, is basically a different bike.
You should assume there’s almost no compatibility
and not expect much.
However, the younger sibling? Cousin? The GSX1100S
is “actually blood-related.”
There’s good compatibility with frame-related parts,
so “relying on the legendary Katana”
becomes a major point.
“About Bodywork ”
You can barely count on used fuel tanks.
Using a Beater aluminum tank
is the better way to handle it.
*Beater/Bright Logic
Upper/tail reproductions exist.
Screen/cowl brackets and such are also reliable.
*Oono Speed
FRP seat bases exist too.
I went with FRP myself.
*SD Artis
As for bodywork,
you don’t need to worry too much.
*We don’t know when they’ll be discontinued, and
they’re likely made to order, so order early.
“About Electrical”
You don’t need to stick with the original;
rebuilding or adapting is best.
There are mysterious devices from that era?
that make it a troublesome bike.
Winkers that mysteriously turn off after a certain distance,
incomprehensible push-cancel switches,
separate rectifier and regulator,
frame-grounded harness,
and so on.
Since it’s 44 years old,
it’s best not to use the original harness.
If you don’t want to build it yourself,
using all the Katana’s electrical components and the Katana’s harness might be easier.
I actually used
the Katana harness on a BIMOTA SB3 back in the day.
Or alternatively, like me, using MO-UNIT to rebuild
is also an option.
It’s incredibly
simple with minimal harness,
and people are 100% amazed!
*Non-waterproof is the downside (;∀;)
Regulators are basically universal parts;
lots of options work.
Using Watanabe for the ignition system is good.
However,
if you use Watanabe, you need to check compatibility.
Centrifugal governor advance? Digital advance?
If you want digital advance,
you’ll need Katana pickup and base plate.
*Whether you can get them is questionable…
“About the Frame”
You don’t need to worry too much about the frame.
I think you’ll be fine.
You can make it work with aftermarket parts,
and using Katana parts is also an option.
Honestly, it really depends on your budget.
“About the Engine”
Damaged covers are pretty serious.
Signal covers
are available from Oono Speed, so that’s reassuring.
The left generator cover and such
are things you’d want to stock up on.
Gasket-related items too
are currently sold by Oono Speed.
“The Discontinued Team”
Cam chain tensioner (discontinued)
*Workaround available
Transmission (discontinued)
*Aftermarket cross available
Clutch cover gasket (discontinued)
Head cover gasket (discontinued)
Starter clutch (discontinued)
*Workarounds available too (*´ω｀*)
There are quite a few discontinued items,
but surprisingly they do show up? That’s my impression.
Valves are still available from CMS too.
If the engine and frame are in good condition,
it seems fairly restorable.
Following CB→Z,
the “air-cooled 4-cylinder 2-valve” later model,
the frame and engine
are remarkably well-designed and built.
As for the engine aluminum,
“helicoil-free”
high-quality workmanship unlike Kawasaki.
While restoring used ones is good,
receiving one from someone who treasured it
might be the better option.
Or a solid used restoration,
but you never know when that opportunity will come,
so you need to keep a good one on hand…
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