Nice job on your restoration! I bought the 1981 version of this bike new from the dealer and put 62,000 miles on it. It's a wonderful machine. Very durable, too. I redlined the engine nearly every day I rode it, and I never had a major engine component fail. The handling on mine was dramatically improved once I put flatter handlebars on it. Thanks for the video.
I also have a GS450 in my garage. I could kick myself because years ago it was running fine but just decided one day to disassemble so I could have it repainted blue. Well, I got it painted but then soon got orders for military duty in Germany. That was like in 1985. So the bike was shipped in in parts & not assembled. Never got to assemble it in Germany. All these years it's been shipped & moved that way to Georgia & back to El Paso & other local addresses. I started to put it back together a few years ago but gave up when I couldn't locate some parts. The engine was never prepared to sit idle all those years so who knows if it's even any good because the oil had to be drained on the 1st overseas move. I was cleaning my garage today & was about ready to call a junk yard to see if they wanted it but then ran across your video. I have new hope again that one day I'll get to it! Just cant part with it right now...
Hey George, getting some of the parts is proving to be a challenge. I had to wait for over a month to get the Ignitor which is like the brains of this old bike. Some of the other parts just are not to be found. Luckily, I've been able to find what I need. The bike is definitely roadworthy now. I cant' wait for spring. Tool cold most days here up north now.
Oh baby! Those star wheels at 4:04 take me right back to 1980. Back then, my best friend had a '74(?) Yamaha (?). We went all the way to a bike junkyard in Houston to see if we could get parts for it. Big trip for us back then. The junkyards and dealers all said parts were unavailable for Japanese bikes that were over 5 years old. Don't know if it was true, but the bike resurrection project was abandoned because of that. :(
Thanks... I used a Sony Handicam on a monopod taped to the front forks for the shots of me and a short tripod taped to the gas tank for the forward riding shots. A sheriff drove by me a couple of times while I was setting up the shots. He left me alone. Thanks for asking.
Isn't vintage over 25 years old? If not, I apologize for the misuse of the term. I myself am definitely vintage and voices in my head that are at least 50 years old. Scary huh?
Tony, Did it come with the battery cover showing the model of did you have to buy that? Is there a way to tell what model of 450 it is by the 'vin'? I take it yours is something like GS450-XXXXXX, like mine? My dealer has no idea what it is exactly since it seems to have a different engine from another bike, year unknown but its also pre-1981.
Just got the 550 last night. rides good. new carbs. but she idles too low then dies from that.. Hey, do the gauge pods light up for night? maybe there is a switch, it was dark. l
Gosh, All that seems to be on the market now are bikes twice the size and weight, or, like a 250cc. I want one of these cuz I am guessing they are lightweight yet able to keep speed of 65 on the xway. How are they at speed? I am trying desperately to find a bike that is good on the expressway. I own a CAR with 1500 cc motor (Mits mirage) and the 1500 cc will haul that thing around at 70 all day and it weighs more than 2500lbs. I want a bike that is small and light and like 4-500 cc and NEW-ish (so parts are available) yet can cruise without causing a traffic jam or vibrating me to death. Seems like this bike does everything I want xcept have parts available???
Nice job on your restoration! I bought the 1981 version of this bike new from the dealer and put 62,000 miles on it. It's a wonderful machine. Very durable, too. I redlined the engine nearly every day I rode it, and I never had a major engine component fail. The handling on mine was dramatically improved once I put flatter handlebars on it. Thanks for the video.
I also have a GS450 in my garage. I could kick myself because years ago it was running fine but just decided one day to disassemble so I could have it repainted blue. Well, I got it painted but then soon got orders for military duty in Germany. That was like in 1985. So the bike was shipped in in parts & not assembled. Never got to assemble it in Germany. All these years it's been shipped & moved that way to Georgia & back to El Paso & other local addresses. I started to put it back together a few years ago but gave up when I couldn't locate some parts. The engine was never prepared to sit idle all those years so who knows if it's even any good because the oil had to be drained on the 1st overseas move. I was cleaning my garage today & was about ready to call a junk yard to see if they wanted it but then ran across your video. I have new hope again that one day I'll get to it! Just cant part with it right now...
I've had one of these for years and recently decided to turn it into a bobber. I was amazed at how many people have chopped this model of bike.
Cool rebuild..Looks like you found a nice bike that just needed some cosmetics..Nice find with only 3800 miles..Keep up the awesome videos.
Yep, I used Mothers foam cone and chrome polish. It really brought out the shine.
Hey George, getting some of the parts is proving to be a challenge. I had to wait for over a month to get the Ignitor which is like the brains of this old bike. Some of the other parts just are not to be found. Luckily, I've been able to find what I need. The bike is definitely roadworthy now. I cant' wait for spring. Tool cold most days here up north now.
Came here from the jet stove review.. Had a 450 sport from 84 myself - great bike until it got stolen :-)
Oh baby! Those star wheels at 4:04 take me right back to 1980.
Back then, my best friend had a '74(?) Yamaha (?). We went all the way to a bike junkyard in Houston to see if we could get parts for it. Big trip for us back then. The junkyards and dealers all said parts were unavailable for Japanese bikes that were over 5 years old. Don't know if it was true, but the bike resurrection project was abandoned because of that. :(
Thanks... I used a Sony Handicam on a monopod taped to the front forks for the shots of me and a short tripod taped to the gas tank for the forward riding shots. A sheriff drove by me a couple of times while I was setting up the shots. He left me alone. Thanks for asking.
That is a nice bike,...and nice restoration job as well! I'm a Kawasaki guy,though,...and I'd like to find a vintage 440LTD!
Isn't vintage over 25 years old? If not, I apologize for the misuse of the term. I myself am definitely vintage and voices in my head that are at least 50 years old. Scary huh?
Good score on restoring that bike. What kind of camera equipment did you use for the riding shots?
Nice bike my dad had one in blue
Nice. Those were good shots. Haha I have had my run ins with the law while filming myself. Can't wait to see more Tool Dude!
Tony, Did it come with the battery cover showing the model of did you have to buy that? Is there a way to tell what model of 450 it is by the 'vin'? I take it yours is something like GS450-XXXXXX, like mine? My dealer has no idea what it is exactly since it seems to have a different engine from another bike, year unknown but its also pre-1981.
Just got the 550 last night. rides good. new carbs. but she idles too low then dies from that..
Hey, do the gauge pods light up for night? maybe there is a switch, it was dark. l
Gosh, All that seems to be on the market now are bikes twice the size and weight, or, like a 250cc. I want one of these cuz I am guessing they are lightweight yet able to keep speed of 65 on the xway. How are they at speed? I am trying desperately to find a bike that is good on the expressway. I own a CAR with 1500 cc motor (Mits mirage) and the 1500 cc will haul that thing around at 70 all day and it weighs more than 2500lbs. I want a bike that is small and light and like 4-500 cc and NEW-ish (so parts are available) yet can cruise without causing a traffic jam or vibrating me to death. Seems like this bike does everything I want xcept have parts available???
Cant hear the moter with the music blairing
1980 is vintage? Man, that's painful to hear.