hannibal

On the second question, yes for the earlier bikes. The stator has three outputs. Two run directly to the R/R. The third output runs to the headlight switch. When the light is switched on, the third leg is then connected to the R/R. This was done to try to match electrical load to stator output. A common solution is to remove the headlight loop of the third leg and send all stator outputs ditectly to the R/R. The second piece is to also replace the R/R with an SH775. You can find new ones for $100 or used ones for under $50 bucks on Eblag. Just make sure it says SH775 on the R/R as there are a lot of fakes. The SH775 was original equipment on some Polaris, SeaDoo/SkiDoo, and Harley models. I try to grab them when I see them at a good price. I test them on my GS750 and put them in the spare parts bin. I have a genuine used SH775 to sell if you're interested. I'm in Maryland USA. Also, Triumph makes a plug in harness for the SH775. The Triumph R/R is not an SH775, but shares the same plugs. Got my Triumph harness for about $10 for a local dealer. The GS750 and smaller motors use a 12 pole stator and rotor while the GS1000 (and larger motors?) use an 18 pole stator and rotor. You can't use an 18 pole stator with a 12 pole rotor or vice versa. I've heard good things about Electrosport rotors but haven't used one. My GS750 came with an 18 pole stator and rotor and it's been perfectly fine with the SH775.

I'm not familiar with the Katana master cylinder but the washer could be rusted/stuck in place. I had good luck by boiling the cylinder in a pot of water. Keep the lid on because the innards will go flying when the washer comes free.

Not sure where you're located, but in the US, the 1978 GS550 and GS550E both came with VM22 carbs. I believe the carbs changed to CV carbs in 1980. Skinny carb top with 3 screws = VM carbs Round carb top = CV carbs

Thanks for the kind words, fork info, and the warning! I found the project section so I have a lot to read. There are some wild swaps in there! Think I'm gonna make an offer on the forks and swingarm plus some random bits like the GS1000 airbox and exhaust. If I don't use the parts on the GS750, they can sit in the stash til I find a GS1000. Thanks again!

Thanks guys. Six years ago, I found a 1977 GS750 for sale and decided I was mature enough to finally get a bike. It had electrical issues so I started learning and fixed that. Then came cleaning and lining the rusty tank and cleaning the carbs. After rebuilding calipers and brakes and replacing sprockets, chain, tires, and tubes, I rode for the first time a year after buying it! A few years later, a cam sprocket screw backed out, broke the timing chain, and bent a valve. So I pulled the motor out and carried it up to my 2nd floor apartment. I replaced the bent valve, lapped the valves, honed the cylinders, and added new valve seals, shaft seals, and gaskets. Carried the motor back downstairs, got it remounted, and was ready to roll again. At this point, I've been through most of the bike and did all the work myself in the backyard of my apt. Except installing tubes and tires. I apparently suck at that. I now have a garage and I've gotten 2 more bikes. I'm mostly into classic bikes in general. I really dig the early GS bikes and have also worked on a friend's 1978 GS550. I'd love to add a GS1000 one day. I'm not into restoring, just making a bike safe to ride and showing off it's patina. And I promise to never hack a good bike into a "cafe racer".

Hello, I have a chance to pick up forks, triple trees, and hardware from 1980 GS1000. The guy also has a GS1100 swingarm. I'm wondering what's needed to mount these on my 1977 GS750. For the GS1000 forks, I think I just need new stem bearings. I'm a bit lost on the GS1100 swingarm. Are all GS1100 swingarms the same or is is the 1983 swingarm the better aluminum type? I've read that I'll need some custom spacers or bearings. Any help here? Also, I really love the spoked wheels and I'm not trying to fit an ultra wide tire, just improve the look. Is there any point in running the GS1100 swingarm with early spoked wheels? Thanks!