Restore or Modify?

[pontiacstogo]

The age old question...

If you saw my introduction post, you'll know I just picked up a 1982 GS1000SZ. I've had a chance to have a closer look it today, and the poor thing needs a lot of help....



The bike was put away after a crappy repaint in 1987 and has not been run since - it has 4500 miles on it. I'm new to vintage Suzuki's so I don't know the relative rarity of these bikes. I'm not new to restoring bikes, and the old girl will go down to the bare frame no matter which way I choose to go. So....

Would you restore, restore with period correct mods or rebuild and modify using later wheels/suspension etc.?

[teigan]

i'm restoring one from the same year and leaving it stock colors. someday, when the tank needs repainting, i'll eliminate the suzuki graphic, but otherwise the original design can't be improved.

[Waltari]

Mod it!

[chinto]

Mod it!

+1

[Londob5]

Mod it!

And get some pointers from Waltari!

[dragoncutlery]

tune it trick it and mod the hell out of it then ride it like you stole it

[tone]

If it was an 1100 i'd say mod it but as the 1000's are very rare over here i have to say i'd restore it

[Scout]

RESTORE IT!!!!!!!!! And when ya get it running, we'll go for a ride. I live in Johnstown! Welcome aboard, neighbor.

[Kfreak]

If it is rare, you may want to do a restoration on it. I would love to have an old Kat dropped in my lap. I'm currently searching in my area. I do a lot of driveway and garage shopping. It's amazing what people have lying around and don't want to do anything with it. One man's junk is another man's treasure.

[jdm5770]

I agree with the group that says MOD IT!

[gobigorange189]

I agree with the group that says MOD IT!

[chriskat1100]

restore it sale it and get one to mod!!

[cameron]

restore it that is the first 1000 ive seen.

[Zepp]

I think you should restore it

[pontiacstogo]

Hmmm - that's a lot of votes for restore

I've pretty much decided against modern forks/swingarm/wheels etc. From the little research Ive done it looks like you need to lop off the rear frame extensions (that the pegs mount to) in order to achieve that look and I'd prefer not to modify the frame in any way.

I'm leaning towards a stock style restore with some minor bolt-on 'period' modifications (CR's, braided lines, oil cooler etc.) i.e. the kind of stuff someone might have done to the bike when it was new, and also the kind of stuff that can easily be reversed.