Thought I'd share some pics of the 1978 GS750 I restored

[FastDoc]

This is my Buddy Bike.

I restored it about 4 years ago, and it is stored all year except for the 10 days or so when my buddy Jim from NJ visits each summer and we go for a ride together. Then the bike goes 2,000 miles in 10 days, the oil is changed and back into the barn she goes to wait for next year.

It's not a concours restoration, but a functional one. The bike is 100% reliable and functional, and is a joy to ride, at 41,000 miles so far.

I installed the full period correct Vetter touring gear, full luggage and fairing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/100_1117.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/100_1113.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC03643.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC03678.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC03702.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC03756.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC03741.jpg

[Weldangrind]

Wow! Can I be your buddy too? :D

That's a nice looking bike. I always liked the Vetter stuff back in the day.

[AZ200cc]

That was the last bike my pops ever rode, His was black though. Nice bikes, You did a good job.

[SpudRider]

Nice job, Doc. :)

Spud :)

[MICRider]

Great pics! Bike looks fantastic 8) . I have to ask though, is the fairing a Windjammer? I had an old CB550 custom that someone had installed an almost identical fairing on, but he had spray painted it so I wasn't sure of the make. That was a fantastic fairing, kept all the bugs off me and had a fairly calm pocket of air behind it... My National Cycle Heavy Duty windshield on my Shadow doesn't even come close. Kinda wish I had kept that old CB550, the thing never ever let me down :D .

Ooh, and the Wing is gorgeous!

[SpudRider]

Doc, have you considered getting some knobby tires, and taking the "Wing" into the sand? 8O

Spud :)

[katoranger]

Great pics! Bike looks fantastic 8) . I have to ask though, is the fairing a Windjammer? I had an old CB550 custom that someone had installed an almost identical fairing on, but he had spray painted it so I wasn't sure of the make. That was a fantastic fairing, kept all the bugs off me and had a fairly calm pocket of air behind it... My National Cycle Heavy Duty windshield on my Shadow doesn't even come close. Kinda wish I had kept that old CB550, the thing never ever let me down :D .

Ooh, and the Wing is gorgeous!

That is a Windjammer. Period correct for the bike too. Really popular.

[TurboT]

Please remember to always wear a helmet. ;)

Great looking bike(s).

[MICRider]

Gotta say too, that is quite the impressive trunk on the Zook! A good road bike :D

[FastDoc]

Please remember to always wear a helmet. ;)

Great looking bike(s).

Vaild point. :idea:

[FastDoc]

Great pics! Bike looks fantastic 8) . I have to ask though, is the fairing a Windjammer? I had an old CB550 custom that someone had installed an almost identical fairing on, but he had spray painted it so I wasn't sure of the make. That was a fantastic fairing, kept all the bugs off me and had a fairly calm pocket of air behind it... My National Cycle Heavy Duty windshield on my Shadow doesn't even come close. Kinda wish I had kept that old CB550, the thing never ever let me down :D .

Ooh, and the Wing is gorgeous!

The CB550 was a fine machine. When I was a kid in the mid 70's my Brother In Law has one, a Super Sport. Blue. He took me for many rides on that bike and I loved it.

To this day, buying and restoring one is on my list of things to do. :D

The Windjammer is an amazing fairing. It is equalled only by the Gold Wing in terms of wind and weather protection. Much better than almost any other modern fairing.

Craig Vetter was a real pioneer, and based on my small interaction with him, a nice guy too.

That old GS tours GREAT, even with my big buddy on it. The luggage is top notch, and the motorcycle was well made and a pleasure to ride.

This summer we are riding a 1,500 mile loop through Washington and Oregon to see North Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Mt. Ranier NP, and the San Jual Islands (all in Washington). Then down the Washington and Oregon coastlines and then Crater Lake NP, Oregon, and back home alond the Deschutes River.

Life is GOOD. :D

[FastDoc]

Doc, have you considered getting some knobby tires, and taking the "Wing" into the sand? 8O

Spud :)

I was leaning more towards snow machine tracks. :D

[TurboT]

Please remember to always wear a helmet. ;)

Great looking bike(s).

Vaild point. :idea:

I knew you'd appreciate what lead me to the post. 8)

[Cal25]

I had a 1979 GS 750L and a buddies father in law had the same 78 model in the pics except blue and no luggage. I rode the 78 once and really noticed the brakes up front being much less effective than mine. (Mine had double disks up front. Still dont know if that was normal or if other bike needed some work.

I had alot of fun on that bike and never had a lick of a problem out of it, but for some reason I really dont miss it at all.

[FastDoc]

Valid point about the brakes. The front brake is adequate but no more. I've debated adding a second disk but it is true that if you pull the lever hard, there is enough force to squeal the front tire. So, they have the power, but the effort is high. :?

This is one of the few things I've decided to say that good is good enough and leave it alone. :P

[FastDoc]

BTW the 'L' model with the shaft drive is sweet.

[Cal25]

The 850L was shaft drive i think. My 750 was chain drive however.