The Jimbonaut said:
Got any photos of the bikes fella?
My latest project that has put a few others on hold. I paid $140 for it. A 1977 Suzuki GS550 that inhabited a field for several years. Number one cylinder seized with heavy rust as a result of water pooling in the cylinder. Number 4 cylinder was seized but not as badly.
First photo is of the bike as shown to me by the seller where it was parked and forgotten.
Next photo of it once home. Removed the handlebar mounted fairing it came with. The seat was missing. Tank is in excellent shape and remarkably rust free on the inside (despite the condition of the engine) and the exterior is dent free. Fortunately the bike had a key stuck in the ignition which easily opened the fuel tank latch so I could check out the inside. Points cover was missing as was the sprocket cover on the left side. Airbox is MIA as are the two frame covers. Carbs had been detached but were laying on the engine. Carb boots were gone. A Kerker (I assume) was in place of the stock exhaust tubes.
Next photo is how it currently sits. I removed the engine, wiring, stock handlebars, lights, gauges, etc. Headstock bearings definitely need replacing. Wheel bearings will be replaced.
I've bought a set of OEM carb boots for it thus far, along with frame covers and stock airbox. Also bought a GS650 head with cams, cylinder barrels and pistons with the thought that I'd like to do the 673 conversion (still researching the process). My end goal is to do a quasi-restoration with a hint of it's bigger brother (GS1000 Superbike) lineage in it's final form.
That elusive thing called "free time" and "funding" means this will be a slow project. No hurries as I do have a newer bike to ride around on when the mood strikes so there is no pressure to really go balls to the wall on this project.