1981 Suzuki GS450L - Cruiser to Scrambler

[scramblerguy]

Thanks for sharing all your experience! I'm building a scrambler on a GS450S and I'm wondering how come you started with such big main jets as 145? My original main jets were 117,5 - that seems like a huge jump up to start with.

The current carb settings are:
Mixture screw - 2.75 turns out
Pilot jet - 22.5
Float height - 22.4 mm
Jet needle - plastic spacer removed, one 0.5 mm washer in its place
Main jet - 137.5

[Northish]

Thanks for sharing all your experience! I'm building a scrambler on a GS450S and I'm wondering how come you started with such big main jets as 145? My original main jets were 117,5 - that seems like a huge jump up to start with.

Hey scramblerguy - glad you found my ramblings a bit helpful.  I started at 145 on the mains based on other builders' information they posted.  I was using K&N pods and a more free-flowing exhaust so figured I'd be pretty lean if I didn't make a big jump.  My stock main jet on my "L" model was 115 so it was a huge jump but after reading other ppl's experiences I decided to get some jets centered around the low 140's.  I've been pretty happy with the 137.5 so far with my intake and exhaust set up.  I see an A/F of around 11 to 13 when running on the mains.  Hope that helps.

[Riverduk]

Hey Northish,

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your build, also very encouraged to have a go myself, I have a '88 GS 450 E, different tank / seat and side covers but basically the same bike. I have been trying to find something a little different to have a go at and have just started looking at scramblers when I found this blog. Congrats on your prize win at the bike show, well deserved, your bike has a very professional look to it so I can understand your pride in your first build. I also appreciate the amount of time you took to record, not only the build but also all of the additional info to help other builders on their journey to a successful build, cheers, Ross

[themountain]

I really enjoyed reading your "ramblings"  
I will soon start a gs250 and I really hope the outcome will be half as good as yours!
Mayor kudos for your first build...its amazing!

Cheers from cold Lima/Peru
Andy

[Northish]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your build, also very encouraged to have a go myself, I have a '88 GS 450 E, different tank / seat and side covers but basically the same bike. I have been trying to find something a little different to have a go at and have just started looking at scramblers when I found this blog.

Riverduk - thanks for saying Hi!  Glad you found all the notes helpful; that was my hope.  Also glad to hear from another GS450 guy.  I hope your build goes well for you; riding the finished bike is great, but the build is the most memorable part.  Best of luck; hope to see your build on DTT!

I really enjoyed reading your "ramblings"  
I will soon start a gs250 and I really hope the outcome will be half as good as yours!
Mayor kudos for your first build...its amazing!

Cheers from cold Lima/Peru
Andy

Thanks man; glad to hear from someone all the way in Peru!  A GS250 has to be so light and nimble!  Let me know if you have questions on something; I'm no expert but I'd be happy to try to help.  Get that project rolling!
P.S. My name is Andy too

[rekidiw]

Well, I am happy to say that I have now put about 70 miles on the bike in the last few days and not one thing has fallen off   It's been on a cafe run and a commute to work and no issues to speak of!

The current carb settings are:
Mixture screw - 2.75 turns out
Pilot jet - 22.5
Float height - 22.4 mm
Jet needle - plastic spacer removed, one 0.5 mm washer in its place
Main jet - 137.5

hey northish, im working through my 81 gs450 right now and was just curious if these ended up being your final settings or? nice work and glad to see the gs450 getting some quality love

[Northish]

hey northish, im working through my 81 gs450 right now and was just curious if these ended up being your final settings or? nice work and glad to see the gs450 getting some quality love

Hey, thanks for the kind words, good to hear from another GS450 owner!  Yes, I'm still using those settings.  I've been pretty happy with them for my setup.

[rekidiw]

Hey, thanks for the kind words, good to hear from another GS450 owner!  Yes, I'm still using those settings.  I've been pretty happy with them for my setup.

would you happen to know your wet fuel height measurement? like the clear tube out of the drain plug reading.

[Northish]

would you happen to know your wet fuel height measurement? like the clear tube out of the drain plug reading.

I don't have that measurement and the bike is drained for winter now, but I did record my float heights.  I finally settled with 23.5 mm for them after checking my notes, so that is the one difference from my noted settings.

[rekidiw]

I don't have that measurement and the bike is drained for winter now, but I did record my float heights.  I finally settled with 23.5 mm for them after checking my notes, so that is the one difference from my noted settings.

alright thanks for that. if youre running the same carbs/floats and all that as me thats a pretty high fuel level! could be some different stuff though. it seems there are about 3 different settings for the gs450. i think that would be around a 3.5mm fuel level. Im currently at 26.6 with a 6.5mm fuel level. not sure what that means exactly but ive been fighting finding the best height since the manuals are all mixed up..so thanks i may try raising mine a bit. I was thinking that would be way too high but you seem to be running fine on that.