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Im looking possibly getting a 1980 Suzuki GS450L. I just want to hit you guys up on any of your opinions.
Its going to be my first bike, but I have some previous experience (dirt bike, Rebel 250) Im about 5' 10.
I have some mechanical experience and my own basic tools.
My plans for the bike mostly entitle touring/daily ride, not really going to be doing any sport riding (yet...)
Wadaya think?
I say go for it if the price is right. Be prepared to go over the electronics though- early Suzuki's are well known for issues. Other than that, the motors are generally reliable and the 450's are popular bikes so there are plenty of parts for them.
Oh ya, the modern day GS500 is the 450's big brother.
Not a bad choice. reasonable middleweight twin. I believe the GS500 is a better bike if you can get one, but a 450 is fine. Is teh L model the Cruiser/custom model by any chance? They were comfortable enough but not all that sporty looking. Try and dig up old road tests to see what they said about it back in the day.
Bottom line: if you like it and it's at the right price and it runs like a charm and has all the paperwork, go for it.
Good motor understressed, capable of a lot more power than they presently make.
Regulator rectifier is shite so get a solid state one (CB/CM400/450 are great, or new aftermarket)
Shim under bucket real easy to work on as long as you have tappet depressor (and shims) Shims still available as GS500 is still in production.
Any information on early GS1000/750 will probably work for porting/cam timing/exhaust pipe length, etc (although you will have to get a custom cam made/modified)
Just depends how crazy you want to get with it (get a pair of pistons/liners for GS1000 1425 kit and have a 712cc ;D )
I've got the L, cruiser but about an 1" taller than a sr250 and almost as light. A xs400 of the same year is heavy as fuc#.
Yea it's a crusier but parts a plentiful and who doesn't want to push limits. Plus a lot of parts for the gs500 are direct bolt ons and for some reason cheaper.
I say go for it if the price is right. Be prepared to go over the electronics though- early Suzuki's are well known for issues. Other than that, the motors are generally reliable and the 450's are popular bikes so there are plenty of parts for them.
Oh ya, the modern day GS500 is the 450's big brother.
I am going though the electronics right now. Lots of brand new parts will be involved.
teazer said:
Not a bad choice. reasonable middleweight twin. I believe the GS500 is a better bike if you can get one, but a 450 is fine. Is teh L model the Cruiser/custom model by any chance? They were comfortable enough but not all that sporty looking. Try and dig up old road tests to see what they said about it back in the day.
Bottom line: if you like it and it's at the right price and it runs like a charm and has all the paperwork, go for it.
This is my very first bike and I learned to ride on it. I will admit that I dropped it a few times but damage is only cosmetic, such as scratched engine cases and broken turn signals (replaced those). This bike will be good for you. I'm 5' 8" and 140 lbs. Perfect fit for me.
I am going through the entire electronics system. I plan on getting a Rick's stator and a Honda R/R to make the charging system 100% better. Many other brand new parts as well. Come next week, this bike WILL be running.
Just make sure that Datsun is ready for me ;D ;D ;D .
The motors are REAL heavy for a twin (mine's still on the garage floor : )
The Suzuki L models weren't as "cruiserish" as some of the other Jap cruisers of the time. Apart from the different seat, tank, bars and smaller rear wheels they were pretty much the same as the E and T models - which means they are quite easily converted over to a more "sporty" bike with minimal mods.
I have read that the GS500 barrels and pistons fit onto the GS450, which brings the CC's up to around the 500 mark (they both have 56.6mm stroke), but you can't use the 500 head as the exhaust ports come straight out and foul on the 450 frames' twin downtubes (the 500 has a spar frame).
Ya, I forgot about the heft of that motor. I was very surprised how heavy it was. I lifted a couple GR650 motors and from memory I want to say the 450 was heavier than them.
Maybe it was that 6th gear in the tranny that weighs an extra 50 pounds or something......
Hmmmm, very indrasting... very indrasting indeed.
Surprising it has a 6th gear. too bad about the weight.
Im not planning on really pushing the motor too far or mod the looks.
If anything I'd go for a 2up brat/bobber. Girls want rides, ya kno.
Ha, Zooki you found this post. Don't worry man your not on trial.
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