I had a 1981 Suzuki GS1000L... LOVED that bike.. Kinda out grew it and went to a 1978 GL1000 Gold Wing after that... Been with Gold Wings ever since. That GS was a FAST bike ! Great content !
I ride a 81 gs550 cut up into a scrambler/cafe look and it still runs a dream. Had slight issues with compression loss but still manage to pull 100mph out here and there! Can't wait to see what you do with this one.
In 93 I sold the Harley that I had. By 1995 I wanted something to run around on, I found a 1981 GS550L exactly like that save for a few cosmetic differences. Great condition, other than a tear in the seat. Got it for $700. I wound up loving that bike until it burnt up in a garage fire. Bought another Harley in 97. Although I still wish I had that Suzi. Great bike, please don't turn it into a cafe racer!!
Im getting a 1980 gs550l. so far it will only run after giving it starter fluid and then she is fine. Gonna watch this series to learn a little more about these carbs. This bike is cool so far!
Wow..what a coincidence... just picked up a month ago almost the same bike from a neighbor that sat outside for like 10 years. Its GS550L but frame says 83 but I suspect closer to 84. Is chain drive but swing arm suspension with rear drum brakes and front disk brakes the same but for a square reserviour on handle. Has a rare Mikuni BSW30SS carb setup with two carbs serving 4 cyls. Got it to run but now struggling to start after removing and cleaning the carbs. Such a PIA with these airboxes that cannot even be removed. Looking forward to any more progress videos that you post.
I envy you, that GS is in gorgeous condition! (Compared to what my GL looked like when I got it anyways 🤣) I've wanted to start my own little restoration/customs business for bikes since I was in 8th grade and someday I plan to make it to that point in time :D
Turning this hobby into a business is the hardest thing I've ever done but it what I've wanted to do forever in a sense. You can absolutely do it as long as you are consistent, keep working hard, and treat everyone well.
That is one sweet looking freebie. The Style screams '80's & I've always loved the 4 pipes up front. I think it'll look even better after a good degrease & wash to give you a blank canvas. Will be cool to see how you progress with it. Awrabesht dude!! 😉👍
My great uncle has a GS550 and it’s been sitting for a long time it’s gonna need some work but I’m gonna follow along with your videos and maybe it will run again!
@@BrickHouseBuilds will do I gave it a shot about a year ago it didn’t want to start when I had it up on the center stand and had it neutral with the clutch pulled in. the rear tire would spin slightly when I tried to start it is that normal?
@@BrickHouseBuilds gotcha! It’s gonna be a long process but it’s not my daily bike so I’m gonna try to take my time and do it right any books you recommend or technical writing on the bike?
I have an 80 gs550 that I need to get going again. It had issues with the diaphragms on the cv carbs. I wanted to convert it to the older straight pull carbs and haven’t gotten it done yet.
thanks for making this video and the others on the GS... .I'm actually thinking of purchasing a GS750 T as a platform for a brat cafe racer. Would like to hear what you think of the GS750 T 1981. Looking forward to checking your other videos on the GS. Thank you in advance for taking the time to give me your feedback
Well thank you for watching! As far as a cafe build me personally I would loom for an E model. You get a cooler tank, more handling focused forks, handling focused wheel sizes, and a cool tail. Would be a better starting point for me.
I would totally drive that as is, it's pretty sweet. I'm sure you will make it awesome. I'm going to continue on this play list. Just gotta comment for the traffic. I bought my cx500 without a title and was able to get a conditional title. It was easier than I thought it would be since my bike didn't have any records that's came up when the cops ran the vin and the old license plate.
Cool find BJ. I'm surprised that the GL650 isnt yours, you have put a lot of time into that bike. I liked getting the van in action - looks good - where are you filming the warehouse shots - that is one cool space! I hope you go "racer" with this one
Well I have my own bikes I have in various stages and just cant afford to build them all. I'd love to do a gl650 like the current one for myself though. The warehouse is a shared space that I'm lucky to have access to. Peace of mind having the bikes nearby in a clean area.
Hi! I love your videos bro, you're reeeally good! I just got a gs550e and I saw in this video you double checked the frame number to confirm the year of the bike. I presume mine is a 1980 GS, but have no title, no plate, anything. Could you help? Thanks in advance! Giuseppe.
Thank you much! If you can confirm the bike isn't stolen you can look into multiple title routes to make it legal. I've made a video on my process for the Vermont registration actually
@@BrickHouseBuilds Yeah, it's not stolen, I can confirm. I'm just curious to know if the frame number reveals the year. I'm from Italy by the way, so codes could be different I guess. My frame no. doesn't say anything about '78, '79, '80 and so on...
Your "frame number" is the vin. Its not 17 digits like a modern vehicle. There are many many many options online to simply search that exact number and get a full history.
@@BrickHouseBuilds its listed for 400$ nearby and it would be my first bike would you recommend picking it up? Your videos have a ton of info on it so thank you first of all lol, and i figured you would be the guy to ask
I bought one that turn into a naked bike, it start up when I got it, now it doesn’t start, it needed me to give it a rev to keep the motorbike to start, now it doesn’t start at all, you know why that could be ?
Thats impossible to answer without being next to the bike. To run an engine needs 3 things: fuel, air, and spark. Confirm which one its missing and go from there. Likely fuel but there are many things at play there so again its impossible to tell you whats wrong from my seat.
Well I did have a friend connection with this. It does help to become known as "the motorcycle guy" as people will seek you out with things they want to get rid of
I owned one for 10 years. That bike is indestructible.
🤘
I have two old Suzuki motorcycles, a 1982 GN125 and a 1983 GS550L. I love both of them....
Both fun bikes!
Absolutely!!!! The GN125 is my first motorcycle, the one I learned to ride on. I'm hoping to ride the GS550 this summer.
I had a 1981 Suzuki GS1000L... LOVED that bike.. Kinda out grew it and went to a 1978 GL1000 Gold Wing after that... Been with Gold Wings ever since. That GS was a FAST bike ! Great content !
GS1000s are great bikes for sure as are goldwings. Glad you enjoyed
I ride a 81 gs550 cut up into a scrambler/cafe look and it still runs a dream. Had slight issues with compression loss but still manage to pull 100mph out here and there! Can't wait to see what you do with this one.
Sounds like a good time! I may get to mess with it this week but we will see
In 93 I sold the Harley that I had. By 1995 I wanted something to run around on, I found a 1981 GS550L exactly like that save for a few cosmetic differences. Great condition, other than a tear in the seat. Got it for $700. I wound up loving that bike until it burnt up in a garage fire. Bought another Harley in 97. Although I still wish I had that Suzi. Great bike, please don't turn it into a cafe racer!!
Fun bikes indeed!
Nice to see a GS550L on TH-cam. Got one myself, its from 1979. Soon it is time to ride it again.
They are really just good bikes. GS550s actually started this business so I love them.
I registered my ‘79 GS550 in Vermont since they don’t require titles for vintage bikes. I needed to go this route since I brought mine from Japan.
Right, I've already started on the Vermont title route. Just collecting funds for fees
i got ~soothed~ by that driving timelapse
Im glad someone liked it lol. I thought it was fun but I did mom-arm the camera the whole time!
Im getting a 1980 gs550l. so far it will only run after giving it starter fluid and then she is fine. Gonna watch this series to learn a little more about these carbs. This bike is cool so far!
Seems like the choke enrichment circuit is not working
@@BrickHouseBuilds ill have to take a look at that because the choke moves and the carbs were cleaned in it
Such an awesome find, man! Very jealous! Looking forward to what you eventually do with it 💪👨🔧
Thank ya! If I'm smart I'll just ride it! It would be a fun long time tinker project but who knows.
Wow..what a coincidence... just picked up a month ago almost the same bike from a neighbor that sat outside for like 10 years. Its GS550L but frame says 83 but I suspect closer to 84. Is chain drive but swing arm suspension with rear drum brakes and front disk brakes the same but for a square reserviour on handle. Has a rare Mikuni BSW30SS carb setup with two carbs serving 4 cyls. Got it to run but now struggling to start after removing and cleaning the carbs. Such a PIA with these airboxes that cannot even be removed. Looking forward to any more progress videos that you post.
Thats really cool! The later models had the drum rear but I'm unaware of the twin carb set up so thats super cool!
I envy you, that GS is in gorgeous condition! (Compared to what my GL looked like when I got it anyways 🤣)
I've wanted to start my own little restoration/customs business for bikes since I was in 8th grade and someday I plan to make it to that point in time :D
Turning this hobby into a business is the hardest thing I've ever done but it what I've wanted to do forever in a sense. You can absolutely do it as long as you are consistent, keep working hard, and treat everyone well.
@@BrickHouseBuilds I'll put that advice to good use 😁
That is one sweet looking freebie. The Style screams '80's & I've always loved the 4 pipes up front. I think it'll look even better after a good degrease & wash to give you a blank canvas. Will be cool to see how you progress with it. Awrabesht dude!! 😉👍
Im definitely itching to hit this with the power washer and some soapy suds lol. Should clean up well!
@@BrickHouseBuilds Yeah I'd say the same!! The Virago had rust in the same spots up back.
@@MrAlmar07 this thing has a really rusty rear fender but nothing terrible that ove found beyond that
@@BrickHouseBuilds Cool, Make it a nice win then for sure. And those 'Aircraft directing' blinkers eh!! 😉🤣
@@MrAlmar07 🤣🤣
My great uncle has a GS550 and it’s been sitting for a long time it’s gonna need some work but I’m gonna follow along with your videos and maybe it will run again!
It will run with a bit of work trust it!
@@BrickHouseBuilds will do I gave it a shot about a year ago it didn’t want to start when I had it up on the center stand and had it neutral with the clutch pulled in. the rear tire would spin slightly when I tried to start it is that normal?
@@MastaKeahi If you could keep it from spinning thats fine. If it was spinning directly with the engine thats a stuck clutch
@@BrickHouseBuilds gotcha! It’s gonna be a long process but it’s not my daily bike so I’m gonna try to take my time and do it right any books you recommend or technical writing on the bike?
@@MastaKeahi 100% pick up a service manual for the bike
Same bike I have mine is a 82 lol they will scoot mine doesn’t even redline till like 12,000 RPMs maybe 14 I’m not sure
Previous owner seems really fun. Seems Suzukis are quite rare as project bikes compared to Hondas and Yamahas.
Yea he was super nice. I've been meaning to ride the bike back over to him so he can check it out!
I have an 80 gs550 that I need to get going again. It had issues with the diaphragms on the cv carbs. I wanted to convert it to the older straight pull carbs and haven’t gotten it done yet.
Well before too long I'll get to dive into this one. I'm excited to cover the carb portion of the revival for sure.
thanks for making this video and the others on the GS... .I'm actually thinking of purchasing a GS750 T as a platform for a brat cafe racer. Would like to hear what you think of the GS750 T 1981. Looking forward to checking your other videos on the GS. Thank you in advance for taking the time to give me your feedback
Well thank you for watching! As far as a cafe build me personally I would loom for an E model. You get a cooler tank, more handling focused forks, handling focused wheel sizes, and a cool tail. Would be a better starting point for me.
I would totally drive that as is, it's pretty sweet. I'm sure you will make it awesome. I'm going to continue on this play list. Just gotta comment for the traffic. I bought my cx500 without a title and was able to get a conditional title. It was easier than I thought it would be since my bike didn't have any records that's came up when the cops ran the vin and the old license plate.
This is a really good playlist on reviving a bike. I think you will enjoy it as I enjoyed the bike!
Got a super rad bike from what seems like a pretty rad dude. Sick find bro
Yea he was really cool! I'm definitely going to ride it back to his place when its up ang going!
That's a mighty rear seat back....
indeed, fit for a mighty queen
Great stuff, just discovered your channel, subscribed. Motorcycles are my passion too!
Well I appreciate the sub! The coolaid is grape this week and can be found in the welcome center ;)
Bj, have you done the Vermont registration? My buddy has done it and its pretty simple.
Working on it with this bike. Paperwork is filled out just collecting funds
I have a buddy who has an online motorcycle salvage business if you are in need of anything. Suicidejockiesusa.
Cool find BJ. I'm surprised that the GL650 isnt yours, you have put a lot of time into that bike. I liked getting the van in action - looks good - where are you filming the warehouse shots - that is one cool space!
I hope you go "racer" with this one
Well I have my own bikes I have in various stages and just cant afford to build them all. I'd love to do a gl650 like the current one for myself though. The warehouse is a shared space that I'm lucky to have access to. Peace of mind having the bikes nearby in a clean area.
@@BrickHouseBuilds Well, I love the channel...keep up the strong work.
Mike
@@ACECafeBikes thanks man!
I saw your IG post about this, do you have more videos coming out on this bad boy?
Oh yeah this was almost 2 years ago. I made many videos on getting the bike roadworthy all within this playlist.
I'm curious about the top end swap you said was possible....
Yup, the top end from a shaft drive gs650 fits giving a good power bump
@@BrickHouseBuilds I wonder if that can be done with the smaller motors like the 125/250cc's. My GN125 needs a top end rebuild....
@@probochronicles3991 Possibly but that will take some research
Nice!
Thank ya!
Got the same, build like a caferacer. Got a ignition problem, only sparks after cranking. Any suggestions?
Not sure i understand your question Teun
1:53 we ain’t gonna talk about how he ran the stop sign
Nope, because nobody cares.
When did titles get digitalized in the states so that you can request a new print when the original paper is lost?`
That I don't know
@@BrickHouseBuilds Here in Norway we transfer ownership online and get sent new papers/title in the mail. Previous owner can throw away the papers.
@espencapable That may be an option in another state but not my experience here
Nice og bike bud,my choice would be to keep it standard ,far to many cafe racers around
Thanks Murray
Hi! I love your videos bro, you're reeeally good! I just got a gs550e and I saw in this video you double checked the frame number to confirm the year of the bike. I presume mine is a 1980 GS, but have no title, no plate, anything. Could you help? Thanks in advance! Giuseppe.
Thank you much! If you can confirm the bike isn't stolen you can look into multiple title routes to make it legal. I've made a video on my process for the Vermont registration actually
@@BrickHouseBuilds Yeah, it's not stolen, I can confirm. I'm just curious to know if the frame number reveals the year. I'm from Italy by the way, so codes could be different I guess. My frame no. doesn't say anything about '78, '79, '80 and so on...
@@giuseppeloddo1519 there should be a tin plate on the front. Otherwise just Google the vin and it will lead you on a path to get the year
@@BrickHouseBuilds No vin😭. Thanks anyway bro. Looking forward to watching your next video💥
Your "frame number" is the vin. Its not 17 digits like a modern vehicle. There are many many many options online to simply search that exact number and get a full history.
I am planning on picking up a 82 gs550, says it needs a starter how hard of a job would you say it is to complete??
I highly doubt it needs a starter. It's likely either not making contact on the starter button or a bad solenoid
@@BrickHouseBuilds its listed for 400$ nearby and it would be my first bike would you recommend picking it up? Your videos have a ton of info on it so thank you first of all lol, and i figured you would be the guy to ask
Would love to see more of this as i'm currently working on my own Suzuki GS 500E -79 as a scrambler build.
That will definitely happen! I'm currently working on the paperwork side of this bike and soon enough ill start reviving it.
nice man I have a 79 gs550e myself, it’s a cafe racer with a chopper paint job
Have the same chance to get one of these.for free but never driven a motorcycle lol.. mini bikes sure never a motorcycle...
Go for it! This is a fantastic starter bike. Nimble, not too heavy, sit low enough, very easy clutch and throttle
I bought one that turn into a naked bike, it start up when I got it, now it doesn’t start, it needed me to give it a rev to keep the motorbike to start, now it doesn’t start at all, you know why that could be ?
Thats impossible to answer without being next to the bike. To run an engine needs 3 things: fuel, air, and spark. Confirm which one its missing and go from there. Likely fuel but there are many things at play there so again its impossible to tell you whats wrong from my seat.
Just buy my first bike Suzuki marauder 125. 😊
Congratulations!
what did you spray in the cylinders?
That was just penetrating oil to make sure I wasn't rotating it dry
@@BrickHouseBuilds So like PB blast?
thanks
@@allones3078 yes
@@allones3078 you could also use regular oil. This is just what I had at that moment not being in my shop
@@BrickHouseBuilds thanks for sharing that info good stuff.
Wish someone would just give me an old bike.
Well I did have a friend connection with this. It does help to become known as "the motorcycle guy" as people will seek you out with things they want to get rid of
I'm a daisy if you do LoL
If it's free it's for me LoL
Where you from Heard you talking about IL I was born and raised in So IL and moved to NC in 96
Im near St Louis actually
Cool I was born in Herrin IL
Oh yeah ditch that ugly sissy bar as well
I thought you said keep it standard?