If you couldn't find a bike shop to touch your bike, then they dont need to be open. Builds like yours is where the moneys at an they get some money obviously. if you're willing to spend that kinda money but you did a better job then they could have. Great job even just watching youtube man. Ride safe and again great job!
There is an adjustment on the right handle bar throttle cable. You loosen the lock nut and then turn the other adjusting screw left or right until you idle at about 1500 rpm. The adjustment by the carborator is a bit more difficult to do. Make sure when you turn the steering wheel left and right that your cable is not changing idle and has some free slack.
Hey, I have a 1981 Suzuki GS550t and I bought it off a guy for 700 bucks....this thing runs like a beast. I have the operation manual for this bike, if you ever need info about were things need to be set, like the carburetor...just send me a message, I have went threw my bike over and over..its a running son of a gun.
There is a screw between the 2 carbs - that is the idle adjust - you need that 1/8 inch of slack in your lines to prevent unwanted rpm climb when cornering in parking lots and such
I found out the hard way 2 weeks ago what the "wrong" position on the petcock is! Found a fella on here (youtube) that informed me that in the "on" position it won't leak because it's vacuum fed or some shit. also check out gsresources forum. got your usual hardasses but very informative if you use the search function
I used to own a GS250T, first bike I ever worked on. I find the mechanical work quite easy, just got to think carefully on how to remove seized nuts and bolts...otherw ise it can get expensive!
Well, first off, make sure the chain is still tight. You need only about 1/2 inch play. The rear frame has markers on both sides of the frame where the wheel is tightened down. They need to be on the same line marker (Count them) to make sure the wheel is tight and in alignment. Mine got loose very suddenly on one side and I had a similar result has your mentioning. If that isn't it, then check the throttle cable linkage from the carb all the way up to the handles. Make sure nothing is binding.
@jorrie1981 - Thanks for the post. I ended up pulling the carb again and cleaning the floats and needles real good. The key to fixing it correctly (I learned) was seating the black rubber seals that went over the chambers. There is only one "correct" position. I figured it out and carfefully sealed them, Reinstalled the carb and put it back together. Been riding all summer! No problems. I readjusted the throttle cable on the reinstall. Bike idles better then I have ever had it before
Unfortunatly, after riding a few times, and then trying to take the "Old girl" out for a ride the other day, the same flow of gas started to come out of the over flow line. Petcock is in correct postion. Not sur eif it needs to be replaced, or if the floats stuck again? Will try to leave the carb on an clean it with a hotsstart, and might start to look to change out the petcock valve.
I recently bought an 81 450 and it ran perfectly for weeks then one day I missed a shift to second and once I did finally grab second the bike sounded like it was starved for fuel. I actually thought I was running out of gas. Anyways I made it home and checked the tank and there was plenty of fuel inside. Now the bike will start but as soon as throttle is applied it dies. Any suggestions BEFORE I end up spending more at the dealer than I paid for the bike?
@Phillydispatcher I had the same problem. The thing that fixes it permanently is replacing the o-rings on the assy where the needles go. A $4 a pop and it is fixed.
Carb removal should only take 10 miniute. I have same bike. No need to remove carb boots. Loosen air box,slide it back. Remove carb from intake boots then remove throttle cable. Quick easy job
Lol these comments are so old, but I just got an '82 gs450 and lost my mind trying to get it off. Tilting the air intake side of the carb downward was the best way as recall. The bane of my bike as been the old gas tank springing leaks.
I have the same bike and just got it running after it has sat for 19 years. My rpm is to high sitting at about 4500 to 5000 rpm. You said throttle cable that is the cable that goes from the handle bar throttle to the carb right? I tried adjusting the idle at the carb but it did nothing. I think that is what I need to do is adjust that cable. But not sure could use some advice asap. please and thanks
I gave this bike away to an old high-school friend who lived in North Carolina back in 2016. This was his first bike and since that time he ended up selling it and upgrading. I don't know where the bike is to this day now. But it was a beauty! Thanks for the comment! Ridesafe!
I'm trying to post a couple videos of how my Sucia is running now. Any help is gladly appreciated because even though I'll ride all year, NOW is when I want to put in some serious miles. Thanks
Nice video, have fun. I have a GS450L (1980-88), whose throttle cable is cut in the middle. Could anyone please share a link (video?) how I can replace it with a new inner cable, step-by-step? Thank you, cheers, Kal.
Your best bet would be to buy a new complete cable. A search of eBay brought up a load. 1st one was $13.50 and that included shipping. You need a service manual if you plan on maintaining your own bike. Google for that or eBay.
That big screw in the center of the carburetor on the backside doesn't normally need to be turned (it's factory set) but may need a little adjusting? Backfiring normally means to much (too rich) gas is getting in there.
+Mike Mclain , I gave the bike away to a friend a few years ago. I ride a 2013 Harley Davidson Softail now! Good luck with bike there still a sweet ride!
I personally cannot understand why a bike shop would turn down the chance to work on a bike that is as easy to work on, I mean... don't they want your business? Or is there some kind of "Oh ... that's old and I don't know the first thing about basic motorcycle engines"..kind of thing going on here? Some workshops just don't seem to want to know if a bike's over 10 years old or not even that! these days....
There's a huge skill set being thrown away because of our dependency on technology, It's the same in my job too where a guy who runs a CNC lathe Or mill, can't even sharpen a blunt drill bit! they just throw it and use a new one each time. What a waste!
I have a 1981 Suzuki GS550L just looking for a good forum to get some info on it to get it running if anyone could help me out it'd be greatly appreciated
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video...I owned a 1981 GS 450T from 81 to 93 or 94.. Great bike...
If you couldn't find a bike shop to touch your bike, then they dont need to be open. Builds like yours is where the moneys at an they get some money obviously. if you're willing to spend that kinda money but you did a better job then they could have. Great job even just watching youtube man. Ride safe and again great job!
There is an adjustment on the right handle bar throttle cable. You loosen the lock nut and then turn the other adjusting screw left or right until you idle at about 1500 rpm. The adjustment by the carborator is a bit more difficult to do. Make sure when you turn the steering wheel left and right that your cable is not changing idle and has some free slack.
Good for you ! These help sites are a blessing.
Hey, I have a 1981 Suzuki GS550t and I bought it off a guy for 700 bucks....this thing runs like a beast. I have the operation manual for this bike, if you ever need info about were things need to be set, like the carburetor...just send me a message, I have went threw my bike over and over..its a running son of a gun.
I need help with mines
Nice bike old Japanese bikes are unbeatable...
The motorcycle community is the best. Forums can teach you to fix ANYTHING.
There is a screw between the 2 carbs - that is the idle adjust - you need that 1/8 inch of slack in your lines to prevent unwanted rpm climb when cornering in parking lots and such
I found out the hard way 2 weeks ago what the "wrong" position on the petcock is!
Found a fella on here (youtube) that informed me that in the "on" position it won't leak because it's vacuum fed or some shit.
also check out gsresources forum. got your usual hardasses but very informative if you use the search function
I used to own a GS250T, first bike I ever worked on. I find the mechanical work quite easy, just got to think carefully on how to remove seized nuts and bolts...otherw
ise it can get expensive!
Well, first off, make sure the chain is still tight. You need only about 1/2 inch play. The rear frame has markers on both sides of the frame where the wheel is tightened down. They need to be on the same line marker (Count them) to make sure the wheel is tight and in alignment. Mine got loose very suddenly on one side and I had a similar result has your mentioning. If that isn't it, then check the throttle cable linkage from the carb all the way up to the handles. Make sure nothing is binding.
Jacob, i have a 1981 gs450s. mine was idling high as well got the carbs cleaned and now purrs at 1,000 while idling.
Took off the carb again, and cleaned it much better, adjusted the floats, and seated the float cussions correctly. Bike has never run better!
Had same problem but bike is good now. Love these old bikes mine has only 4700 miles on it
@jorrie1981 - Thanks for the post. I ended up pulling the carb again and cleaning the floats and needles real good. The key to fixing it correctly (I learned) was seating the black rubber seals that went over the chambers. There is only one "correct" position. I figured it out and carfefully sealed them, Reinstalled the carb and put it back together. Been riding all summer! No problems. I readjusted the throttle cable on the reinstall. Bike idles better then I have ever had it before
Unfortunatly, after riding a few times, and then trying to take the "Old girl" out for a ride the other day, the same flow of gas started to come out of the over flow line. Petcock is in correct postion. Not sur eif it needs to be replaced, or if the floats stuck again? Will try to leave the carb on an clean it with a hotsstart, and might start to look to change out the petcock valve.
I recently bought an 81 450 and it ran perfectly for weeks then one day I missed a shift to second and once I did finally grab second the bike sounded like it was starved for fuel. I actually thought I was running out of gas. Anyways I made it home and checked the tank and there was plenty of fuel inside. Now the bike will start but as soon as throttle is applied it dies. Any suggestions BEFORE I end up spending more at the dealer than I paid for the bike?
@Phillydispatcher I had the same problem. The thing that fixes it permanently is replacing the o-rings on the assy where the needles go. A $4 a pop and it is fixed.
Carb removal should only take 10 miniute. I have same bike. No need to remove carb boots. Loosen air box,slide it back. Remove carb from intake boots then remove throttle cable. Quick easy job
Takes me 10 to take out and an hour to put in.
Lol these comments are so old, but I just got an '82 gs450 and lost my mind trying to get it off. Tilting the air intake side of the carb downward was the best way as recall. The bane of my bike as been the old gas tank springing leaks.
Oh, I see now... nice one guys!!!
I have the same bike and just got it running after it has sat for 19 years. My rpm is to high sitting at about 4500 to 5000 rpm. You said throttle cable that is the cable that goes from the handle bar throttle to the carb right? I tried adjusting the idle at the carb but it did nothing. I think that is what I need to do is adjust that cable. But not sure could use some advice asap. please and thanks
Great vid...now so many years later do you still own it? How is it or did it hold up?
I gave this bike away to an old high-school friend who lived in North Carolina back in 2016. This was his first bike and since that time he ended up selling it and upgrading. I don't know where the bike is to this day now. But it was a beauty! Thanks for the comment! Ridesafe!
Don't over Rev..
Hi nice video do you happen to know the paint colour code for your bike?
blue peter badge for you
Who's playing that song? Sounds like an old Sabbath number, but it doesn't exactly sound like Sabbath??
I'm trying to post a couple videos of how my Sucia is running now. Any help is gladly appreciated because even though I'll ride all year, NOW is when I want to put in some serious miles. Thanks
Nice video, have fun.
I have a GS450L (1980-88), whose throttle cable is cut in the middle. Could anyone please share a link (video?) how I can replace it with a new inner cable, step-by-step?
Thank you, cheers,
Kal.
Your best bet would be to buy a new complete cable. A search of eBay brought up a load. 1st one was $13.50 and that included shipping. You need a service manual if you plan on maintaining your own bike. Google for that or eBay.
my GS450 back fires allot, any advice for timing? ive looked everywhere and cannot fond anything on this bike.
That big screw in the center of the carburetor on the backside doesn't normally need to be turned (it's factory set) but may need a little adjusting? Backfiring normally means to much (too rich) gas is getting in there.
+Phillydispatcher can you make a video demonstration?
+Mike Mclain , I gave the bike away to a friend a few years ago. I ride a 2013 Harley Davidson Softail now! Good luck with bike there still a sweet ride!
+Phillydispatcher thanks for the update
does it have a 4 stroke engine?
metalko koma yup, 4 stroke in-line twin.
I personally cannot understand why a bike shop would turn down the chance to work on a bike that is as easy to work on, I mean... don't they want your business? Or is there some kind of "Oh ... that's old and I don't know the first thing about basic motorcycle engines"..kind of thing going on here?
Some workshops just don't seem to want to know if a bike's over 10 years old or not even that! these days....
+roythearcher Because their plug in testing euippment won't work on older bikes, meaning they don't know how to.
There's a huge skill set being thrown away because of our dependency on technology, It's the same in my job too where a guy who runs a CNC lathe Or mill, can't even sharpen a blunt drill bit! they just throw it and use a new one each time. What a waste!
I have a 1981 Suzuki GS550L just looking for a good forum to get some info on it to get it running if anyone could help me out it'd be greatly appreciated
Good info but it would be easier to understand you without all the background music.
That is one bas ass looking Suzuki!
By the way if you click on my name there's a video of it when it was running great.