I bought this 1981 Suzuki GS450L on 8-31-08 for $500. it was in wauchula, about 20-30 miles from my house. I found it on Ebay, completely by chance. This is how it looked the moment we got it home in the back of my uncles ranger.
the carbs needed to be cleaned out, but it ran. the battery was brand new as well.
Specs:
448cc DOHC inline 2
6 speed
front disk, rear drum
44hp
420lbs wet weight
center and side stand
55-70mpg
Here it is after i cleaned it up a bit.
Added: Pod Air filters, rear grab bar, Jardine 2-1 Exhaust, Highway bars, highway bar footpegs, K&N carb jets.
Replaced: Front Brake light switch, front brake pads, fork seals and wipers, oil and filter, rear turn signals, lots of wiring, all turn signal bulbs, brake light bulb, tachometer, front fender, battery, clutch cable.
Adjusted: Carbs, rear brake light switch, clutch, tach cable, moved R/R ground to battery negative and got rid of bullet connectors, rear brake lever.
Needs: Fork oil, handlebar grips, turn signal rubber washers, clutch (eventually), axle bearings checked out, more carb adjusting(always), regulator/rectifier check, stator check,
Want: sissybar backrest and luggage rack.
This is how it looked right before i put on the highway bars.
and after the highway bars and pegs:
I ended up taking off the highway bar footrests, because i wasnt using them much in the winter and they werent flattering on the bike. i'll put them back on for the summer. also, when i did the rejetting, it would run well. it would idle, but thats it. so for some reason i decided to put back in the stock needles and voila! runs great! i'm going to get pictures of it with the new exhaust on it soon.
Newest Pictures. this is myself and my girl. i am 6'5" and weigh almost 300 lbs and this bike will tote both of us at 60mph with ease.
8-30-09 Replace the forks with some from an '82 TXZ. they were a little different, like not having cap screws on them, but they work. bled the brakes, adjusted the chain, and put on new mirrors that are like the ones it originally came with. also found that the shifter shaft seal is leaking. and i need to bend my front fender back into shape or grind the other one. also need to grease the front axle. we were just to lazy to do it today.
9-3-09 After washing it last night, it wouldnt start. still clicked, but no turning over. luckily it was just the starter solenoid, so i sprayed a little silicone lube in there and its all good. i cleaned up the terminals a bit too while i had it out. you can never be to careful with the electrical system in the old suzukis. now if it would just stop raining everyday i could ride it.
