GS550 and GSX400

[james1988]

Hello,

Sorry for sounding stupid but do the Suzuki GS550 and GSX400 use the same frame? I have the opportunity to rebuild a GS550 (all I need is the frame and a few other bits) as a mate has been collecting bits over the years but now can't afford to finish it off. The reason I ask is because I've seen them both referred to as the 'Katana'. There's a frame listed on ebay with the V5 but is listed as a GSX400 Katana frame and from the pictures it doesn't look any different to the frame for a GS550 - to me anyway.

Any help would be appreciated,

Thanks, James

[Shaft]

[nowhere.elysium]

No. The label 'Katana' was applied to a lot of Suzuki vehicles, ranging from an 1100 to a 50. I've found out (the entertaining way) that a lot of Suzuki's vehicles from that era don't share much by way of chassis components.
It'd be helpful if you listed the years that you're looking at, as well; the GSX line has been subject to a lot of changes over its lifetime.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[Tenko]

If I recall the GSX400F was a later model with a 4 valve head and some problem with oil volume. Lovely looking bike but used to blow up. Certainly nothing like a GS550 which was much bigger physically and ran for as long as its electrics allowed.

If you are going to build a bike based upon the GS550 engine, be sure to go over everything electrical with the greatest of care, and whatever you do, don't run it with a weak battery...

[james1988]

It is indeed from the mid 80's. The frames seem to be as rare as hens teeth. The only two I've come across that have been in decent nick have been without the V5 but have had HPI checks showing they are clear. If I were to buy a frame sans V5 would it be a major issue? I'd do a HPI check first to ensure it's legit but I would imagine the DVLA wont be of much help.

As for electrical gremlins what am I looking for?

Thanks,
James

[nowhere.elysium]

No - you can apply for a v5, although prepare to part with £25 for the privilege.
As for electrical gremlins; mine seem to be largely centred around crap earthing points.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[temeluchus]

Should be fairly simple to make your own loom for an engine of that vintage.

I completely rewired my old GSXR1100 of similar vintage, I kept the battery connectors a few of the block connectors and used sections of trailer loom.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[nowhere.elysium]

[Tenko]

I've had 3 and all have broken down at some point due to dicky electrics. I've replaced coils, reg/rectifiers, rewound alternators and had an earthing point prevent starting.

If I recall, I used 2nd hand Honda parts wherever I could and these seemed to cure the problems.

[james1988]

Quick update. I bought a frame of eBay, no documents but the frame number is intact and it comes with the registration plate. I phoned the breakers yard where it's coming from and he's assured me it's straight. With any luck I'll have a project thread up in the workshop section next week.

James

[james1988]

Balls, after doing my own HPI check it appears the VIN and VRM don't match and there is a mileage discrepancy. In 1999 it was recorded as having done 64k miles and in 2007 it had done 22k (I suppose this could be a number of things like a change of clocks but I now have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach).

The reg plate has not been reported as stolen, written off or anything else.

Any words of wisdom BCF?

James

*Edit*
I think the seller has cocked up and given me the model number not the VIN as it's only 11 characters instead of 17.

[Suntan Sid]

[james1988]

[Shaft]

First thing to remember is, HPI records are not 100% accurate, not even 99% accurate, in my experience.

You assume correctly, there is no obligation to register mileage when you change keeper, but it would appear on MOTs, so you can get the details on that, but you have to pay a fee to get MOT history (only a fiver, I think).

I would think mileage discrepancies are quite common on bikes, especially when they are that age; accident damage, instrument failure or a previous owner ditching the original clocks, in favour of something trendier, are all possibilities.

If you've been given the wrong number to check, that explains why they can't tie it to the VRM, but the fact that the VRM is clear, is a good start.

How much are you paying for the frame and are they reputable breakers?
____________________
Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035

[james1988]

I paid £85 including quid postage which seems to be the going rate. I found it on eBay, the bloke has 579 transactions and 99.1% feedback. After reading the feedback it seems as though it's mainly the buyer who has jumped the gun before giving time for them to resolve the issue. I spoke to him on the phone too on Friday and he re-assured me that it's straight and has come from a project bike or words to that effect.

The bit that's bothering me the most is that it doesn't come with any paper work. He did say on the phone that he might be able to find the little green slip the goes with it which I assume to be the one for the new keeper and if he does manage to dig it out he'll send that with it too.

I suppose it's just a waiting game now.

James

[Shaft]

Frankly, for that money I wouldn't be too worried; if he's got the new keeper supplement, all well and good, if not, apply for a duplicate V5 before you do anything else, so you don't waste any time and money working on a bike you can't get paperwork for.
____________________
Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035