Should I buy this 1980 Suzuki GS550E??

_mjs_ · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Karma :

Shaft · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Dec 2010 Karma :

Seems a shame to break such a complete bike, somebody could make a runner out of that and save it from the scrapper.
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P.addy · *Formerly known as* P. Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

_mjs_ · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Karma :

I suppose you're right, it would be rather unbosslike to not get her running again but I just don't have the time and I don't imagine there's a world of difference between this and my CB500 so it's not worth me keeping.

I know it's pretty mercenary, but I'm just thinking whether or not I can make a fast buck. Do you think it'd be worth buying, cleaning the muck and rust up a bit and listing on ebay as a non-runner for someone with the time and inclination to sort out?
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Previous Bikes: 2006 Honda XR125L > 2003 Yamaha DT125R > 1996 Honda CB500
Current bikes: 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 E5 > 2006 Honda Varadero XL125V

John933 · Crazy Courier Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Karma :

Have you got £250 sitting there doing zip? If so I would look at fixing it up in the summer month's when it's warmer. As to making a few bob on it. You are going to be pushed. 1980 bike. Not two a penny, but also not a king's ransom. Buy it and use it. Try for £500, if you get it fixed.
John933
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P.addy · *Formerly known as* P. Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

I'd buy it and clean it up, get it running.

It would take you probably a day to get every part off it and soaking in cleaning stuff while you tackle the carbs and clean them out.

Put them back on, attach battery and get some juices flowing.

Sell as runner in need of resto, can prove it runs, instant value adder.

_mjs_ · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Karma :

Getting it running is one thing, getting it roadworthy is another... for a start the tyres are balder than Elton John after he joined the National Front. The guy saw me looking at them and said 'Oh don't worry, they're still legal, err... they're just semi-slicks!' Made me wonder what other line of bullshit he was peddling.

Might offer him £200 just for that insult Laughing

u
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Previous Bikes: 2006 Honda XR125L > 2003 Yamaha DT125R > 1996 Honda CB500
Current bikes: 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 E5 > 2006 Honda Varadero XL125V

Casper · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Karma :

Running I would still not give you 250 quid. Running with MOT and looking how it is 400-450. Clean it I may give you 550-600 quid. As for parts, they will sell but not fast. I doubt there is a quick buck on this. Haggle the guy down to £200 and advertise again for £400 and expect 300.

They are solid so it will run again but you need a head gasket straight away by the look of it. Valves will want done so that is a top end gasket set needed £70. No doubt plugs and points. Chain and sprocket kit £80. No doubt rubber, back looks square £120+ Oil, filter. Brake pads and new fluid. Shocks look like that will clean up. Front will no doubt want fork seals and new oil. Then start thinking about carb cleaning and hope the diaphragms are ok. Head bearings and wheels may want done.

Pennies soon mount up so unless you want a restore walk away as I doubt that will be a cheap hack.

_mjs_ · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Karma :

70 quid for a gasket? Fuck that shit Laughing

I think I'll reel of your list of what it needs 1888, then make him a thoroughly insulting offer and try my luck on ebay if he accepts.

Thanks all, for your input Karma

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Previous Bikes: 2006 Honda XR125L > 2003 Yamaha DT125R > 1996 Honda CB500
Current bikes: 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 E5 > 2006 Honda Varadero XL125V

Casper · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Karma :

Ah its a full set for not a top end. Still 70 quid though

https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/suzuki/gs_550_ex/81/picture/gasket_set_-_full_-_ne/

I was looking a couple of years ago for when I had mine.

https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/suzuki/gs_550_ex/81/

_mjs_ · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Karma :

Casper · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Karma :

_mjs_ · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Karma :

I'm thinking if I point out the head gasket, tyres and other bits and pieces and wave £200 under his snout he'll cave in. Reckon it'll make that in parts easy, worse case scenario Thumbs Up

I'll update this thread and let you know what happens... might even end up in show and tell!
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Previous Bikes: 2006 Honda XR125L > 2003 Yamaha DT125R > 1996 Honda CB500
Current bikes: 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 E5 > 2006 Honda Varadero XL125V

rferrell9517 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 27 Apr 2014 Karma :

Hello, I recommend this bike to you. It is a very solid bike and I've heard great things about the engine, very reliable!

Is there anyone who knows where the CDI unit needs to be mounted onto the bike? And does anyone know where the regulator unit needs to be mounted onto the bike? I'm asking for exact, precise locations. I am looking at the bike as I speak in my garage here. I have been told by the previous owner that the CDI unit should be mounted onto the bottom of the battery case/holder on the bike. However, I am missing the battery case/holder to the battery. I have also been told by the previous owner that the regulator should be mounted into the right hand side of the bike(the right hand as in if you are sitting on the bike its on the right side). But I can only find one mounting spot. It is on the right hand side and it is for the fuse box. If anyone knows of the precise locations of where to mount the regulator and CDI box I would appreciate it if you can fill me in!

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Your buddy,

Ryan

_mjs_ · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Karma :

I totally forgot about this bike...

I ended up offering a hundred quid for it, the daft old bastard said he couldn't possibly sell 'Rhapsody 2 Rolling Eyes

' at that price but then rang me a week later saying he'd changed his mind so I went and got the old shed.

It went straight on ebay as it was and I got like four hundred quid for it from a guy who wanted to teach his son to spanner a bike.

Talk about money for old rope Very Happy

P.S Ryan try asking in the workshop section.
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Previous Bikes: 2006 Honda XR125L > 2003 Yamaha DT125R > 1996 Honda CB500
Current bikes: 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 E5 > 2006 Honda Varadero XL125V