1983 suzuki tempter gr650

[dyoung]

Does anyone have any expierence or opinions on these bikes? found one in great shape for a descent price and it looks like some parts might be interchangable with some GS models, thanks

[GS/GR PAUL]

G'day
These GR's are great fun, they produce maximum torque at 3500 so once in top gear it's just a matter of twisting the throttle to get it moving quickly, they also handle very well and are dead easy to work on.
I have 2 and find they are equally at home touring, commuting or flying around corners through a mountain pass.
I fitted lower handle bars to make it more comfortable at speed ,and it seems to suit my 6ft frame.

[Dakotakid]

I found the seating position to be cramped especially with the stepped seat thing. I also did not like the lack of really good brakes (with a single front disc and drum rear). But, I tend to like tall bikes and triple discs.

The engine is really quite lovable.....never really a rocket. But, it isn't supposed to be! The torque characteristics out of the engine is such fun....I miss it a lot.

My bike shifted very well (never really missed a shift that I can remember) either just when wimping around or riding quickly. Clutch action was great. No trouble with the electrics. Really not much to complain about. There is vibration at higher rpms. But, every bike I have does some of that!

This bike routinely got around 60 miles per gallon on fuel. There are many times I still wish I had the bike...except when it comes time to hit the brakes and stop for something. I just did not like the "economy" brake design.

[gs scott]

That is the Suzuki version of the classic Triumph vertical twin, except, Suzuki engineers did some very cool work putting that engine together. They altered the firing order for less vibration, and added a counter-balancer, so they are relatively smooth and still solid mounted.

Suzuki also added a variable mass crank. More mass at low rpms to even out the effects of the pistons firing, with more flywheel effect (so it won't stall as easy like at a red light) and less mass at 3,000 rpms and above for quicker throttle response.

Low seat height, great comfortable stock seat, simple design, easy to reach everything. While they weren't the fastest or quickest 650 at the time, they were the smoothest, with very good handling characteristics and reliability. Not to mention, pretty decent mileage on a very slim, and light (less than 400 lbs) bike. You could do a lot worse than one of these.