Possible new GS450A owner from Ohio

[Guest]

1983 SUZUKI GS450A AUTOMATIC STREET BIKE.
IN REAL GOOD CONDITION WITH 27000 MILES.
THESE BIKES ARE BECOMING RARE NOW $2000

Looking at this bike tomorrow. Any thoughts?

[Runeight]

I've had a couple of Honda Hawk 400 autos. Fun at first, bored later. Just me however.

[smilinbrad]

I bought one a month ago. No key, no tittle, doesn't run. I get most of my parts for my 30+ year old project bikes off E-bay but parts for these are hard to find. I'll be using modified 450L side covers and a newer tank off another 450L. Haven't figured out the seat yet. My Hondas and other GS models have spare parts in abundance but not so much for these limited run weirdoes. I do have a full Factory service manual for it Anyone need/want a Windjammer set up for one??

[Amrap1]

I went to see it Tuesday at a metric motorcycle repair shop. The battery was dead and it was close to closing time, so no time to throw it another battery. The service guy said that it was brought in by the seller to get it running. It has sat indoors for a couple of years. He said he charged the battery, cleaned the carbs and it started. Since it was winter he didn't get to test ride it outside. I told the seller what transpired and it is supposed to be ready tomorrow to test ride. From everything I've read this past week, some parts are available and some are not. I did download the Clymer Suzuki 400-450 series twins from 1977-1987. I am "handy" but no mechanic. I think he's asking too much. I have offer him $1250 if he test rides OK.

Ed

[loud et]

Hey, I'm from the Cleveland area too....our Cleveland craigslist has been barren lately....hardly any GS's listed at all.
I saw this one on there and well....it's just not my thing. If he accepted your offer of 1250 and it's what you really want, then that's a good deal. You probably won't find another one for quite a while.
If you are into other GS's, we'll I would wait and see what else pops up.
Keep us posted. I'll keep my eye out for any other bikes for ya.

[tkent02]

$2000 for an L? Pass.

[smilinbrad]

I paid $300 for mine. Figured if I couldn't get it running I could part it out. It only has 14k on it and has been parked for 10 years. A project bike for sure. Already have a new title and key, ultra soniced the carbs, slowly acquiring body parts. It's supposed to be a beginner bike for my daughter in law. To each his own! I agree with Tkent, $2000 for one that isn't a museum piece is dumb.

[tkent02]

I guess we should have asked, do you need the low seat of the L or do you need the automatic transmission for some reason?

Regular 450s are pretty low, easy to ride motorcycles that handle great and are very inexpensive.

[Phred]

$2,000 is way too much for that one. $1250 if it runs, but you can get a much larger bike for that. It is a good starter ride but it won't be long til you are ready to trade up for something with more muscle. Looks like someone installed a booster seat on that one!

[tkent02]

Which is why I asked. Some people don't want anything bigger, but I can't imagine not wanting something with decent ergos and handling, and I can't imagine wanting an automatic unless it was for an amputee or something.

A good 450 has plenty of muscle if your not talking about traveling on interstate highways for long distances.

[Amrap1]

The wife rides a scooter because she says she can't shift gears. When I first saw the ad I thought a motorcycle that you "shift" without a clutch. Maybe it would transition her to a real motorcycle. Not to mention it's a classic and I could possibly show it if I cleaned it up a bit. I just got a call from the seller. It was supposed to have a new battery and be on a tender while the shop stored it until the weather warms up. Hmmmm...something fishy here....if it starts and runs today, maybe I'll offer him $1000.

Thanks for the opinions and I'll update this when we get back.

Ed

[tkent02]

If it needs a tender he's hiding a problem. The good news is charging system problems are easy to fix, use it to talk him down a lot more.

Something in the $500 range would be about right if it has a charging problem and otherwise runs correctly.
It will probably have other issues as well, neglect usually shows it's ugly head in many places.

[phydeauxmutt]

The wife rides a scooter because she says she can't shift gears. When I first saw the ad I thought a motorcycle that you "shift" without a clutch. Maybe it would transition her to a real motorcycle.

"Classic" or not, that is WAY too much money for that bike. If it was in showroom condition, with new tires and brakes (and battery), and ready to hit the starter and ride off, ... maybe.

Do yourself and your wife a favor. If you want something for her to be able to ride on the highway and still not have to shift gears, look at a Suzuki Burgman 400 or 650. Or look at a Honda Silverwing. The 400 will do decently on two-lane roads, the two larger ones will handle the freeway all the way cross-country without complaining.

[storm 64]

Whatever motorcycle you plan to buy, add $600+ to the price to get it up to snuff. That's just a rule of thumb for any motorcycle...

[Amrap1]

You can almost smell the lemonaide

Went to see it Saturday and it was the same ****. No new battery...no start. I'm offering him $500 and if no deal...walking away. The Piaggio is running and maybe we'll we'll run across a better deal.


3-19-2016 016.jpg

Ed