Experiences with new non-OEM starter motors?

[sealpup]

They are listed online for less than $200, which seems almost too cheap. On the upside, they appear to be an economical and convenient alternative to overhauling the original unit.

Anyone had any good or bad experiences with aftermarket starter motors, in particular for a 2 valve GS1000?

All feedback appreciated.

[tom203]

How bad is your current starter motor ? lots of time they just need good cleaning and new brushes,maybe bearings. In USA , you can scoop used starters for less than $50 - as long as they haven't been immersed,they will likely be fine.

[JTGS850GL]

I think the problem is going to be the Australia location. Maybe a little harder to get one there. No experience with non OEM so can't help there.

[tom203]

If this is that 1979gs1000sn, lots of bikes used that starter motor- look in your neighbor's garage!

1977 SUZUKI GS400B - STARTING MOTOR (GS4008)
1977 SUZUKI GS400XB - STARTING MOTOR (GS4008)
1977 SUZUKI GS550B - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA ELECTRIC)
1977 SUZUKI GS750B - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA)
1978 SUZUKI GS1000C & EC - STARTING MOTOR
1978 SUZUKI GS400C - STARTING MOTOR (GS400C)-2
1978 SUZUKI GS550C - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA ELECTRIC)
1978 SUZUKI GS550EC - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA ELECTRIC)
1978 SUZUKI GS750C - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA)
1978 SUZUKI GS750EC - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA)
1979 SUZUKI GS1000LN - STARTING MOTOR
1979 SUZUKI GS1000N & EN - STARTING MOTOR
1979 SUZUKI GS1000SN - STARTING MOTOR
1979 SUZUKI GS550EN - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA ELECTRIC)
1979 SUZUKI GS550LN - Untitled
1979 SUZUKI GS550N - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA ELECTRIC)
1979 SUZUKI GS750EN - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA)
1979 SUZUKI GS750LN - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA)
1979 SUZUKI GS750N - STARTING MOTOR (MITSUBA)
1979 SUZUKI GS850GN - STARTING MOTOR
1980 GS850GL - STARTING MOTOR
1980 SUZUKI GS1000ET - STARTING MOTOR
1980 SUZUKI GS1000GLT - STARTING MOTOR
1980 SUZUKI GS1000GT - STARTING MOTOR
1980 SUZUKI GS1000ST - STARTING MOTOR
1980 SUZUKI GS750ET - STARTING MOTOR
1980 SUZUKI GS750LT - STARTING MOTOR
1980 SUZUKI GS850GT - STARTING MOTOR
1981 SUZUKI GS1000GLX - STARTING MOTOR
1981 SUZUKI GS1000GX - STARTING MOTOR
1981 SUZUKI GS750EX - STARTING MOTOR
1981 SUZUKI GS750LX - STARTING MOTOR
1981 SUZUKI GS850GLX - STARTING MOTOR
1981 SUZUKI GS850GX - STARTING MOTOR

[JTGS850GL]

How do you get those part number cross references? Knowing that could save a lot of people the trouble of asking.

[tom203]

Steve told me! I use alpha-sports site. Look for " parts finder all" in "special tools" bar, enter part #,

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

[JTGS850GL]

Steve told me! I use alpha-sports site. Look for " parts finder all" in "special tools" bar, enter part #,

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

Great!!! That's what I've been looking for. Thanks a bunch!!!

[RedBaron]

The shop I work for in the US here started selling super cheap starters to our customers (to my dismay) about 4 years ago. We've kept in touch with those customers who've replaced with these and so far there hasn't been a failure in either of the two cheap brands we sell (P.S.Y.K.H.O. and Wild Boar - though likely both Chinese stuff). Personally I'm still not entirely comfortable with them, but with them being so cheap they're what always sell even when I mention this to customers. I'm not sure if these manufacturers make a GS starter off-hand, or if they'd be available in Australia, but I'd be willing to bet that they're one in the same with most of the super cheap brands. I have less experience with the aftermarket less cheap brands (Rick's, etc.).

[eil]

This place sells remanufactured OEM starters for our bikes at very affordable prices: http://www.stockers.com/

They also sell rebuild kits for even cheaper $30 and specific parts cheaper still. Rebuilding a starter is not exactly rocket science.

Only rub is I don't know if they ship to Oz and if so, what the price might be.

[Grimly]

The highest-mileage starter I have on hand has done 250K ( who knows how many starts that actually was, though), the next up stands at 140K and the youngest is probably 100K. When the 250K one stopped working a few months ago I swapped it out and was pleased to find the brushes were like brand new, the bearings/bushes were like new and so was the commutator (cleaned up like new). Only reason it stopped working was the brushes got clagged up with junk and the snail springs seem to have lost a bit of strength. I'm sure when I put it back in it will last for another huge amount of time.
Suzuki really over-engineered most things on the GS line, as they were aware they were building a reputation at that time.

[sealpup]

Stockers.com would be more attractive if not for the shipping costs each way to/from Oz.
Looks like overhauling the original unit is the general consensus around here.

Thanks to all for the info.