Looking to buy GS550

[Guest]

Hi everyone, I am looking to purchase a motorcycle after a few years of not owning one. I have a limited budget, and between that constraint, research, and availability I am considering a 1985 GS550L that I found on CL for $800. The PO says it runs and rides but could use a carb cleaning. Does it need more? I don't know. I have mechanical ability, and could fix most things with a manual, but I don't have experience with motorcycles. What should I be looking out for?

Im sorry if this question has been asked ad nauseum, but I haven't been able to find any definitive information, and you all seem to know your stuff. I really want to avoid purchasing the bike only to find it needs a lot of work.

Thanks,

Ryan

[tkent02]

If it needs a carb cleaning, odds are good it needs more. Gummed up carbs means it has sat, maybe for years. Anyone who lets it sit didn't do any other maintenance either. Ask about valve adjustment, tires, (check the date code on the tires) chain/sprockets, brakes, bearings, electrical system. I bet he hasn't maintained any of it. Most owners don't do anything beyond an occasional oil change, when it starts to run bad they park it, then after a while sell it to someone like you.

Unless I'm mistaken, it will take a lot of work.

[tom203]

Post your location- just might be a member nearby to offer opinions. I wish that I had a dollar for every CL bike post that reads "needs carb cleaning". As tkent02 said ... figure it needs lots of stuff- might not cost alot but it will take effort .

[ryankal]

Yeah, that makes sense. The owner says it has 5500 miles, Im guessing it was ridden lightly but not maintained. I figure I would be looking at a bit of restoration work. These are fairly simple machines, yeah?

I am in Frederick, MD. The post is below.

http://martinsburg.craigslist.org/mcy/4394544488.html

Thanks for the input!

Ryan

[spyug]

The biggest issue with these models is that they were noted for faulty regulator/ rectifiers putting out over voltages and burning out the ignitors. No ignitor....no run. Ignitors are super hard to come buy and when they do turn up, very expensive. there are a couple of manufacturers over seas making replacement ignitors but they are expensive too.

There are a couple of new members within the last 2 weeks going through this same issue, i.e. dead ignitor so it is fairly common.

Many of these bikes were parked because of this even low mileage bikes like this. I would definitely want to hear it run before buying it, or at the very least check to see there is spark at each plug. Do not rely on the seller's say so.

If it does run and you do buy it the very first thing you need to check is the charging. Even if it does charge properly, I would consider changing it for a more robust one and one that uses a sense wire like those made by Shindengen (Hondas). To check the state of charge, refer to the diagnostic flowchart contained in the Stator Papers on the main page.

Other than that, these are dandy little bikes when setup and maintained. As mentioned there will be a lot to do but it's not difficult if you are mechanically inclined.

Let us know how you make out with it.

[nejeff]

Looks like it has had a fair bit of "mussing" with for only 5,500 miles.

[ryankal]

Well, I went to look at it, rode it, and bought it. It needs tires so I talked him down to 700. I don't know much, but from what I could tell the bike seemed to be in good condition. Whether or not this is the case I will find out...

I am sure I will be checking in here often!

Ryan

[tkent02]

Let's hope you go the exception. How dd it run with the uncleaned carburetors?

Brakes and everything seem to work?

Here's a bit of leisure reading for you:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Congrats, welcome to the forum.

[ryankal]

I hope I got lucky as well! It felt good when I rode it, but the rpms varied at idle and the motor conched out at the end of the ride. The electrical system worked. I couldn't find any signs of it being laid down. The fork seals looked good. Chain/Sprocket were ok. Ill probably replace them in a few months. The frame looks good.

That site is a great resource! I plan on purchasing a Clymer manual. I think my first step is to pull and clean the carbs. Likely an oil change and new air filter. Once its running good Ill change the tires and look into the charging. A part of me wants to strip it down and do a complete rebuild, I think Ill wait on that though.

Ryan