Model Identification

[pete]

Hi all,

I'm a bit confused as to what exact model my GS450 is.

The compliance plate simply says "GS450". It's a 1981 model.

My Haynes manual has lots of different models, but I'm guessing mine is either a GS450 EX or SX, and I'm working on the premise it's an EX at the moment.

While it came with a bikini fairing when I bought it, it doesn't look like the fairing that comes on the SX. I'm positive it's not an LX or TX.

If anyone has the Haynes manual, it looks exactly the same as the 1981 GSX400 E in the front of the book, straight after the contents page.

I think my confusion stems from the fact that this is a UK manual covering the UK and US models, but I'm in Australia.

Can anyone confirm my thoughts on this?

Thanks!

[gspaul]

Look's like the E, it came standard with the handle bar fairing,I think I have an old road test from a USA bike mag.If you want I can photo copy and send it on.

[pete]

Thanks Paul, everything I see seems to point to it being the E, but either way, I don't think there's too much difference mechanically between the E and the S.

Don't trouble yourself with the photocopy etc., but thanks for the offer

If you've got access to a scanner, feel free to email or post it somewhere though as more than just me could benefit from that.

[gspaul]

Can not put it up on the web "copryright"but I will scan it and send it to you.

[gspaul]

OH! pm me with your email.

[pete]

Thanks Paul, I'll PM you with my email.

I believe, however, that as long as it's less than 10% of the publication you could put it up, but don't take my word for it as I may be thinking of photocopying things for personal use...

[pete]

Hey thanks for the emails Paul, that's great!

I had a very quick look this morning and I'll have a better look in the next day or two, but going by what I saw, I'm now almost positive my bike's a GS450 EX.

The fairing I have is quite different to the one on the S and I don't have bar end mirrors.

Mind you, once I've finished, I'm hoping to have bar end mirrors if they're legal here, which I need to find out yet.

Thanks again!

[gspaul]

Your welcombe.

[gspaul]

Sorry ,I forgot my manner's, would anybody else like a copy before I delete it.
Pm me if you do.

[pete]

Ok, I'm now confused again.

I managed to dig up my fairing this morning, and it does actually appear to be shaped like the original Suzuki item, but with a replacement windscreen that's tinted.

I'll get some pic's of it up on my site in the next day or two so I can hopefully get this cleared up, but at least it looks like there's so few differences between the E and S that it's not worth worrying about from a technical point of view.

[gspaul]

From a tech view no diff.

[pete]

Thanks for that Paul.

I dug out my fairing on the weekend and wondered if anyone can give me their opinion of whether it's a repainted original with a different screen or if it's an after market one?

[gspaul]

I think the fairing is OEM for the OZ market,but I don't believe the screen was tinted.

[pete]

Aah ok, that makes some sense.

I hadn't seen another tinted one either, so figured it was either all after market or the screen had been replaced at some stage.

I sorta prefer it tinted though I think.

[gspaul]

Plenty of places here that make screen's if that one's scratched Pete.you can even get taller one's,and in different colour's.
Nearly bought one of these bike's when they first came out,they just seemed to be a good balance.
I rode a GS500, nice motor,pulled well,but found the rideing posi a bit to cramped fo me.