New GS owner in need of help

[ddevore]

This is my first street bike which I think I may actually be able to ride some day. I have a GS550L Z but don't know exactly what it is.

The information I could find on the bike is this:
Printed on the block is
GS550-228276

The sticker on the neck says
GS550L Z (The Z is stamped)

VIN JS1GN71L 2C2101996

MFD 8/81

Under the seat is says it meets EPA standards for 1982 so I am think it is a 1982 GS550L Z I do have the title but it is packed since we moved reciently and I can't seem to put my hands on it.

So can anyone identify this year and make correctly for me and lead me to a good place for a manual and parts.

On to the good stuff. I had it at a shop to get it fixed over the winter and all they did was basically store it for the winter. They said it was running but was having a problem with high end rpms. I got it back and had a really hard time getting it running and when I finally did it started to leak oil out the cylinder head gasket area as soon as it warmed up a little. So my hopefully quick fix and ride has become a little bit of a project bike. Any suggestions on getting this fixed and can this be done while the engine is mounted on the bike? Remember I am new at working on bikes.

Thanks
Dru

[Detman101]

A little oil leak is not too much of a problem. But if it's dripping all over the place...that's a problem. (But I ride a ratbike, your usage may vary)

Sounds like you need the jets cleaned in your carbs. Crud in the bowl can contribute to poor fuel flow at all rpms.

[ddevore]

The leak is like a run, about 1/4 of a quart in the 5 mins I had it running. I don't think I can ride with that. The carbs were rebuilt by the previous owner who rebuilds motorcycles but didn't have enough time to work on this bike also so he gave it to me. I am thinking it need a good adjustment. I could be wrong though and once I get the oil fixed I am going to focus on the carb if nothing else comes up.

[kalessin]

Yep, your bike is a 1982 GS550LZ.

There should be Clymer's and Haynes' manuals available for it. Get both if you can afford them, because sometimes one leaves out a detail that the other has. I have a Clymer's for my bike that's covered what I need.

Parts diagrams are online at:

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

[kalessin]

Courtesy of BWRinger in another thread:

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

All the sites selling OEM parts get them from the exact same source -- Suzuki.

None of the vendors maintain a stock of parts -- they are simply middlemen between you and Suzuki's warehouses.

Therefore, if Bike Bandit is saying it's no longer available, it's likely not available anywhere else, either.

As far as OEM parts, bikebandit is well regarded here, and their service is absolutely top-notch. However, their parts prices are on the high end, and they do not provide OEM part numbers (they use their own part numbering system to discourage comparison shopping).

Ron Ayers http://ronayers.com is also very well regarded, and their prices are slightly lower. The main problem is that for older bikes, Ron Ayers does not have online microfiche. You must supply your own Suzuki part numbers. There are two ways to go about this.

a) Order a microfiche for your bike from http://repairmanuals.com . It's the best $15 you'll ever spend. Grab a repair manual while you're there.
You can take the microfiche to any public library and use their readers to make photocopies of the pages. When I did this, it only cost me a couple of hours and about $16 in nickels and dimes. Then you can plug the part numbers into Ron Ayers or any of the parts sites.

b) There are a few sites that supply Suzuki part numbers with their online microfiches. Here's one:

http://flatoutmotorcycles.com/fiche_select.asp

This is the site of a dealer in Indianapolis, about 20 minutes from my office. Their markup is about the lowest I've seen, and they are a reliable, longtime Suzuki dealer.

A few other examples:

http://shippsmc.com/fiche_select.asp

http://www.mrcycles.com/fiche_select.asp

The main problem with getting part numbers from these sites is that discontinued parts are usually simply not listed.

Notice it's the same interface -- all the dealers with online microfiches are just linking into the exact same database and shopping cart system built by Power Sports Network. The dealers choose different options for pricing, whether part numbers are shown, etc.

There's nothing shady about this, but you have to remember -- no one except Suzuki is maintaining inventory of old OEM parts. Everyone from your corner Suzuki dealer to these web sites must order from Suzuki.

There's one dealer, crotchrocket.com (JT motorsports), that usually offers lower pricing than anyone else. However, they are infamous here for poor service, lack of communication, general slowness, losing orders, losing track of orders, etc. Until they clean up their act, stay away.

Another site, Alpha Sports, also has online fiches and part numbers. They also show discontinued and superceded part numbers, which can be quite helpful clues if you're dealing with a used or NOS (New Old Stock) part.

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

Their prices are quite high, but they are definitely worth supporting if possible.

One tip is that many part numbers have been superceded over time. Either an improved part has come out (common with gaskets), or they have consolidated different tank shapes, paint codes, etc. into one part number that fits and functions the same but may look different. One way to deal with this is to put the original part number from your microfiche into the search at ronayers.com. If the part number has been superceded, the new part number will be shown. You can then use the new part number to generate a cross-reference or for searching.

Finally, one other tactic may be of use in tracking down elusive parts using the internet. Simply put the Suzuki part number (remember, BikeBandit's part numbers are their own strange system) into Google or eBay, and you'll occasionally find a NOS (new old stock) dealer with discontinued parts or even a company making replacements for OEM parts.

This is a company that sells tons of discontinued NOS Suzuki parts both directly and on eBay. Prepare to drool over shiny leftovers galore:

http://www.andersonvintageparts.com/

*** PLEASE NOTE: Some good GS folks have had bad experiences with AVP. See the deadbeat forum. Ownership has supposedly changed and they claim service problems have been rectified, but the situation may still be iffy. ***

[ddevore]

That was a great post. I ordered both repair manuals and found the gasket I know I will have to replace. I think the original message there needs to be in the keepers section with big stars next to it. Thanks for the information.

Now that I will be ripping the head off the engine is there anything there I should do to make sure I don't miss something or to insure proper operation once I get it back together like replacing the cylinder head gasket also.

Can I do this without pulling the engine off the bike?

Thanks
Dru

[SqDancerLynn1]

You can remove the head with it still in the bike. PAY attention to where the head bolt washers & O rings for head gasket go.

[beby99]

You might want to try and re-torque the head bolts (per factory specs) before you dig into the engine....might just be loose?

[DimitriT]

You will love that bike once you get it restored. Mine is a daily commuting bike. Very smooth at highway speeds, very comfortable and very economical.