New to GS

[TBeast221]

Hullo! I just bought a 1982 (or so the dude said... I'm begining to think it's 1983.. is there a way to tell the difference?) GS450GA. I'm new to automotive repair and such, and I don't have any of the documentation for the bike.... and I had a few questions.

First, I had someone help me replace the battery on my bike, but it did'nt fit right. The battery was too tall to fit in the mount. I got it in eventually by cramming it in... it's in there, but not all the way... but it's not going anywhere though... the outside pannel fits, so all is well... I hope. It's all wired up and the bike works. But, my question is... is that common? I asked the guy at Farm and Fleet where I bought it from, if that was the right battery for the bike and he said yea... and it was the smallest battery they had for it.

Second, I just replaced the spark plugs on it because I was having idling problems. I went to Auto Zone and told em what kind of bike I had and they gave me the plugs. The plugs fit and the bike runs (idling problem fixed btw) but heres another odd thing with size.... the large black wire that leads into the spark plug doesnt fit... the contacts are touching and the bike runs, but the wire is almost resting on the plug.. I dont think its gonna come off though... but my question is, can I use electrical tape to reinforce that? Or would that interfere with the wiring somehow?...

Third, I have a couple problems with my gauges. First problem is, the light on the spedometer is out... and I have no idea how to take it apart to replace it... do you guys know any links where that info might be? Second problem is, I notice sometimes when I am riding, I hear a loud squeeling noise coming from the guages themselves...or so I think it's from the gauges... it's a very strange sound... almost a sucking sound. I was just wondering if anyone else has that problem... and how to fix it.

Fourth, I am looking to change my oil... does anyone know a site that would have that information? Preferably with step by step pictures.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help me out! Awesome site btw! =p

[chef1366]

First: If the batery works and it's in firm and won't short on anything, cool.
Second: Need new plug caps? They screw into the end of the spark plug wire. Not quite sure what you mean by this "Wire is almost resting on the plug"
Three: Try buying some chain wax(for lubing motorcycle chains) and lube the speedo and rpm cables, or buy new ones.
Fourth: There is a drain plug on the bottom of you motor for draining your oil. There is a oil filter cover between the center two exhaust pipes. Remove this to change your filter. Be careful not to over tourque the acorn nuts.
Five: Buy a repair manual.

[duaneage]

Hullo! I just bought a 1982 (or so the dude said... I'm begining to think it's 1983.. is there a way to tell the difference?) GS450GA. I'm new to automotive repair and such, and I don't have any of the documentation for the bike.... and I had a few questions.

First, I asked the guy at Farm and Fleet where I bought it from, if that was the right battery for the bike and he said yea... and it was the smallest battery they had for it.
Buy a battery from a motorcycle shop or an automotive shop that has the correct version. The battery is matched to the bike, I.E shaft drive 650s use a 14AH battery adn chain drives use a 12 Ah model. USing the wrong battery can cause problems.

Second, I just replaced the spark plugs on it because I was having idling problems. I went to Auto Zone and told em what kind of bike I had and they gave me the plugs. The plugs fit and the bike runs (idling problem fixed btw) but heres another odd thing with size.... the large black wire that leads into the spark plug doesnt fit... the contacts are touching and the bike runs, but the wire is almost resting on the plug.. I dont think its gonna come off though... but my question is, can I use electrical tape to reinforce that? Or would that interfere with the wiring somehow?...

You can get new spark plug boots for about 5 bucks each, money well spent. Tape is not an option. This is a critical item. Just twist the old one's off and the new one's on.

Third, I have a couple problems with my gauges. First problem is, the light on the spedometer is out... and I have no idea how to take it apart to replace it... do you guys know any links where that info might be? Second problem is, I notice sometimes when I am riding, I hear a loud squeeling noise coming from the guages themselves...or so I think it's from the gauges... it's a very strange sound... almost a sucking sound. I was just wondering if anyone else has that problem... and how to fix it.
The bulb is easy to replace, I think cars use the same bulb. Remove the metal cover and there is a rubber plug that holds the bulb. Mine used a 194 bulb, same as my Escort. The swixhing sound my be the speedo cable, grease it up and put the wire back in when you change the bulb.

Fourth, I am looking to change my oil... does anyone know a site that would have that information? Preferably with step by step pictures.

Spend 22 bucks on a Clymers manual, you can find them on eBay or Motorcycle shops. Money well spent. And if you sell the bike, sell the manual and get most of your money back. You'll need a filter, fram makes one for Suzuki that includes the O-ring for the cover, Suzuki charges extra (and a lot) for the o-ring. I use Mobile 1 in my bike , 0w-40W, but I use 10w-40W castrol in my Honda CM400a automatic. Yours has shaft drive ( you lucky ducky) and I would replace that fluid with 85-90w hypoid gear oil too. Fill it to the drain hole and your good for another few years.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help me out! Awesome site btw! =p

[chef1366]

Dang bud, we posted at the same time and gave just about the same advice.8-)

[duaneage]

I'm jealous he has a 450 automatic and I have a 400 HONDA automatic, that's all. I have a damn chain on mine and wish I had a 450GA.

[chef1366]

I like my chain on my 1100. But let's not turn this into a chain versus shaft.
Stay focused (talking to myself)
Now back to the regular scheduled program.:-D

[bwringer]

As far as the plugs, you probably just have to unscrew and discard the little fittings on the end of the plugs.

[rphillips]

Yeah, if you don't see threads on the tip of the plug, the plug caps won't fit. most plugs have a little cap, or fitting, screwed on there. Most everything, except bikes, need these for a good fit. The bikes however, have a smaller connector & need these caps, or fittings, removed so the spark plug cap will connect properly.

[Cruzr]

[TBeast221]

Hey quick question. I got a bottle of oil here (1 liter) ... does anyone know how much I should put in for an oil change on my 1982 GS450A... should I just use the whole bottle? Thanks.

[rphillips]

You've asked the right questions to tell me that you shouldn't do anything to the bike till you GET A REPAIR MANUAL

[riskadh]

Watch out for plugs that you buy from an "auto"motive parts store. I originally bout some plugs for my 1100 from checkers, less than a month later they were fouled. Cleaned 'em up, and yet again fouled. Went to a motorcycle parts store, bought some real plugs ($10/plug) haven't had the issue since. I was told that while normal plugs will work ok, motorcycle plugs burn hotter :? which is why I haven't had these ones foul up.

Enjoy the ride tho, these bikes are awesome when kept up \\/

And welcome to the forum

[TBeast221]

You've asked the right questions to tell me that you shouldn't do anything to the bike till you GET A REPAIR MANUAL

Roger that, already ordered it. I was just hoping somebody knew off hand. =p

[rphillips]

Not sure of exact amount in a 450A, but if you fill it till the level reaches the full mark, it will be fine.

[t3rmin]

Watch out for plugs that you buy from an "auto"motive parts store. I originally bout some plugs for my 1100 from checkers, less than a month later they were fouled. Cleaned 'em up, and yet again fouled. Went to a motorcycle parts store, bought some real plugs ($10/plug) haven't had the issue since. I was told that while normal plugs will work ok, motorcycle plugs burn hotter :? which is why I haven't had these ones foul up.

Enjoy the ride tho, these bikes are awesome when kept up \\/

And welcome to the forum

I'll have to disagree. Plugs are plugs. Get the proper plugs listed in your manual and you'll be fine. Whether you buy them from the auto parts store or a motorcycle shop makes no difference. If you have to run hotter plugs to keep them from fouling you have oil control, mixture, or ignition issues, not spark plug issues. Hotter plugs may cover up the problem, but they aren't fixing anything.