Part swapping, bike identification and other noob stuff!

[Jinkeez]

Hiya! As of yesterday, I'm the proud owner of an '81 GS650G, which I have yet to pick up-- (Here's the eBay auction -- http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...4823453&rd=1,1)

This will be my first bike, and so in addition to learning about the GS and learning how to maintain and wrench on my bike, I'm trying to figure out what parts I can swap out with other models... And, really, I'm trying to figure out exactly what model I have, too, because I can't quite figure it out.

So, on to the first thing-- The VIN is listed as JS1GP71G982100825, which doesn't quite jive with anything I've seen so far.... But I suspect maybe the seller misread it, and that first "8" is actually a "B"; JS1GP71G9B2100825 seems to fit into the numbering scheme I've been reading about, even correctly identifying that it came with the fairing and hard bags. So is this the "base" model bike I've got here..? (I think it is, but I'm just not certain...)

Secondly, I'm planning to pull that fairing off, so I'm assuming I'll need a front headlight, some turn signals, and I'm really not to crazy about that style seat, so I'd like to replace them. As luck would have it, jimross posted a thread recently where he's parting out an '81 GS850GLX (http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...ad.php?t=99830) I would love to replace the seat with Jim's--does anyone have any idea whether the seat from his 850 will fit on my 650..? I'm also wondering about headlight compatiblity...

Any info, or even a point in the right direction, is appreciated--I'm just really new to all this and I wanna do everything right!

[rphillips]

I've not been around a bunch of 650's, but yours is a 650G. it is a standard, (non cruiser or "L" model) with a shaft drive, as opposed to the 650E that is the same bike with chain drive. Some of the fairings, back then used the bikes original headlight & turn signals, hopefully you'll get lucky. Won't know till you see it. I think the 650 is kind of a loner, one that has few parts that interchange with other bikes. Good looking bike, congrads !!!

[QuaiChangKane]

I wish I had some answers for you, but I don't...


Just wanted to say welcome to the fold, and you've picked a great bike to start with. Don't forget to get a repair manual for it ( http://www.repairmanual.com/motorcycles/1981/62/5/5571 ) and read, read, read this site. Lots of great people with decades of experience around here.

Check www.suzukicycles.org for model-specific history about all Suzuki motorcycles, and the gallery here. The most handy tool you can have in your workshop is a digital camera - take photos of what you're doing each step of the way so if you get stuck you can see exactly what you've done, and you can post your photos on here to show your progress and ask questions (a photo is worth a thousand posts).

Get yourself some good gear (helmet, armored jacket, good boots, sturdy gloves, riding-specific pants) and take the MSF course (www.msf-usa.org) and then ride the wheels off of that thing!!!!


Best of luck,


-Q!

[Jinkeez]

Just wanted to say welcome to the fold, and you've picked a great bike to start with. Don't forget to get a repair manual for it ( http://www.repairmanual.com/motorcycles/1981/62/5/5571 ) and read, read, read this site. Lots of great people with decades of experience around here.

...

Get yourself some good gear (helmet, armored jacket, good boots, sturdy gloves, riding-specific pants) and take the MSF course (www.msf-usa.org) and then ride the wheels off of that thing!!!!

Thanks! I've got all my gear already, except the helmet, and I successfully passed the MSF course (via www.ridewpride.com) last month--it was a great course, especially considering I had no experience on a bike before then! Can't wait till next summer!

[QuaiChangKane]

Thanks! I've got all my gear already, except the helmet, and I successfully passed the MSF course (via www.ridewpride.com) last month--it was a great course, especially considering I had no experience on a bike before then! Can't wait till next summer!

Great job! You're already a leg up on half the novices on the road!



Insurance?


www.bike-line.com


And check out KBC, Scorpion, and Icon helments - they offer some of the best full-featured budget helmets on the market. Comfortable, well-built, and durable. Not as quiet or light as the up-scale models, but worth every buck.



-Q!

[Pearson]

Just wanted to say welcome to the fold, and you've picked a great bike to start with. Don't forget to get a repair manual for it ( http://www.repairmanual.com/motorcycles/1981/62/5/5571 ) and read, read, read this site. Lots of great people with decades of experience around here.

Check www.suzukicycles.org for model-specific history about all Suzuki motorcycles, and the gallery here. The most handy tool you can have in your workshop is a digital camera - take photos of what you're doing each step of the way so if you get stuck you can see exactly what you've done, and you can post your photos on here to show your progress and ask questions (a photo is worth a thousand posts).

Well said. I have nooo experience working on bikes and by buying a Clymer manual and reading this forum have worked through all my problems as I restore my GS750. The digital camera has saved me time and again. My overall impression over the last 6 months is that this bike really is pretty easy to work on.

[mrbill7788]

thanks

thanks quai chang kane for the direct to the suzuki site for vin #'s it was a great help again thanks a bunch.
sincerly,MRBILL!