Old bike,new problems

[humblepie]

Just bought a fixer upper but it runs.Want to clean out everything and considering doing my own valve job.question is do i need any special tools and can I do it myself??


I'm broke so that's why I have to do everything myself,so if you guys don't mind too much i'll be asking a sh*tload of questions. 8-[

[almarconi]

What kind of bike do you have??

[humblepie]

a 1982 GS550L..it's my first bike..ive never worked on anything other than pedal bikes.

[almarconi]

Probably the best tool you could get would be a service manual. Either purchase a clymer manual or look around on-line to see if you can find one. I have been working on cars for years and just recently started to work on bikes. You need to have a basic set of hand tools to get started. As far as specialty tools specific to motorcycles there are a few you could get. If you are working on carbs a set of Japanese Industry Standard screwdrivers are helpful. A handheld impact driver is good to have.
Masterlink pliers or chain breaker/rivot tool for servicing your chain. To synchronize your carbs you'll need a manometer or set of vaccuum gauges. A compression gauge is a useful for engine diagnostic work. An inexpensive Volt Ohm meter for chasing down electrical gremlins. I would just purchase the tools as your budget allows.
Have you looked at the price of motorcycle parts?? Its hard to be broke and buy parts for vintage bikes.

[humblepie]

Yes ive seen the prices listed on the vintage parts sites..I think ebay will be my best friend during this restore project..i'm just gonna buy what I can,part by part when I get the chance and hopefully I have a running bike asap


I have a basic socket set
I took the carbs and the top end off yesterday,alot of bolts and screws were stuck,some still are,soaking in PB Blaster now..I think i'm gonna replace it with hex hardware if I can figure out the sizes.


thanks for the list,so now I know exactly what to buy when I have the cash for it.


I think this will be a fufilling endeavor in the end

[Nessism]

Add a valve depressor tool to get the adjustment shims in/out to adjust clearance.

Check out Z1 Enterprises for parts/tools. Great services and prices.

Good luck and welcome.

[humblepie]

thanks Nessism..




Do i need a new head?? if so,whats compatible with my engine?

[txironhead]

A handheld impact driver is good to have.

No, it's a must have. Saves a ton of swearing and drilling.

If you can, find a Suzuki Factory Service Manual for your bike. Check Ebay. You might also look at www.repairmanualclub.com. If you can't find one, a Clymer is a close second.

On these bikes, having a multimeter and knowing how to use it is invaluable. I got a really good one at Sears for $30. A can of electrical parts cleaner, a soldering iron and some heat shrink is a must.

I would also recommend buying a Dremel (I got a generic one at Wal-Mart for $20 and it works great) and a selection of bits for it. I got a 300 piece kit at Harbor Freight for $10, I highly recommend it.

There are some specialty tools, like the rotor puller, that you don't need to buy until you're actually working on that part. You do need the valve tools to make sure your valves are set correctly. A manometer, also known as a vacuum carb synchronizer, vacuum gauges, carb sticks, mercury gauges, etc. will definitely help keep your bike happy. If your bike has only two carbs, there's a thread in the "Tips and Tricks" section to make one on the cheap. If it has four carbs, it's best to buy a professional set. I would recommend the carb adjuster tool, they're pretty cheap and makes setting the carbs much easier.

As far as replacing the bolts, do an Ebay search for "stainless allen bolt kit GS550*" and you should be able to find a complete bolt kit for your bike for around $30. Z1 also has them, I'm told. Make sure to put anti-seize compound on any stainless bolt that goes into aluminum.

You've already found the single most important tool you'll ever need, this forum right here. My GS750EX would be sitting in a scrapheap somewhere if it weren't for this site.

[Nessism]

thanks Nessism..

Do i need a new head?? if so,whats compatible with my engine?

You can patch the head with JB Weld. There was a long thread recently on this exact subject...on a 550 no less. It was missFabulous's bike ... http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...highlight=weld

Regarding compatible heads, any 8 valve 550 head from 80-83 will work. The earlier heads will work also but the intake ports are smaller to match the VM carbs (which your bike does not have since they switched to CV carbs in '80).

Good luck.