Looking to learn...

[mdonof02]

Greetings,
I'm going to go out on a limb here, since I feel that I am at a loss for trying to understand/work on my bike. I have a 1982 GS450T, and bought it thinking that it would be old enough that I could work on it myself. I have taken apart the carbs, with little success, and tried to follow an electrical problem, with even less success. Much money later, I am still at a loss to accomplish fundamental tasks to keep my bike arunning, like balancing the carbs so I don't have to take it to a mechanic once a season to balance them for 250$.

So, I'm hoping someone out there can help me. I live in New Jersey, right outside New York City, in West Orange. I am willing to dedicate time, energy, even a bit of money into understanding the mechanics of a motorcycle. I would even dedicate time at a shop (for no pay!) just to hang around, watch, learn, pick up things and listen. Well, I'll probably toss this up here every once and a while to see if I can get any bites. Please send me an email or message if you can help.

Thanks

[chef1366]

Do you have a manual?

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. mdonof02,

It seems I have neglected to give you a "mega-welcome". It should have some information that will help you. But first, have you changed the oil? It seems you had gas in the oil at one time either from a bad petcock or stuck float valve seals in the carbs. Have you cleaned the carbs? Have you adjusted the valves? Have you checked and cleaned all of the electrical connections in the entire wiring harness? Have you gone through the Stator Papers to test the charging system? Have you cleaned your air filter and oiled it properly? How can you do all of this, you may ask? These questions and more will be answered in the following links....

Welcome to the forum. I'm glad you've found us. Come on in and make yourself at home! Let me say, "Howdy!"...

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[tkent02]

Much money later, I am still at a loss to accomplish fundamental tasks to keep my bike arunning, like balancing the carbs so I don't have to take it to a mechanic once a season to balance them for 250$.

Balancing carbs on a twin for $250???
Dude! It takes about one minute or less and requires no tools other than a screwdriver, it's so very easy on a twin it's ridiculous. You only turn one screw in or out a little bit. It is easy enough on a four cylinder, maybe five minute's worth but on a twin it is nothing.

Download a free manual to use and find a few locals from this forum to give you a hand.

[exbellicus]

First thing is to purchase a Clymer's manual for your bike. Step by step guide to just about everything on the bike. While Cliff's 850 carb guide will be slightly different than yours, if you follow it and completely dip the carbs you will be much more successful.

Best of luck

[Suzuki_Don]

I have sent you a PM

[mdonof02]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. I do have a manuel, it's a Haynes. To tell you the truth, I feel it doesn't give enough detail, or maybe enough for a novice. I find myself asking questions that aren't found in the manuel. Cleaning the carbs, I didn't know exactly what to look for. I found myself taking them off, opening them up, looking inside and saying: "Well, know what?" Yes, I cleaned'em out with carb cleaner and looked for dirt, but in the end it didn't work out.

The same with the air filter. I have taken it out and oiled it, but am not fully confident I have oiled it correctly.

I'm going to check out the GSR Greeting, and maybe that will help.

Thanks again

[Theo]

Hey I'm in NYC and wouldn't mind coming out to help you. I definitely am not an old pro, but I've so far taken care of almost everything with minimal cursing and pounding of the fists .