1981 GS550TX

[Anonymous]

Finally went out into the british weather today. found the battery of my newly purchased beast to be NFG. replaced it and turned on the ignition. Nothing. no lights no nothing.

set about hotwiring it, not difficult thanks to Suzuki's design. bike started on choke and runs. clearly needs carb work and or new plugs.

took the seat off and discovered that both of the retainers at the front of the seat that clips ito the frame are missing, not sure of they have been cut off or rusted off.

this now leaves me with two questions.

1. any ideas why the ignition switch is not functioning.

2. where can i get either a complete seat or a seat base.

3. will a GS550L seat base fit on the T model?

Regards

Jim Halsey
1981 GS550TX
2002 ST1100

[first timer]

the t seat is completly diffrent then the L, you best bet is to try to weld something new on or try to find a seat on ebay. is it the tabs on the frame that are gone or the tabs aon the seat pan?

about the ignition, did you pull the clutch cable in first then try starting the bike with the cluch pulled in, there is a safety switch that won't let you start the bike if the clutch isn't pulled in.

are you running the bike with or without the air filter, the bike will run SUPER bad if you try running the bike without the air filter.

i'll see about getting you some pics, do you want anyone in paticular.
can i email them to you.

-ryan

[Anonymous]

Its the tabs on the seat pan that are missing. the frame looks ok.

Will any other GS Seat fit?

What I mean about the ignition is that there is no signs of life. Nothing lights up at all. it is almost as if the switch is not connected to the loom. Of course, as I have not checked yet it might possible not be plugged in!

The GS is so easy to hotwire I just did that to get the engine started.

It was reported to have sat for 5 years so when I next get the chance I will pull the carbs and clean them out. Give me a chance to make sure that I check everything listed in the forums here.

As for the photos, I would could do with one of the underside of the seat. That would give me an idea of what the brackets should look like.

The chances of me finding a T seat in the uk are next to zero. So I will have to try various breakers in the US. But I don't hold out much hope as it is a 23 year old bike!

[first timer]

welding or bolt up some replacement tabs will probly be your best bet, especailly if the rest of the pan is in good shape.

the only other seat that may not sure would be teh 81 gs750 t but i am not sure and wouldn't try it.

good luch with the wireing,

i'll get some pic to you in the next day or so.

-ryan