Gs40x?

[Guest]

Hello,

I've been scouring the interwebs looking to identify this bike. I believe I've got a 1981 GS400 S but I can't find anything to match to the code stamped on the frame. I've attached a picture of the code. It's just under the handlebars.

This will be my first restoration project and I'm trying to figure out what parts to look for. I read somewhere else that most of the parts from a 450 will fit. Can anyone confirm that?

Thanks.
IMG_0446.jpg

[steveb922]

Looks like a GS400 code, but if you could post a picture of the whole bike, somebody will be able to tell you for certain what you have.

[ObscureReference]

Here's pictures. That tank is from a 750. It's been frankenbiked along the way. The second picture is how far I've stripped it down.
IMG_0465.jpg

[ObscureReference]

Picture 2

IMG_0472.jpg

[Rensdw]

Isn't that a 8 valve GS400X engine? good stuff!

[ObscureReference]

Isn't that a 8 valve GS400X engine? good stuff!

I believe it is. I think the 4 valve has round end covers. I just can't figure out what model to use as a base line for parts. I'm not going to restore to original so I don't mind using some universal parts.

[John Park]

I believe it is. I think the 4 valve has round end covers. I just can't figure out what model to use as a base line for parts. I'm not going to restore to original so I don't mind using some universal parts.

Basically, anything above the block is different from a 450, including the carbs. There are a few common parts in there like the cam chain tensioner and the intake boots, and the exhaust systems interchange. Below deck it's just a 450, which has most parts in common with a GS500.

1980 on 400 specific parts are scarce and not available from the US as they never got them. Pre 1980 engines - roller bearing crank - are quite different and not much interchanges. You can look up parts diagrams on cmsnl.com, a Netherlands supplier. That will get you parts numbers to look for.

The rest of the bike is just a 450. The only possible snag is 8 valve topend parts such as pistons, rings etc.

Is that all that came with the bike or is the rest in boxes?

[John Park]

My guess is a Canadian 1980 -81 GS400E which goes by GSX400E everywhere else in the world. By the style of the side cover hangers and the foot peg plate, wheels , etc.

[Gorminrider]

go here

http://www.suzukicycles.org/_misc/identification.shtml

here

http://www.suzukicycles.org/framesets/frameset-worldwide.html

well, might as well everywhere here

http://www.suzukicycles.org/

but yes it's a GSX400. 80,81 judging by wheels...You can tell if it's an E because they only have one bolt to hold the tank on. Wheels will both be 18".
T's and L's have 2 bolts holding tank on. Front wheel of T and L are 19",rear is 17" for a T....These are the differences between E,and T,L

your engine will have GS40X on it.
Shop manuals here.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

You want BOTH the GS250T/300L (91mb) AND the "GSX400 Service manual" (5.2mb)
The Clymer for 450's is also on Bass Cliffs
GS400-450 ..(80mb) is not really for the GSX engine but is ok to have.

A Haynes manual for these is out there somewhere and worth having...

[ObscureReference]

Basically, anything above the block is different from a 450, including the carbs. There are a few common parts in there like the cam chain tensioner and the intake boots, and the exhaust systems interchange. Below deck it's just a 450, which has most parts in common with a GS500.

1980 on 400 specific parts are scarce and not available from the US as they never got them. Pre 1980 engines - roller bearing crank - are quite different and not much interchanges. You can look up parts diagrams on cmsnl.com, a Netherlands supplier. That will get you parts numbers to look for.

The rest of the bike is just a 450. The only possible snag is 8 valve topend parts such as pistons, rings etc.

Is that all that came with the bike or is the rest in boxes?

That's pretty much what it came with. there was a box of miscellaneous parts that ended up having the instrument cluster from a 750 in it which I just sold. I paid $250 CAD for the bike and it was running before I started stripping it. With the $60 from the instrument cluster I feel like I did alright (but then again this is my first time trying this).

Thanks for the details. Carbs appear to be in good shape and they're Mikuni anyways so there's parts for them out there. I don't think I'm going to touch the engine just now. It was running and there's no head leaks that I can see.

[ObscureReference]

go here...

Thanks. I've been to those sites, it was the GS40X that was confusing me, that number doesn't show up on those sites. Got the Clymer and had it printed out at kinkos!

The sticker beside the frame stamp says 'mfg. 80'. If it was built in 1980 would they call it an 80 or an 81? I'm not sure if they go by when it was made or when it was released. Either way sounds like I've got an 'E', both the wheels are 18"