My 650GL history

[kerrfunk]

I bought this 1983 Suzuki GS 650 GL (14,675 mi) (my fourth motorcycle, and fourth GS)
May 14, 2013, on eBay. It had a New Jersey title, and I titled it in PA and then in WV.

GS Rick “tuned” it for me (basically took the engine apart and rebuilt it)
and I put about 12,000 miles on it in the six years between 2015 and 2021.

I rode it in maybe a dozen different states in the east.

Sometime along the way it developed a drip from the head gasket.

Had a minor (?) fall in 2021ish which did a little cosmetic damage, dinged the headlight bucket, the right front turn signal, and twisted the speedometer a bit.

Lot of good times with this bike.


Sold it January 2, 2023, on craigslist (26,673 mi)

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Kerry, I hope that doesn’t mean we won’t be seeing you here anymore. We enjoy your stories and pics with the Triumph just as much. Speaking of, maybe consider joining the forum over at triumphrat.net. Seems to be a good bunch of guys and a very active and helpful forum. I joined because I’m still looking for my first Triumph.

[steve murdoch]

+1 on the comments from Rich.
Please do hang around, Kerry.

[kerrfunk]

I guess I shoulda said that up front, naw, I ain't leaving.
I mean I am not exactly a mechanical contributor but I know this site is unique and special and I'm glad to be a part of it.
I mentioned it to the buyer and will be sending him the link. I told him "the guys here could literally write books about the GS motorcycle."

[Baatfam]

Speaking of, maybe consider joining the forum over at triumphrat.net. Seems to be a good bunch of guys and a very active and helpful forum. I joined because I’m still looking for my first Triumph.

It's a pretty decent forum, but big - Lots of members, so not as intimate as here.
Been part of that forum since 2011, and have a total of 63 posts....LOL...Been it has been a great resource of information.

I guess I shoulda said that up front, naw, I ain't leaving.
I mean I am not exactly a mechanical contributor but I know this site is unique and special and I'm glad to be a part of it.
I mentioned it to the buyer and will be sending him the link. I told him "the guys here could literally write books about the GS motorcycle."

Good....Figured you would say that, and glad you did.

[93Bandit]

Mind if I ask your reason for selling?

[kerrfunk]

Mind if I ask your reason for selling?

I don't have much mechanical aptitude.
I can change an oil filter and lightbulbs and fuses, maybe replace a stator.

My 650 had a head gasket leak and a few cosmetic dings, and it's been 12,000 miles since its carbs were cleaned.

I like the 650GL quite a lot, although I don't care for the small gas tank.
I wish they sold the 750GL in the US.
The 850GL is heavier than I care for.

I fell in love with the cruiser look of the Triumph, plus the Triumph doesn't particularly need anything right now.

[93Bandit]

I don't have much mechanical aptitude.
I can change an oil filter and lightbulbs and fuses, maybe replace a stator.

My 650 had a head gasket leak and a few cosmetic dings, and it's been 12,000 miles since its carbs were cleaned.

I like the 650GL quite a lot, although I don't care for the small gas tank.
I wish they sold the 750GL in the US.
The 850GL is heavier than I care for.

I fell in love with the cruiser look of the Triumph, plus the Triumph doesn't particularly need anything right now.

Gotcha, that's understandable. Ability to tinker is a must with these older machines.

[rphillips]

I'd thought, surely he ain't gonn'a leave us, Glad to read that was correct... Hoping buyer, seller, and any women involved are happy.

[Redman]

Thanks for update.
(I knew you now had newer triumph, and wondered about the GS.)

How did the sale go, this time of year?

glad to hear you are gonna hang around.