1981 GS650G sat for almost 20 years

[bbrad1775]

Just inherited this motorcycle and need some help getting it back on the road.
1. First problem is that there is fuel in the tank and who knows how long it has been in there. What is the easiest way to drain these tanks?
2. Fuel petcock is stuck. How do I free this up?
3. Before the first startup I plan to change the oil, install a new fuel filter and fuel, new plugs, air filter, new battery...what else?

[steve murdoch]

Welcome to the site, Brad.
After sitting for that long and with the petcock being stuck i would remove it from tank and rebuild it. Kits are thirty bucks or so.
An example.

https://www.z1enterprises.com/petcock-kit-suzuki.html

A check of the valve tolerances would be a good idea as well.

[Rob S.]

Don't many members advise that you're better off aftermarket, that the success rate for rebuilding petcocks is only 50%?

Welcome aboard.

[Nessism]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=171846

[Mr.humbucker]

Don't many members advise that you're better off aftermarket, that the success rate for rebuilding petcocks is only 50%?

Welcome aboard.

I have to agree, I have rebuilt a few petcocks and had difficulty with them. I'd recommend a new after market QUALITY unit. I have bought four of these and used them on GS projects and they were flawless.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/272302454817?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=PE9UD81mRbm&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=Qttj4JcL Tn y&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Don't buy the cheap ones .... They don't fit well.

Good luck with your project, you've come to the right place for advice as there are members here who are very knowledgeable and eager to help.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

This place sells, from what I understand, very good OEM Quality, year/model specific replacement petcocks. Hard to search by model. I think you just have to go though them. Know you're mounting bolt spacing too. I haven't needed one yet, but when I do I'll get one of these.

https://georgefixs.com/

I think this is the one for your bike, but not sure.

https://www.georgefixs.com/brand-new-suzuki-gs300-gs450-gs550-gs650-gs750-gs850-gs1000-gs1100-petcock/

[bbrad1775]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

I have read through that. Thank you.

[bbrad1775]

I have to agree, I have rebuilt a few petcocks and had difficulty with them. I'd recommend a new after market QUALITY unit. I have bought four of these and used them on GS projects and they were flawless.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/272302454817?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=PE9UD81mRbm&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=Qttj4JcL Tn y&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Don't buy the cheap ones .... They don't fit well.

Good luck with your project, you've come to the right place for advice as there are members here who are very knowledgeable and eager to help.

Why did you choose this one over one from georgefixs.com?

[bbrad1775]

This place sells, from what I understand, very good OEM Quality, year/model specific replacement petcocks. Hard to search by model. I think you just have to go though them. Know you're mounting bolt spacing too. I haven't needed one yet, but when I do I'll get one of these.

https://georgefixs.com/

I think this is the one for your bike, but not sure.

https://www.georgefixs.com/brand-new-suzuki-gs300-gs450-gs550-gs650-gs750-gs850-gs1000-gs1100-petcock/

I found that site as well. Pretty sure that is the one for my bike as well.

[bbrad1775]

Well I picked up the new battery this morning. Need to order a new oil filter and do a quick oil change. Any recommendations on oil filter brands?

[rphillips]

Brand never mattered much to me, Some come with the "O" ring, others don't. Be sure the one you order comes with an "O" ring, if not order one separate. I get a new one every change, after 20 yrs. you can be sure you need a new one. Also be careful with those little bolts on the cover, I've seen several of them twisted off.

[bbrad1775]

What is everyone doing to replace the battery strap? Mine is completely dry rot and falling apart.

[Pewpew82]

1981 Suzuki GS650G Battery | Ron Ayers

Still pretty cheap when they are available.

[salty_monk]

Amazon / Ebay have some generic ones that work for the battery too... You can order by length.

[rphillips]

One of them on Ebay is orig. Suzuki part in Suzuki package for $8.45 and free shipping. just put in Suzuki part #