Best source for parts?

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  • FiremanBob
    • Mar 2026

    #1

    Best source for parts?

    There are a couple of things I want to do right away to my new 1980 GS550 (single front brake):

    1. Replace front brake rotor

    2. Replace clutch disks.

    I've searched the board but couldn't find recommendations for GSers' favorite discount parts supplier, so I hope you don't mind this post.

    The clutch bits are easy to find at around $70 a set, but the only name-brand brake rotor I found was an EBC at Bikebandit for $215. Fleabay has a page of $30 rotors, but I'm reluctant to trust safety to a no-name bit of Chicom junk. Unless someone here who really knows the truth can recommend them.

    Can anyone point me to a good source for that rotor? Thanks.
    Last edited by Guest; 06-21-2011, 06:04 AM.
  • Big T
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    Super Site Supporter
    • Mar 2005
    • 12409
    • West Slope, OR

    #2
    Go back to the other thread you started and read your megawelcome

    It's all in there
    1978 GS 1000 (since new)
    1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
    1978 GS 1000 (parts)
    1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
    1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
    1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
    2007 DRz 400S
    1999 ATK 490ES
    1994 DR 350SES

    Comment

    • mike_of_bbg

      #3
      You might want to do a search on these forums for "twinpot upgrade" to see about improving your brakes a bit.

      Have you measured your clutch discs and know that you need new ones? In many cases if you're experiencing clutch slip, you just need to get some new OEM clutch springs for about a buck each, plus the cost of the gasket. Those springs get tired after a quarter century of constant compression. Also make sure your clutch cable is routed and adjusted properly.

      Originally posted by FiremanBob
      There are a couple of things I want to do right away to my new 1980 GS550 (single front brake):

      1. Replace front brake rotor

      2. Replace clutch disks.

      I've searched the board but couldn't find recommendations for GSers' favorite discount parts supplier, so I hope you don't mind this post.

      The clutch bits are easy to find at around $70 a set, but the only name-brand brake rotor I found was an EBC at Bikebandit for $215. Fleabay has a page of $30 rotors, but I'm reluctant to trust safety to a no-name bit of Chicom junk. Unless someone here who really knows the truth can recommend them.

      Can anyone point me to a good source for that rotor? Thanks.

      Comment

      • FiremanBob

        #4
        Focusing on the Brake Rotor problem

        Thanks so far. I had already shopped all of those sites before putting up my post. I make an effort not to blindly post FAQs in forums I join.

        So it appears that the only name-brand solution for rotors is EBC at over $200.

        I'm doing to try to get a local machine shop to machine the rotor, but if it turns out too thin (6mm minimum) then am I hosed?

        Comment

        • tkent02
          Forum LongTimer
          Past Site Supporter
          • Jan 2006
          • 35571
          • Near South Park

          #5
          I've got a very good used rotor for you, if a very good used one is good enough.
          http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

          Life is too short to ride an L.

          Comment

          • smokydog

            #6
            ebay

            Hi,

            I just checked Ebay also has several rotors cheap for your bike one said it was 7mm thick. As you know make sure to check the feedback of the seller, Jerry

            Comment

            • Guest

              #7
              For OEM stuff, a guy on here put me onto Boulevard Suzuki and I've never looked back, excellent pricing and service (from Aus anyway) has been good so far. Only hiccup was when one order ended up in their spam folder because it contained a part with "nipple" in the name... so now I just use part numbers from the fiche...

              Comment

              • BassCliff

                #8
                Hi,

                Yes, new rotors are not cheap. I've picked up good used wheels with usable rotors pretty cheap on the Ebay. One wheel I bought for $1 (and paid $25 shipping). But it was still a pretty good deal because of the two good rotors.

                I've been lurking a vendor's site at http://www.powersportsuperstore.com that seems to have really good prices on all kinds of stuff. The EBC rotors look like they're a little cheaper there. I've never shopped there, but I may try them in the future. Usually my first call is www.partshark.com or www.z1enterprises.com. If you don't see it on their websites, just give them a call. They're both good to work with.

                Otherwise, the vendor list in your "mega-welcome" contains most of our tried and true favorite vendors. But I'm sure there's a few that are not listed there.


                Thank you for your indulgence,

                BassCliff

                Comment

                • Guest

                  #9
                  Boulevard Suzuki is where I get my OEM stuff. Parts are sold at a discount.

                  http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com

                  Comment

                  • 1948man
                    Forum Sage
                    Past Site Supporter
                    • May 2009
                    • 4660
                    • Florida

                    #10
                    +1 Boulevard Suzuki.
                    Ex-Fireman Jim. (Local 2157 retired)
                    1983 GS 1100 Guided Laser
                    1983 GS 1100 G
                    2000 Suzuki Intruder 1500, "Piggy Sue"
                    2000 GSF 1200 Bandit (totaled in deer strike)
                    1986 Suzuki Cavalcade GV 1400 LX (SOLD)

                    I find working on my motorcycle mildly therapeutic when I'm not cursing.

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