Questions on GS425L

[ReedZ]

Hi there,
I'm relatively new to the site and am very new to motorcycles. I got my first bike 1979 GS425L and i have some questions.
-I don't really like the handle bars that are currently on it. Are there alternative options for bars. I don't really want a straight bar, but I would like something that doesn't have as much lift and backward style that is currently on the bike. Has anyone else with the L model changed their bars?
-Do I need to use the air box on the bike. I've seen several pics where people just seem to have the cone style air filters attached directly to the carbs.
-Is there a way of changing the rear drum brakes to disc, and is there a way of going dual disc up front?

Is there anything that I should watch out for maintenance wise on this bike?

I'm going to do a ton of reading on this site, as it appears to have a lot of good information.
I'm really excited about getting to work on this bike and make it look nice.

Thanks in advance guys

[Steve]

-I don't really like the handle bars that are currently on it. Are there alternative options for bars. I don't really want a straight bar, but I would like something that doesn't have as much lift and backward style that is currently on the bike. Has anyone else with the L model changed their bars?
Changing bars is no problem. Just be careful of hose and cable length. With straighter, less-pulled-back bars, you will likely have extra length cables and hoses, just watch that they don't bind when you turn the bar.

-Do I need to use the air box on the bike. I've seen several pics where people just seem to have the cone style air filters attached directly to the carbs.
I would recommend keeping the stock airbox, unless you are going to be racing or are trying to achieve a particular "look". By changing to individual pods, you will have to start playing with carburetor jetting, which can get to be a royal pain.

-Is there a way of changing the rear drum brakes to disc, and is there a way of going dual disc up front?
Yes there is. Is it practical? Probably not. It would involve a new rear wheel, new mounts for the caliper, and probably a bunch of fabricating in the process. A well-adjusted drum brake will stop a 425 quite nicely.

Is there anything that I should watch out for maintenance wise on this bike?
Just the normal fluid changes, and the infamous Suzuki charging problems. Lots of help on this site if you need it.

[Nessism]

Changing the handlebars is easy enough with one exception: the stockers have holes where the controls clamp on. You need to drill holes in aftermarket bars or remove the small tabs in the controls.

http://store.azmusa.com/knclubhanbla.html

Keep the stock airbox unless you want to spend $100 on a jet kit or spend a TON of time sorting out the jetting.

Changing to a rear disk is not feasable on a 400/425/450 since none of these bikes came stock with one - you are going to have to adapt something else which like jetting, is a pain.

For maintenance, make sure you check the valves. A special tool is necessary to change shims thus many owners neglect this critical maintenance.

[ReedZ]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the replies.
I think i'm going to follow your advice and not do anything with the brakes and the air box, but i think i'm going to have to get new handle bars, as i discovered yesterday when i went to work on the bike at my in-laws that the handle bars are bent pretty bad.
Does anyone know if the gs400 or gs450 have the same handle bars at the 425L?

Thanks
G

[boris]

i would say the handle bars should be the same aslong as its a L model of the other cc`s