Just crazy enough to work: retrofitting a kickstart to a 650?

[JimWilling]

In the spirit of the young and idle, my question to the seasoned, mechanically familiar members of this forum is this: can one adapt a kickstarter to a GS650? Specifically, an '81.

From what I've found, the pre-1980 550s came with kickstarters, and to add them to post-1980 bikes, it only requires a clutch cover with the appropriate hole, and the kickstarter assembly, because the necessary mounts on the castings remained after Suzuki stopped offering the kickstarter option.

For those familiar with the drivetrains, is the transmission and castings and whatnot the same between the 650s and 550s? Was it a different mold altogether? Would a case and kickstart bolt up to a 650? Or is this obviously a pipe dream? I appreciate the help and insight.

[tkent02]

Reload that pipe.

[JimWilling]

Just packed another bowl. Can I run pods without rejetting too?

[tkent02]

Sure as long as your tires are old and cracked and you use motorcycle oil.

[Big Rich]

I had read about this somewhere else (the kicker, not the pipe). Can't remember what the outcome was though.

I'm completely ignorant about the 4's, but wouldn't it be easier to swap in a motor that has a kickstart?

[SqDancerLynn1]

Not possible

[tkent02]

650G never came with a kick starter, and won't fit the bigger 850 engine, won't fit any chain drive engines. You are kind of stuck with the engine that's in it and it's dreaded electric starter.