82 GS650GL - only one brake on the front

[exzachtly1]

Hey all,
Just bought the bike mentioned in the title and in my sig below. Looks like I found something potentially very bad - it appears that the front wheel is supposed to have 2 disc brakes on it. My bike only has 1. I did not know this when I purchased the bike, and it has me pretty concerned. Is this going to be a safety issue? If I have to put a new rotor + caliper on the front, is that something I will even be able to find all the parts for?

I'm pretty upset about this because it seems the bike may be unfit to ride now until I do this potentially costly repair

Thoughts? It seemed to be stopping fine for my friend who test rode it.

[Guest]

That model only came with front single-disc, from the factory, 81-83.

[exzachtly1]

Oh really??? Phew, maybe I'm looking at the wrong manual... or I need educated on model numbers here.

So I have a GS650GL, but the manual I have been looking over is for a GS650G. I guess that's totally wrong. So if I have this right, the "G" is the standard model, while the "L" or "GL" is the cruiser model. Correct? So clearly there are differences in the brake configuration on these two machines. How much is actually the same about the G vs. the GL?

Unfortunately BikeCliff's website (http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/) does not seem to have the manuals for the GL. do you know where I can get those?

Thanks, and sorry for being a total newb.

[Nessism]

The manual is common. Check it out.

[exzachtly1]

This also threw me off:

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gs650gl%2081.htm

The spec says 2 disc brakes. But I see in the picture it only has one.

[Nessism]

This also threw me off:

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gs650gl%2081.htm

The spec says 2 disc brakes. But I see in the picture it only has one.

This is a better source of information...http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

[exzachtly1]

The manual is common. Check it out.

Ed - do you mean it is available somewhere as a PDF? Or are you talking about getting one on ebay or something? Could you point me to a download if you know where it is?

[Nessism]

Ed - do you mean it is available somewhere as a PDF? Or are you talking about getting one on ebay or something? Could you point me to a download if you know where it is?

From Cliff's site...http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/gs/GS650GManual.pdf

[Guest]

Factory manual

If you want to afford it, the original Suzuki manual has a comprehensive appendix that covers all the 'L' specs and differences, which in substance,
aren't much, but sometimes reassuring to have as a reference. There's one here, and hopefully it is intact-ask the seller:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-Suzuki-GS650-G-Factory-Service-Manual-/200592717942?hash=item2eb441f876&item=200592717942&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

[exzachtly1]

From Cliff's site...http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/gs/GS650GManual.pdf

Yeah - that's the one I've been looking at, but it's for the GS650G, not the GL. It definitely shows 2 calipers for that model which is what set me off in the first place

I have yet to find a "GL" manual that is not way overpriced unfortunately.

[exzachtly1]

Ah - so this manual was used for all models since most of the components are the same? Just mostly style differences, correct?

[Nessism]

Ah - so this manual was used for all models since most of the components are the same? Just mostly style differences, correct?

As already stated, the manual is common. There is NO GL manual. The link as presented has all the info you need.

[Guest]

Yeah - that's the one I've been looking at, but it's for the GS650G, not the GL. It definitely shows 2 calipers for that model which is what set me off in the first place

I have yet to find a "GL" manual that is not way overpriced unfortunately.

Section 10 of the OEM manual addresses the GL model... Typically those sections address any "differences" between the standard model and the "L" model, such as the different front fork, smaller rear wheel, stepped seat, buckhorn bars, chrome front fender, carb specs, wiring diagram & cable routing to name a few...

Enjoy the bike, I had one & really liked it. Fairly peppy & light, easy to handle.

[exzachtly1]

Great! All clear now, thanks guys. The more I learn the more excited I get to dig into this thing.

[Steve]

Yep, just one brake on the L.

Click on the link in my sig to see my son's 650L.

Not quite stock, but still just a single disk.

.