450 engine model identification

[wally]

I need some help please!

As I mentioned in one of my other posts, I realised my bike was missing an igniter box. I have tracked down a really good second hand one.

But now I want to double check the year model of my motor to confirm that I need and igniter box and not a cdi box.

To make it more complex, I don't have the reg papers of the bike to check.
What is the easiest and best way to confirm whether or not it is an 80-82 model and not a later one?

The part nr matches up correctly for the 80-82 year model: part nr: 32900-47020
According to the seller it has "1x6 pin plug and 1x earth wire".

I just need to be sure I am getting the correct part for the correct year model.

Thanx!

 

[Guest]

Easiest way will be the engine number Wally, should be stamped on the right side near the dipstick.

The reason for this is that in the parts fiches, they display a series of engine numbers where there is a different valve cover gasket in use. If it's 162953 or higher, it'll be an '82 model or later. If it's 162952 or earlier, it'll be an '80 or '81 I'm pretty sure.

The other things to look at and check is to count the number of bolts on the valve cover. 12 is in the earlier engine number range above and definitely pre-82. 15 means 82 or later most likely.

Have a look under the timing cover on the right of the engine. If it has a mechanical advance setup (a couple of magnets with springs) then it is definitely an '82 at the latest as '83 and onwards introduced electronic advance.

Unless of course someone has put the wrong ignition in there, in which case the ignitor will still work as that's what it's designed to work with.

I'm not seeing any other real major differences to give it away any more than this at the moment... essentially they're still the same motor with the big changes being different carbs and electronic advance.

 

[wally]

Thanx Pete, it's just that the igniter is pretty expensive and want to be dead sure it is an 80-82 model and not a later that requires a cdi unit.

Looking at your description it must be an 80-82 range as I replaced the cam gasket when checking the valves - the one I ordered was for the 80-82 models.

Plus, I came across a guy selling a complete 1981 450 with papers, excluding front shocks and wheels for less than the advertised igniter is going for.

Going to have a look at it this afternoon.

Thanx again, as always, for your help!

 

[wally]

So I bought another GS...went to look at the advertised bike.

It is all there, except front forks and wheels.
The engine had a small bit of bearing knock and has been taken apart, but all there.
Cylinders look great, as do pistons, clutch is virtually brand new, etc.
Plus, it was a 1/3 cheaper than the advertised igniter.

And the most important part: the igniter box is in tact!

Picking it up tomorrow.

 

[Guest]

Excellent stuff Wally! And no dramas on the help, happy to do so

 

[wally]

Tadaa! Bike in parts!

All the crucial bits are there, block, cylinders, valve cover, engine covers, pistons and this:

I'll unpack everything tomorrow and catalogue it.

I am getting a set of wires wheels and some more parts from him next week.

Just gonna stack it all away as a potential bike project for next year (after my fridges are restored...).

It has 1 damaged crank bearing (why they stripped it), so maybe the engine won't be too expensive to fix and get running again...

 

[Guest]

Excellent stuff Wally!