Greetings from Arizona...

[Runeight]

Looking forward to information and a little guidance in the restoration of my newest project. I have been into motorcycles my entire life. I have done several restorations on older Honda motorcycles which have been sold all over the Western States.

I went on a little break doing these things but in time my hands and brain became restless. Just have to be out in the Shop, you know how it is. Getting delivery next week on a 1982 GS 400E. At least the vin says so but looking at the parts diagram it appears to be a 1983. I think the designation is GSX400E. I'll need to clear this up before ordering parts. (Help please)

The GS has 11K on the clock, purchased from original owner with operator manual, original bill of sale and title. The right side of the tank has been smacked so I'll have to deal with that but hey, another project! It's all good.

My current ride for several years is the Ducati S2R800 Monster. Boy, do I still love this bike! Well, a Suzuki will be gracing the Shop soon. Can't wait to get started. Tips and guidance from those who know is always appreciated. Thanks for having me.

r8

 

[Nessism]

Better check the title carefully, that model bike was never sold in the USA. Nice bike regardless. Enjoy!

 

[SVSooke]

That looks like a Canadian model 82 GS400 to me,just like I seen in the showroom new in 82.If the gauges aren't in km's they've been switched out for US 450 ones.

 

[Runeight]

Really guys? Well, he bought it new and has the original sales invoice so we will check that out. I have the vin number and I thought it checked out for the year but defiantly not the style.

Let me upload a large file of the gauges.

r8

 

[Runeight]

Instrument cluster.

Instrument cluster.

Here you go.

Edit: speedo is in km's! Well, there ya go. No wonder the parts Fische states 1983 GSX450E.

well, who looks at a speedo anyway.

r8

 

[Nessism]

Lots of good info on this website, but no manuals for non USA bikes (sorry). http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

As long as you have clear title you should be okay. I'd be wary of purchasing a bike like that with only a bill of sale though.

Oh, and please open a photobucket account or similar so you can link your photos in high resolution. We like photos around here...

 

[Runeight]

Will do! Just a quick reply on the iPad.

I forgot to mention it currently has Nevada plates but a note to the seller to confirm before its brought to me. Never hurts to ask. Told me it was titled. Never buy without one otherwise it's just parts.

r8

 

[Runeight]

OK, titled bike. Now, which model in 82 should I order from? It's a 400 cc motor and I would think not much difference between models as far as mechanical. Don't want to run into part issues.

Thanks for all the replies and the keen eyes. Appreciated.

r8

 

[tkent02]

No, most were two valves per cylinder, yours is four valves per cylinder. Completely different top end. Apparently the 4 valve twins never made it to the American market until later when the 500 arrived.
That's why yours appears to be a Canadian import. Don't know how many parts interchange with the other 8 valve GS engines.

Parts should be available, just some of them may be very hard to find.

 

[SVSooke]

In any other place than Canada all the 4 valve models had the GSX prefix attached.Just to make things more ......interesting some European countries got GS450's while others got GSX400's.Even in Canada past 83 or so we got 450L models.Lots of shared bits between the 400 and 450 but obviously not the top end pieces.The big one being engine to carb boots being NLA.
Please get a Photobucket or other picture sharing account,they'll give you nice big pics like this

 

[Runeight]

Thanks guys. Still learning the model. Honda's no problem, Suzuki still reading. I never gave Suzuki much attention but man, they made a gaggle of different models. Wonderful looking bikes.

I have a PB account, will do in a build thread once the bike arrives. For $550 I can't go wrong and original owner is a plus.

r8

 

[Runeight]

No, most were two valves per cylinder, yours is four valves per cylinder. Completely different top end. Apparently the 4 valve twins never made it to the American market until later when the 500 arrived.
That's why yours appears to be a Canadian import. Don't know how many parts interchange with the other 8 valve GS engines.

Parts should be available, just some of them may be very hard to find.

Carburetor parts are my main concern. Planing on rebuilding them. Any links to kits appreciated.

r8

 

[Charlie G]

There is a fellow member (Robert Barr)of the forum who sells o-ring kits for most GS's carbs. I think his web site is cycleorings.com You can find manuals to download and a years worth of reading here: http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/ Nice bike and Welcome!!!!!

 

[Runeight]

There is a fellow member (Robert Barr)of the forum who sells o-ring kits for most GS's carbs. I think his web site is cycleorings.com You can find manuals to download and a years worth of reading here: http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/ Nice bike and Welcome!!!!!

Thanks CG. I'll wait until the bike is here and get details and/or carburetor numbers.

r8

 

[Datsa Noydb]

Carburetor parts are my main concern. Planing on rebuilding them. Any links to kits appreciated.

As mentioned, the only "kits" you are likely to need would be the o-rings from cycleorings.com. If at all possible, do NOT get any rebuild kits from Keyster, K&L or other similar vendors. They typically contain parts of questionable quality, and in these carbs, the brass pieces seldom wear out. The only real failure points are the o-rings, which dry out and crack.

 

[Runeight]

As mentioned, the only "kits" you are likely to need would be the o-rings from cycleorings.com. If at all possible, do NOT get any rebuild kits from Keyster, K&L or other similar vendors. They typically contain parts of questionable quality, and in these carbs, the brass pieces seldom wear out. The only real failure points are the o-rings, which dry out and crack.

Yes, not a keyster fan myself. Diaphragms also.

Right now I'm getting second thoughts on this bike. I called a few vendors with the VIN and no records are found from Suzuki for this bike. Not good. Thinking maybe the vin is different on the bike than on the title. In all my searching I have yet to find a 400 cc model parts Fische but instead a 450 cc model.

tt

 

[tkent02]

Did you check a Canadian website?

 

[Nessism]

Yes, not a keyster fan myself. Diaphragms also.

Right now I'm getting second thoughts on this bike. I called a few vendors with the VIN and no records are found from Suzuki for this bike. Not good. Thinking maybe the vin is different on the bike than on the title. In all my searching I have yet to find a 400 cc model parts Fische but instead a 450 cc model.

tt

As already mentioned, that model bike was not sold in the US. Try the Canadian fishe, and then try cross referencing the parts you need with those from the US 450 model. Some parts will interchange, but obviously not all.

 

[tkent02]

Engine looks the same from the case down. I bet a 450 engine fits right in, it's a fantastic engine.

 

[Runeight]

As already mentioned, that model bike was not sold in the US. Try the Canadian fishe, and then try cross referencing the parts you need with those from the US 450 model. Some parts will interchange, but obviously not all.

Been searching Canadian sites but they are the same diagrams as the US models. Would'nt you think the VIN would show for all models whether US or otherwise?

With all the shady deals going on one gets wormie. I can back out of this deal but prefer the bike. Want to make sure the vin on the frame is the same as title. If so, no worries. I can figure out the parts like you suggested.

Thank you for the reply.

r8