Gs400 Intake boot->Where to buy one?

[scottmc]

So...it seems I may have to replace both of my Intake boots, the only problem is I can only find two websites that carry them, and I am not overly confident in their legitimacy.

One is CMSNL, which list them here
http://www.cmsnl.com/products/pipeintake-lh_1312044200/
http://www.cmsnl.com/products/pipeintake-rh_1311044200/

The other is Team Suzuki which is very expensive and hard to order from
here: http://www.bike-parts-suz.com/suzuki-recherche-bike-pieces_nn.php?compteur=1366&PartsListID=2457193

What should I do? Does anyone know another source for these parts?

I am at a loss, so many problems with my first bike.

 

[Englishman]

Try here

http://www.suzukipartshouse.com/suz...GS400X_(1978)/AIR_CLEANER/02490001/5602490013

Mark

 

[scottmc]

Try here

http://www.suzukipartshouse.com/suz...GS400X_(1978)/AIR_CLEANER/02490001/5602490013

Mark

Unfortunately those boots are quite different. The 84' has a separate right and left carb boot, the 78, has only one universal type.

Thanks though!

 

[hampshirehog]

cmsnl is a legit parts source. Postage is a liitle pricey and they ain't the quickest but apart from that they're ok.

 

[scottmc]

Apparently these parts are massively back ordered.

It will take more than a month to arrive, and will cost 100+. I will try a rebuild with just the o-rings first.

 

[charbot]

I was checking out this:http://www.bikebandit.com/biker-s-choice-2-bolt-manifold-adapter?mg=3592&t=1
Cheap enough. built in orings.
Seems to have the same measurements as my '77 Gs400. It doesnt list how deep they are tho'. Measure your bolt spacing and carb diameter to be sure. let me know how they work if you try em.

 

[Guest]

The alternative is talk to Sudco, they have some generic type boots in their PDF parts list, so it's possible one of those will work as a replacement.

 

[charbot]

Well, I ordered a pair of the "biker's choice" from BB. Another part had to be back-ordered so they may not get here till next week. Ill let you all know how they work. Does one usually need to replace the carb manifold gaskets when changing the boots?

 

[Guest]

If you mean the O rings that sit under the intake boots, then I would say yes...

 

[charbot]

not o-rings- this is a gasket that goes between the boot and engine. ( behind the spacer, I think.
i dunno...It was on the parts fiche. i ordered them anyway- just wondering
Havnt heard much talk about them in the boots/n oring discussions.

 

[Guest]

Interesting, definitely show us what they look like when you get them.

Typically there are O rings that sit in a groove on the back of the boot.

 

[charbot]

This is what Ive been goin' by. (this diagram isnt in my clymer manual, only found it on the OEM fiches)

http://www.bikebandit.com/1977-suzuki-gs400xb/o/m6023#sch257934

Doesnt have orings in the diagram or parts list, but of course that doesnt mean anything. I havent taken them off yet so Im not sure what Im dealing with.

The gaskets i asked about ( and whats still holding up my order!) are part #20.

 

[Guest]

Oh wow ok, that's completely different! Nothing like the 450's at all...

 

[charbot]

Hey Guys,

I just got my order from bike bandit yesterday- the "biker's choise" boot seems to fit the carb perfectly. I didnt get the them on the bike yet. Ive took off the carbs to change some orings, and jut did a bench fitting.
It doesnt say this on the site's product page, but the packaging for the boots describes them as "2-bolt manifold adaptor- 38mm mikuni carbs"

Dimensionally, from the base of the flange to the top (opening) its about 1/8-1/16" shorter than the stock part- but otherwise Id say its pretty dead on. The walls seem a tad thinner too,-dont think that the original OEM clamps will tighten up enough- but the "clamping groove" is wider to accommodate a plain-old hose clamp.


Ill post an update after I have em fully installed, but so far id give them a thumbs up for my '77 Gs400 w/ BS34's

 

[Guest]

Glad to hear you're having some success!

 

[charbot]

Unfortunately, "Biker's choise" are close, but -no cigar

All the hole line up and it fits the carb perfectly but the shape of the base is a bit longer than the oem boot. At first I didnt think it would be a problem, but as I bolted them in place, the metal base started to bend. Bowing down at the ends and arching up in the center. Not good.
Will be looking for a real oem set.

Good news is that after taking off the old boots and inspecting them- they actually seem good- no cracks, still flexible but the orings looked a little worn. ( I think that it was leaking at the base.)
On any other GS's you'd just change the orings, but the "oring" on this bike, or boot at least, is a built-in lip on the manifold boot. I think that this is a "pre-78" thing. The fiche for '77 gs400x (what I got) has no o-ring, while the fiche for the 78 gs400x has boots and rings. Im gonna order from the 78 list.

When I reinstalled them, I added one of the "carb gaskets"- pink rubbery paper material, looks like baseball card gum- in between the boot and the spacer block. So far so good. No leaks. The gaskets are like $3 each, so if anyone else has these wierdo boots - this may be the cheap and easy way to get a little more life outta them.

 

[Guest]

Bummer on the alternatives, but hopefully those gaskets will sort it for you.

The main problem with mine was the rubber had shrunk, so the internal diameter where the carbs go was too big to seal properly and the outside diameter was too small to clamp properly.

Hopefully you won't have that issue...

 

[apopleptic]

FYI here is the parts list for the 77 400 from GSSuzuki. those gaskets (#20) are $1.73 each.
http://www.gssuzuki.com/fiche_secti...y=Motorcycles&make=SUZUKI&year=1977&fveh=2088

 

[charbot]

Like their prices...Hows shipping?

 

[cowboyup3371]

Shipping time was a bit slower than others but not bad. I ordered my 550 boots from them on the 16th and received them this past Monday (26 Sep). Course Z1's stuff arrived before theirs (22 Sep) and so did my carbtune from England (24 Sep)