GS450 Engine model Identification

[Blacky]

Hey Mekanix,

Again thanks for the guidance, its really appreciated!

I'll check the jetting on the carbs as soon as i tackle the motor, i first want to get the frame sorted, i got the last two engine mounts in position last night so now i can get all the adjusted mounts welded in place!

What pod filters you suggest, i was thinking K&N maybe?

I was thinking of going for stainless tubes and a set of British styled dual trumpet exuast pipes i.e. Truimph Thruxton.

I'll check on the removal of the valve cover... that never crossed my mind...

Have you done any welding on a bike frame, if so what method or type do you suggest, i wanted to try-out Oxy-acetalene for the mounts and other additional brackets but most people i have spoken to recon MIG is the way to go...?

 

[Guest]

Mig. Is much easyer and quicker i find.
K&N RC1822 oval style filters. (Google them)

K&N

 

[Guest]

Just to add to what Mekanix said... sometime between the 81 and 82 model years they went from 12 bolts on the valve cover to 15 bolts. If you have a 15 bolt valve cover, good chance it's an '82 model.

They also changed the clutch pushrod seal and seal retainer somewhere around that time as well. Earlier ones have a seal with a flange and the retainer doesn't cover the whole seal. The later ones have a non-flange seal and the retainer covers the seal completely.

They also changed from a one piece clutch pushrod to a two piece pushrod, so again if you can slide the clutch pushrod out from the left and it's only short, you have the later two piece version, also indicating it's most likely a late '81 or '82 model.

What's the engine number? Mine's an '82 so if yours is higher or lower it may give some sort of indication for a guesstimate...

If you look on the parts fiche at www.alphasports.com at the valve cover section, you will see the engine number at which they changed from the 12 bolt to 15 bolt pattern, so this will help you identify it also.

Aside from those minor details, everything from 80 - 82 is pretty much identical.

One thing's for sure if the cc's listed on the head are "448" then it will be no earlier than '80

Edit: seems I only read the first page when replying... I missed everything else so apologies for the duplicate info...

 

[Guest]

Nope, all new and valid info Pete.

 

[Guest]

Glad to hear it

It's amazing how much you miss when you haven't been on in a while...