My first real project: 1980 GS450E

[Vortexjunkie]

What's up guys! Been a while since I posted so I wanted to catch up and show you guys what I have been up to.


So like I posted in my other thread I bought a second GS450E. The po stated the bike had lost some power and that he just parked it after that. I picked it up for 150.00 so I wasn't really CO corned with the condition of the motor. I was thinking that it may have just jumped timing.


The day I picked it up.

So after I got it home I started checking things out. I did a compression test and both cylinders were very low. 90psi a side. I put new plugs in it and checked the oil and dropped a new battery in it. Primed it and it started right up. There was some slight tapping from the bottom end but it cleared up after a second. I had the bike running for 5-10 mins and then boom. The engine came to an abrupt stop. No dice. Tried to crank it and that bad boy was locked up tight..


So I got started tearing it apart.

Oh boy.. glitter fest in the oil filter.

Pulled the oil pan and found this....

Needless to say the motor is a total loss.


Time to start the search for the new motor...


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[Vortexjunkie]

After a few months of searching I finally found a motor on eBay. This was a little frightening as the as stated 798 original miles. I requested additional info and the seller was more than happy to answer all my questions. I decided to pull the trigger and pick it up since it was offered with a warranty.

I made an appointment with a local shop to me called Spears Racing. If you guys don't know who they are check them out. They are in Manteca Ca. They specialize in race bikes but since I have known Greg for a little time he offered to give the motor a once over and leakdown test the motor and reseal everything and do a valve adjustment. I had less tha 5% leak down per cylinder and the valves were all within spec. The motor looks SOOO clean inside I actually believe the miles are accurate!

Side note: He also had this in the shop. Drool

I just brought the motor home so now the real work begins! Stay tuned!!!!


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[Vortexjunkie]

Some progress today. I got the old motor all the way out.

This is my genius way of being able get it out of the frame by myself.

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[Vortexjunkie]

Motor in!!!!

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[steve murdoch]

Nice work on the motor lift, Macgyver!
It is so rare these days to have a "trusted" shop nearby that will work on old bikes.
Looking forward to the next installment.

 

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[Vortexjunkie]

OK I ran into an issue tonight while working on getting things hooked up. I see that the plug on the pulse generator is different. So I though I'll just switch the plate that has the wires attached to it. Well... I got in there and the units look totally different.


Original motor

New motor

The wires seem to be the same colors and configuration but the plug is different and the unit looks different.

Can I just swap the plug and soder the old plug in or can I swap the units? Is there anything I risk messing up if this not installed right? Is there any type of timing adjustments? Please lend your knowledge!


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[Vortexjunkie]

Did a little reading in my manual last night and was able to get this figured out. I swapped the entire unit and pulse generator post over to the new unit. Resealed the case and we are back on track.


Next up will be getting the carbs all setup and good to go after hooking up all of the harnesses.


I am waiting on my new chain and sprockets from SprocketCenter.com. they didn't have a kit just listed so they made one for me. I jumped up a tooth on the front to help with the top end of the bike and bring the rpm down a bit. I went with a newer O ring style chain as I figured it would last a bit longer than most.


I am also waiting on my dealership to get my cam chain tensioner gaskets in that I ordered today.


This is really turning into a fun project.

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[Vortexjunkie]

Alright. A little update. I have been on hold while finding tires for the bike but at last I made a choice and pulled the trigger. I went with a set of Avon Roadriders. Love how they look and I can't wait to get on the road with them.


With the rear off and the old tire on the frot.

New Tires and cleaned wheels.

Along with this I went with a new set of sprockets and a new chain. I was looking for a bit more top end out of the bike so I jumped to a 17 tooth front sprocket and a standard 45 rear. I opted for a nice solid o-ring chain. I installed all of this last night and will be working on the wiring tonight.


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[Vortexjunkie]

Update on where I'm at. I have most of the wiring gone through and some issues repaired. I have been thinking about what do do about the carbs. In my manual I found this page:

I saw it said for a factory upgrade on cv carbs to slide carbs to contact Suzuki City. I hoped on the net and located a dealer in the south that followed the name scheme. When I called and explained to the parts guy that I found a listing in a 30 year old book he said, That's good because we are a 30 year old dealer..lol.


Sad thing when he told me he didn't carry them anymore but directed me to sudco.com. I hoped in the horn and called them and they knew exactly what I was talking about. Second awesome part... they are in CA. I got my order placed and tomorrow my brand new slide carbs, pod filters cable kit and install guide shows up! I will post a picture when they get here. Carbs are coming prejet for filters and aftermarket exhaust but will require a small about of fine tuning.


I am still unsure what I would like to do with the exhaust. I'm very open to suggestions!





Instagram: @Vortexjunkie

 

[Vortexjunkie]

Alright- Another Update. After spending the money on the updated carbs I received them and the Throttle Cable and Filters. They look so NICE!

I decided to do a Test Fit on the Bike to see how everything would look and all I can say is WOW.

This is how this bike should have come from the factory!

 

[jibledso]

Looks great! I didn't know K&N made such long pods for twins

 

[steve murdoch]

A late Christmas present.
Very nice.

 

[Vortexjunkie]

Looks great! I didn't know K&N made such long pods for twins

Yes they fit really well with the side covers on and you can still see them.

 

[Vortexjunkie]

On a side note! I started assembling the custom made C&C triple tree top plate that i have manufactured with the gear selector indicator lights impregnated in the metal. This thing is pretty trick! It should clean up the front of the bike a lot and give a more modern look!