The journey of GS550C

[hakim5857]

Ok, i already opened up my engine and my piston still standard size so now have to purchase new piston & piston ring 0.5 here some picture;

lots of carbon... :-s so taking this advantage engine open up by cleaning the top cylinder and replace valve oil seal.

Ah Guan & my friend helping me out to installed new valve oil seal as i already tired, back pain & pain all over my body.., now i know how hard is to become a mechanic. Ah Guan had open up the workshop for 30 years already and open up his business from 12noon till 2am-3am. Those of the day before he doing this business he was a superbike rider.

Everything i do it myself with Ah Guan guidance. Start open up the engine from 1pm and finish put back everything at 11pm. Final check everything look good so i went back home but story never ended for me. 5km to reach my destination, suddently my bike seem to loss of power at the highway. Pull up the throttle, power loss and speed slowing down. Drop to 5th gear and pull more throttle more power loss.. WTF... and suddenly engine stop lucky i immediately pull the clutch as i was at 70kmh... This already 3rd time and it already 12.30am. Fuel check-ok, vacuum & fuel hose check-ok, push the start button cannot start until my battery dry out of power. Kick start and pull the chock until my leg cramp still cannot start. Sing the micheal buble song "I wanna go home" also still cannot start .
Ok. i have no choice but to push my GS and came one good samaritan stop by and offer help to push my GS to near petrol station with his motorcycle. I feel a bit shame as 100cc motorcycle pushing up 550cc . So i reach at petrol station and as the good samaritan wanted to leaved i called him back and give him some tips. I call my wife to fetch me up and know what... as my wife arrived i gave one last try to start the engine. 5 kick start and suddently the engine alive... aaaarrrrhhhhh.... . I said to my wife "maybe this GS scare out of you as i already spent lots of $$$ on it and dont want me/GS to get scolded." This morning i check again, my GS start with no problem. I off the engine and start it again cannot start. I check the battery it is at 9v, i took out the battery and charge it put it back the engine can start. Check the charging voltage it is at 12.4v - 12.8v flactuate and i think the R/R got problem. Anyway tomorrow will go to meet Ah Guan... AGAIN. Hope that he's not feel boring to see my face... AGAIN...

 

[old_skool]

The stator needs checked, and the RR needs re-wired and probably replaced, wire the RR directly to the stator, and pos to a new good ignition pos and ground directly to the battery. Your charging system isn't doing it's job with those readings, but use the info in Basscliffs website link to test your stator.
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

 

[DanTheMan]

Good morning Hakim (it's morning here in the US),
Welcome to the wonderful world of GS motorcycles and our realltygreat forum! I've been in your city once, back in 1983, I was on a US Navy ship moored at your Navy base for a few days. We weren't allowed to visit Kuala Lumpur though, the Captain was afraid some of our crew would get in trouble with gambling there. Your country is beautiful. Some Mayasian sailors took me in their car all over, almost to the Thai border. They wanted to take me into Thailand but I didn't have a passport (not needed for the country being visited while there on a US Navy ship). So we didn't go, but I did get to visit the mountains and hills and all the sailor's relatives.
Your bike is looking good, and your mechanic really has too much work, so that must mean he's a good mechanic.

 

[hakim5857]

The stator needs checked, and the RR needs re-wired and probably replaced, wire the RR directly to the stator, and pos to a new good ignition pos and ground directly to the battery. Your charging system isn't doing it's job with those readings, but use the info in Basscliffs website link to test your stator.
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Yes old_skool, you are right even my mechanic got a headache when he see the wiring. Need to change the RR and do the wiring work...

 

[hakim5857]

Good morning Hakim (it's morning here in the US),
Welcome to the wonderful world of GS motorcycles and our realltygreat forum! I've been in your city once, back in 1983, I was on a US Navy ship moored at your Navy base for a few days. We weren't allowed to visit Kuala Lumpur though, the Captain was afraid some of our crew would get in trouble with gambling there. Your country is beautiful. Some Mayasian sailors took me in their car all over, almost to the Thai border. They wanted to take me into Thailand but I didn't have a passport (not needed for the country being visited while there on a US Navy ship). So we didn't go, but I did get to visit the mountains and hills and all the sailor's relatives.
Your bike is looking good, and your mechanic really has too much work, so that must mean he's a good mechanic.

Thanks DanTheMan, nice to meet you . Yes he is a god mechanic and always giving me advised and teach me what to do. Anyway, if you have time... please come and visit Malaysia again.

 

[ptexotik]

Great thread! Subscribed. Great looking bike.
Keep us updated with progress ... and thanx for the insight of GS life Malaaysia.
(I f'n want one of these 550's!)

 

[hakim5857]

Great thread! Subscribed. Great looking bike.
Keep us updated with progress ... and thanx for the insight of GS life Malaaysia.
(I f'n want one of these 550's!)

Thank for the support ptexotik will continue update...

 

[hakim5857]

update repair on my GS, check on the RR and confirm its faulty...

Dont know how on the earth water inside the RR. Hhmmm.. maybe because i sing Micheal Buble song make it cry...

New RR from Modenas~Jaguh 175cc 4 point wire and now healty charging my GS 13.4v - 14.2v @ 4000rpm & above . Ground wire connected directly to negetive battery. Thanks for the advise my GS bro...

 

[hakim5857]

Ok... today update servicing my clutch, oil pan and welding chasis. Here some picture...

Its me... opened up the oil pan..,

My GS 34 years treasure... hmmm yummy...

Oil window covered with 34 years oil sludge...

Ah Guan son ~ Murphy helping to clean up the clutch... still in good condition but will standby new set just in case..,

To my shock, this what i had found out under the engine..,

welding the rust part and reinforce the chasis, this only temporary measure as later on when i get my new piston, i will strip naked my GS. Thanks to Ah Guan for letting me use his place and tool and advised me what to do... he even scolded me when i do some stupid mistake... my bad... hehehehe...

 

[old_skool]

Your doing a lot at quite a fast pace actually, you'll have a new bike before you know it, and a very understanding wifey!! Your going to owe her

 

[hakim5857]

Your doing a lot at quite a fast pace actually, you'll have a new bike before you know it, and a very understanding wifey!! Your going to owe her

hehehe... i owe her alot old_skool, this is the beginning journey of my GS. Now waiting for 0.5 piston & ring to arrive. When everything repair.., my GS will start her journey latest by June to attend my friend wedding at Terengganu. Stay tune...

 

[hakim5857]

Yesterday after work i test drive my GS, rev it all out but seem like when it reach 8k rpm i lost the speed momentum and when i change the gear then i gain speed. This morning i tried again as im going to work the same thing happen. Max speed unknown as the speedometer flactuate 120kmh - 130kmh @ 7k rpm. I tried to pull some more but scared s**t out of me as my GS wobbly plus cant stand the wind force (Need to put windshield ) Check engine oil - quarter to L and need to top up

 

[old_skool]

Hey buddy, what's the latest update?? Hows things going for you and the bike?!

 

[hakim5857]

Hi all, sorry not keeping you'll update as im busy with work & at the same time gathering item to rebuild the engine.., I took 3 days leave from 4/17/12 til 4/19/12 to rebuild my engine. Here some picture...,

Carb rebuild kit, piston ring 050 & allen stainless steel for crankcase cover..,

new piston 050..,

Hey... where's my front forks... hehehehe... i already found replacement for my pitted forks although it second hand but it still useable..,

second hand forks...

Install of new piston & ring has begun, engine disassembly and assembly i done by myself with the guidence of Ah Guan accept bore the cylinder had to sent it out to the specialist. Im taking this advantage to clean up the air box plus spray paint the filter box & battery holder badly rusted. I open up the carb & replace all new jet (whatever jet it is) inside the carb and do the valve adjustment.
In the process of assembly camshaft, the camshaft cap bold loose... about 4 bolt loose. So had to retread & install bigger bolt. The whole process took me about 3 days & yesterday is the D-day for my GS.
After assembly everything, check, double check & check-check again... put the battery, connect the wire. Before start the bike, i seek permission from my Sifu-Ah Guan..., he said "NO.., Let me start it" "Ok Boss". He crank it first 3X then he start the bike..., eeee...eee..eeee..eeee.., until the forth time the bike still cannot start..., then Ah Guan said to me "Now you try to start it as this your bike & maybe you have luck". So i try to start it until the fifth time it still cannot start. The six time... i push the start button, pull the choke ... Eeee...eeee..eeeeeeeeeee...bruppp..eeeee ...ok... it coming...!!! i shake the bike... & suddently it roarrr...... YESSSs..!!! but within 10 second it die off... WTF... Ah Guan & my friend laugh at me as the bike start when I shaking my GS... they said "You have skill to start your GS Hakim by shaking it and suddently it can start" so i said "Actually my bike been sleeping at Ah Guan shop for 3 days already, thats why i had to shake to wake my GS up" hahahhahaha....
I adjust iddle timing and start it again - its alive.... with smooth engine sound... i dont know how to described my feeling at that time.... all the hard work plus all the money spent...
I let it warm up first, rev it up... soooo. smooth.... Ah Guan said to me that i need to get it easy in the break in process.., i said ok but in my heart "NO WAY..!!!" Leaving Ah Guan shop i rode it gently & slowly... after that about 100m away it rev it & speed it up like no body business :twistedevil:. I read already about the "Break In procedure - Break it hard" I ride the bike like i stole it until.... my rpm meter faulty signal light not blinking & neutral light was on all the time...

Today will drop by @ Ah Guan shop to change new engine oil & oil filter. Next project will be rear suspension & painting job... oh.. not to forget my RPM & speedo meter too...

 

[Guest]

Hi Hakim,

Your tale is one of determination and postiveness, ponctuated with the right picture. Your humor cracks me up, making me want to read more.
You made a lot of friends here.

Many thanks,

 

[hakim5857]

Hi Hakim,

Your tale is one of determination and postiveness, ponctuated with the right picture. Your humor cracks me up, making me want to read more.
You made a lot of friends here.

Many thanks,

Thanks mcloud, sincerely appreciate your comments. Every journey must take the first step & when we move forward.., dont turning back but you can still look back from your left/right side mirror .

Now im slowing down a bit after being advised from my Financial Controller (my wife of course) buying part and repairing my GS. She jelous already as i spent most of the time with my GS . Anyway i told her that i need 1 more part which is Dyna ignition green coil hehehehe... can wait to feel the dyna ignition coil.

 

[hakim5857]

Charity Ride to orphan home @ Ipoh, Perak

Charity Ride to orphan home @ Ipoh, Perak

Hi all, my GS begin her journey to Ipoh, Perak (150 km) for charity ride to orphanage home~Nur Iman on 5/1/12. All bikers will gathered at RK-M Factory (Sprocket factory) at Perai, Penang for short briefing, group foto and to received some goodies from sponcer for the charity ride. Im so excited as this the is the first journey/convoy with my GS. Day before i check everything to ensure my GS in good order for the event. At nite, i pack up everything - some tools even spare 1liter engine oil just incase because i will ride my GS hard. I made an appointment with my friend (he ride Hyosung 650) & we will meet up at the restaurant 7.30am before we together went to the assemble point. Its my habit to be early 10mins before the appointment, so i waited there and had my breakfast first. At 7.30am he still haven't arrived yet, no point if i called as he will be riding his bike. Ok, be patient... at 7.40am my friend called me and informed that he's on the way with his friend riding Vulcan 800. OMG...!!! this mean that i had to wait another 30mins @#@$@#@*^$%$. After both my friend arrive, let both of them had a quick breakfast & we straight went to the assembly point. here some picture;

When we arrived there, we still have to wait as some bikers haven't arrived yet. Participant about 200 bikers from 100cc to 1000cc bikes and all latest bikes. I feel like "Torn among the roses" hehehe... they all ride mostly Yamaha & Kawasaki but i the only suzuki, GS & the oldest bike among all... Toinggg..,!!! in my heart im praying hard for my GS to not letting me down. The convoy should begin at 9.30am but due to some of them a bit late, group foto & short speech the convoy start taking off at 10.30am. All went well but the 100cc groups ride at 100kmh speed and they had to made 4 stop point before reached the destination. At the 3rd point, the superbike group (including me) cannot take it as we feel sleepy at that speed so we seek permission from the organizer to go first. Permission was granted and we go first leaving the 100cc group behind but we will wait for them at the 4th point. At first we in the group of convoy, within 10km the others superbike ride their bike like no body business. I try to catch up with them and speed at 160kmh but still cannot see their bike ass... WTF...!!! I look from my side mirrow i see 2 of my friend (Hyosung650 & vulcan800) at far behind so had to slow down as we were together earlier. When we reach at the highway toll, they waited for us sitting & smoking ~ S#*t. Together we went to the last stop point waited for 100cc groups to arrived. We will combine with another group from Perak state and together will go to the orphan home.

Its me... the superbike group waited for the 100cc group @ petrol station.

This what happen when the 100cc group arrived at the petrol station, so the organizer divert us to another stop point as we don't want to disturb the petrol station business. hehehehe...

We been divert to recreation park, it 12.30pm & it is HOT.... i with my friends taking cover under the tree but other... Waited there for about 45mins because of the backup 4WD pickup and small truck miss the junction. @$%@E. At about 1.30pm the convoy headed to ophan home with police escort.

After having a quick lunch with the kids and have a little chat with them plus giving personal donation. I with two of my friend have to make a move as its already 3.30pm even thou the organizer had another program as they wanted to go to waterfall recreation park near by (not the earlier recreation park). So three of us headed back home, what i cannot stand is at the vibration when i speed at 120kmh & above. With my bag pack full of tools & 1liter engine oil making my shoulder in pain. Along the journey i keep cursing my bag pack & to my self as why im not buying rubber type rope so that i can tie up the bag on my seat. We take a short break at highway R&R but i can still feel the vibration its like you holding vibrator in your hand. bbrrreeetttttt.... plus my shoulder in pain because of the heavy bag. My friend had to refuel but i did not. After that we on the road again, i then ride ride my GS hard in full trottle leaving my friend behind. I don't know what the top speed i achieved as the speedometer going crazy as when the meter needle at 120 - 140kmh it flactuate plus the RPM meter completely death. 10km before i reached home, my GS feels like no power even i pull the trottle up i unable to gain speed. I immediatly turn petcock to reserved, the power came back then i realize that my fuel is low. Far ahead i saw my friend slowing down as he notice that im unable to keep up with him. But i had to go to refuel my tank, i give him hand sign and off he went. Im lucky as the petrol stesen just near by, refuel full tank & headed back home. Now no more Micheal Buble song "HOME" as my baby at his top condition & performance....

I would like to "THANK YOU" to the GSResource Forum & to all GS members here as without you all ~ advises and tips ~ my GS will not be what it is today. All my friends giving thumbs up to my GS as it can keep up with modern bikes...

THANK GUYS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

 

[old_skool]

Nice story and a worthy cause!:clap:

Now, since your done with that build....go get a GS1000-1100, and the super bikes won't be running away so fast, less vibration, bigger fuel tanks, lottttts more power. and you get to start the build all over.....wife my throw you out though Get yourself a luggage rack backrest on your bike, make carrying things easier. Plus a 550, a GS550 isn't a super bike, that fact you rode with that group at all was amazing. You've come a long way in a short time, now it's time to just have fun for awhile. Take the wife for a ride, not to get groceries, just a nice easy cruise, after all, without the bosses permission to spend all the hard earned $$, your baby might still be under a tarp somewhere.

 

[Guest]

Thank you Hakim,

+1 on the luggage rack.
I'm sure you can scavenge a used one and make it look nice.
Be sure to pack up a picnic basket and ride with your wife to a nice location , she deserves it.

We'll wait for your next GS Story.

 

[7981GS]

Wonderful story. Please keep us informed of your future escapades.

Eric