Bought a Green Turd (A_J_T)

**A_J_T** · 8th March 2016, 08:40

Hi All,

So recently my desire for a road bike has been rising up from within more than usual, so I did the sensible thing and started looking around and found this absolutely hideous green GSF250. Long story short I ended up winning the TM auction and now I own what I can best describe as an absolute piece

It’s a 1990 Suzuki GSF250, I’ve always loved the old Jap 250 4cyl bikes, they are the most hilarious thing to ride. All noise no go, so many smiles, much laughter all is ok

. I was considering going for more of a dream bike zx6r or R6 but my on road riding has been somewhat limited so I thought I’d pick up a little restoration project/learn to ride properly bike.

The bike needs some work to get a warrant and renew the rego that is currently on hold but so far things are looking positive. As I said, its hideous but does has some serious character and I’m starting to feel somewhat attached to the nasty green color and flaky paint. When I picked it up it barley idled and had serious bogging and power surging issues and would not rev out into the higher rpm. First thing I did was clean the carbs as they were an absolute mess. It now pulls through the rpm much better and will hop up into the power range much whereas before it wouldn't. Still some hesitation between 4,000-8,000 rpm but takes off after that. I think it may have something to do with the carb balancing but I'm very new to multi carb situations so any input from you folks is appreciated and encouraged.

As I tidy it up I was keen to do a bit of a build thread, where is the appropriate location on the Forum to start something like that?

Looking forward to getting to know some of you and gaining access to the tree of biker knowledge known is KB.

Cheers,
Aidin

**Paul in NZ** · 8th March 2016, 10:56

Always liked the look of those bikes

**OddDuck** · 8th March 2016, 11:47

Mate that's awesome!! Something about the green. It's the kind of bike a Ninja Turtle would ride

Surging, running badly etc... I'd check for any or all of the following:

Exhaust flange gaskets
Worn needles or jets in the carbs
Vacuum leaks in the carbs or anywhere between throttle plates and cylinder head (trails of dirt are the usual giveaway sign)
Condition of the resin insulator plate between the carb's stub pipe and the cylinder head (if the bike uses one)
Electrical grounds between engine, chassis and battery - if anything's corroded or oiled then consider replacing it
Valve clearances
Compression per cylinder
Oiled plugs (shows if the rings are on their way out, or the valve guide seals are failing)
Electrical contacts through the low voltage side of the ignition system, all the spade lugs etc before the coils
Separation of LV ignition wiring from HT leads - sometimes these get bundled together and they can cross-talk
Rust / gunk in the tank
Fuel filter

Alternately if you're happy with how it goes then just wring the nuts off it and have a great time.

**A_J_T** · 8th March 2016, 12:22

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Always liked the look of those bikes

Yea something about them is super subtle and appealing.

Originally Posted by OddDuck

Mate that's awesome!! Something about the green. It's the kind of bike a Ninja Turtle would ride

Surging, running badly etc... I'd check for any or all of the following:

Exhaust flange gaskets
Worn needles or jets in the carbs
Vacuum leaks in the carbs or anywhere between throttle plates and cylinder head (trails of dirt are the usual giveaway sign)
Condition of the resin insulator plate between the carb's stub pipe and the cylinder head (if the bike uses one)
Electrical grounds between engine, chassis and battery - if anything's corroded or oiled then consider replacing it
Valve clearances
Compression per cylinder
Oiled plugs (shows if the rings are on their way out, or the valve guide seals are failing)
Electrical contacts through the low voltage side of the ignition system, all the spade lugs etc before the coils
Separation of LV ignition wiring from HT leads - sometimes these get bundled together and they can cross-talk
Rust / gunk in the tank
Fuel filter

Alternately if you're happy with how it goes then just wring the nuts off it and have a great time.

Yea cant agree more about the ninja turtle look, i'll keep a look out for ol Megan

it is going to undergo a full color change though but that will be in winter sometime once iv enjoyed it a little.

Thanks for all the suggestions, plan is to go through all the electrics and replace all lighting with LED soon cause it is a mess.

When i first got it, it had Vac leaks and all around the rubber boots that the carbs connect to the heads so i've sorted that when i cleaned the carbs. its honestly running real smooth up top so ill see how i go, for now thrashing the tits off it up into the 18,000 rpm constantly shall suffice