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Thread: 1981 Suzuki 550 Katana

  1. #1
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    12th March 2014 - 19:23
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    1981 Suzuki 550 Katana

    I have a gs550M Katana that could do with a freshen up, new cam chain and seals etc.

    I have asked a couple of bike shops for estimates and most suggest I throw it on the junk pile and buy something new.

    Whats your guys views on this? It is a runner and gets wofs fine, just needs a good tidy up really... Should i throw it on the pile or is there hope for the old baby Kat?

     photo IMG_20171204_152402 1_zpsd15sojjn.jpg

  2. #2
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    14th July 2006 - 21:39
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    WTF? Sounds like you are going to some dickhead shops.

    Your call if you want to keep your old ride running and if you have asked for a estimate that's what they should supply.

    After that it is your decision if it is worth the cost and what you do as a result.

    A cam chain change in one of them should be able to be done by any motorcycle mechanic with one eye closed. They are basic engines.

  3. #3
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    13th June 2010 - 17:47
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    Possibly doesn't need a camchain - the art of adjusting GS Suzuki chains has apparently been lost.
    The tensioners are only semi automatic and are known to stick.

    Probably just needs a good look over and reshim. If it's not smoking, it's not broken.

  4. #4
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    1st March 2017 - 06:23
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    I had a gs for a while, I liked it, although the previous owner was a cock.
    It had a rattly chain and also a leaky base gasket so I decided to investigate both problems at the same time. When I slipped the base off I saw there was no gasket at all just silicone blocking up the oilways
    I put a gasket in and like magic I didn't need to replace the camchain for another 6 months
    High miles, engine knock, rusty chrome, worn pegs...
    Brakes as new

  5. #5
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    6th May 2012 - 10:41
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    nah it's fucked. i'll take it off your hands for five bucks and a bag of chips.

  6. #6
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    12th March 2014 - 19:23
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    Thanks for the input guys, I have considered doing the work myself but i'm not a pro

    I think I will keep it an put the $$ into it as i think i'll keep it forever even when I do eventually upgrade. After all I did get it from another KB user for $200 so it hasn't cos me much yet

    Quote Originally Posted by Akzle View Post
    nah it's fucked. i'll take it off your hands for five bucks and a bag of chips.
    Hahaha at times I would have been tempted in this offer!

  7. #7
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    12th March 2014 - 19:23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Honest Andy View Post
    I had a gs for a while, I liked it, although the previous owner was a cock.
    It had a rattly chain and also a leaky base gasket so I decided to investigate both problems at the same time. When I slipped the base off I saw there was no gasket at all just silicone blocking up the oilways
    I put a gasket in and like magic I didn't need to replace the camchain for another 6 months
    This one has been tinkered with so much after one oil change the sump plug is stripped or something.. Must of had lock tight holding it together.

  8. #8
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    19th October 2005 - 20:32
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tofu View Post
    This one has been tinkered with so much after one oil change the sump plug is stripped or something.. Must of had lock tight holding it together.
    Helicoil the sod sump bungs, spark plugs & a few other bits on bikes ham fisted harrys always over tighten the poor dam things.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tofu View Post
    This one has been tinkered with so much after one oil change the sump plug is stripped or something.. Must of had lock tight holding it together.
    Ha - normal. Got a GS1000 engine here going together which had a pipe thread bung in the sump. Parallel thread and no shoulder to seat against...
    Found a swish pipe bung with a shoulder and integral O ring - better than OE. And shiny....

  10. #10
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    12th March 2014 - 19:23
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    This is the state i got it in a couple years back.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  11. #11
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    15th February 2005 - 15:34
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    My one.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  12. #12
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    12th March 2014 - 19:23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    My one.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Wow that is SUPER nice!

    ebay is my friend at the moment trying to find parts for it!

  13. #13
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    12th March 2014 - 19:23
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    Since posting this thread Ive done a bit to the bike.

    I have stripped it down to the frame and had it powder coated, purchased Hagon shocks for it, numerous new bushings, gaskets and bearings.

    Ive checked the tolerance for the cam chain and its in spec but shims are to be replaced.

    Im keeping the air box etc all factory but just trying to decide if I should go with a cycleworks 4 into 1 or not.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tofu View Post

    Im keeping the air box etc all factory but just trying to decide if I should go with a cycleworks 4 into 1 or not.
    Are the original headers OK? If so get some black megaphones off Ebay for each side. They growl nicely with rowdy twin pipes. Or howl nicely with the 4-1. Your choice

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tofu View Post

    Im keeping the air box etc all factory but just trying to decide if I should go with a cycleworks 4 into 1 or not.
    A 4-1 sounded epic on my GS550E. Not sure what the neighbours thought as I wound it out in 2nd though...

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