Some advice please - Suzuki GSX750 ES

[Tigadee]

Hi all, so my big bike is here. It's looking rough (to be expected for a 1986 and only 1,550 dollars) so I'm needing advice on some things:

1. Visible rust on the inside of tank. See photos. The rego for the bike ran out in Nov 2010 so assuming it's been sitting around for the past two years and it arrived with only 1/4 tank of petrol, there's no surprise about the rust. Is it serious enough to require action? If so, what steps would you recommend?

2. Chain and sprocket. Looks like the chain's not been lubed in a long time, so I'll give it a go on removing it, soaking in petrol and then re-lubing it. That's the best procedure, right? Does the sprocket look OK?

3. Rear tyre. Looks OK? Seems so to me...

Thanks all [those who offered advice on the bike model and for those who will be answering on here].

[Tryhard]

Dude you can fit a 130 on the back. I have some mirrors for you and some dash light bulbs etc. I strongly recommend getting the valves and carbs done.

[Akzle]

Excellent choice of wheels.
Soak chain:yes
rust in tank: first up good steam clean. Then inspection mirror. Then it's eithr soda blast, expensive weld repairs, or set match to a litre of gas in it.
If it's had fuel sitting fr 2 yrs then def carb clean.
Check also tap and for any crud in tank.
Steam clean= step 1.

[Tigadee]

Excellent choice of wheels.

Thanks!

set match to a litre of gas in it.

Are you serious?!

Steam clean= step 1.

How do I get started with that? What and where do I hire whatever it is that I am to use to steam clean?

[Tigadee]

Dude you can fit a 130 on the back.

That's a thought and it'd look nice too... But that will have to wait till later.

I have some mirrors for you and some dash light bulbs etc.

Cool! Thanks...

I strongly recommend getting the valves and carbs done.

OK, looks like that will be one of the first jobs, in addition to the tank clean...

[Sable]

Clean and lube chain, sure. If the tyre's warrantable I'd leave it, no point spending unnecessary money on a bike that cheap - you won't get it back. Don't worry about rust unless the tank's leaking. Just keep it topped up with gas.

[Tigadee]

The bike did just get WOF although that doesn't mean it will be reliable to run without some work done... I'll give it a go with a full tank of 98 on the first run.

[caseye]

Clean and lube chain, sure. If the tyre's warrantable I'd leave it, no point spending unnecessary money on a bike that cheap - you won't get it back. Don't worry about rust unless the tank's leaking. Just keep it topped up with gas.

Good advice, Clean and lube chain on the bike. Oh and of course keep cleaning the whole thing once you've started, when it's coming over?
I'll even take the coal burner off the new operating table.

[Jantar]

Hi all, so my big bike is here. It's looking rough (to be expected for a 1986 and only 1,550 dollars) so I'm needing advice on some things:

1. Visible rust on the inside of tank. See photos. The rego for the bike ran out in Nov 2010 so assuming it's been sitting around for the past two years and it arrived with only 1/4 tank of petrol, there's no surprise about the rust. Is it serious enough to require action? If so, what steps would you recommend?

As lang as there are no leaks and the fuel is flowing OK then I would do nothing. If there is any problem with fuel flow then remove the fuel tap from the tank and thorougly drain and clean the tank. Check the filter is not clogged and reinstall with a new O ring. See http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

2. Chain and sprocket. Looks like the chain's not been lubed in a long time, so I'll give it a go on removing it, soaking in petrol and then re-lubing it. That's the best procesure, right? Does the sprocket look OK?

It should be an endless O ring chain so do not remove it to clean it, but just clean it in place with a kerosene soaked rag. Oil or wax it well. Looking at the sprocket, it is close to replacement, so budget on replacing chain and sprockets in the near future.

3. Rear tyre. Looks OK? Seems so to me...

It looks OK, so untill you get some mileage under your belt, I'd stick with it. If the bike has been sitting for a while then the compound may have hardened a bit. This is a two edged sword. Your tyre will last a little longer, but will give reduced grip in the wet. Yes, you can probably fit a 130/80 tyre to that rear wheel, but DON'T. As someone who has ridden one of these hard, I can assure you that the standard size is perfect for the bike. The tyres I found best, Pirelli Phantoms, are no longer made. Although I hate to say it, Shinkos are probably the closest tyre made that are close to what this bike likes.

Thanks all [those who offered advice on the bike model and for those who will be answering on here].

I would also have a close look at the spark plugs. The standard NGK are pretty good, but Champion made a suitable replacement that gave a more consistant spark. I can't remember the particular plug. On no account use AC/Delco, they will destroy pistons.

[Tigadee]

Good advice, Clean and lube chain on the bike.

Will do...

Oh and of course keep cleaning the whole thing once you've started

Eh? You mean just regularly lubing it won't be enough after a clean?

when it's coming over?

Soon, gotta do all the things the good people here have advised first... I'm no Nathanwhite, Lone Rider, Bogan or Ducatilover but I'll do my best...

I'll even take the coal burner off the new operating table.

Huh?

[Tigadee]

Thanks Jantar, there's gold in dem words.... Cheers!

[ducatilover]

Brake cleaner will work better than petrol, use a bit of that and a wire brush.
I might, if you're lucky have an air filter that could fit it too

Google rust removal in a tank or whatever, there are several treatments you can use seafoam, POR15 etc or be super cool and go with electrolytic rust removal, then POR15 to seal it

For a new sprocket when the time comes, research a bit (I might do anyway), but I think the GT750, 750 Kats and RF900 used the same bolt pattern and offset on the sprocket
The stator is the same unit as a GN/GZ250, GS750/550 and a few Kawasakis (ZR550 is the only I remember off the top of my head)
I think they run a DR8ES spark plug
EDIT, or D8EA, too many bikes going through my mind sorry

[gsxr]

Great bikes.
I still have one of these GSX 750ESD although its now stored outside under a BBQ cover awaiting some dedicated time from me for a minor restoration.
Cam chain stopped holding hands under idle on choke so hopefully not too much damage.
I thought these motors were bullet proof but alas this one wasnt.
Im yet to pull it to pieces after 6 years. Its one of those Ill get around to it projects one day.
I hope you enjoy riding yours as much as I enjoyed mine Tiger

[gammaguy]

FYI

brake cleaner and petrol will dissolve o rings

[skippa1]

FYI

brake cleaner and petrol will dissolve o rings

+1 on that.....and the wire brush will make sure the remnants are gone