Early 80's Suzuki GS650 - opinions?

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angrypeppers
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Early 80's Suzuki GS650 - opinions?

#1 Unread post by angrypeppers »

Found a couple of early 80's Suzuki GS650's for sale, one E model, and an L model. I believe the E model is chain drive, and the L is a shaftie. Any opinions/experiences with them? Any problem spots to check? Any riding/handling quirks? This would be my first streetbike in about fifteen years. Would they be decent (almost) first bikes? I'm not bothered by the age, unless OEM parts are scarce...are they?

Thanks!
Chris
Centennial, CO
1979 Suzuki GS1000E
1983 KTM495 - Sold!
1964 Toyota Land Cruiser
1993 Toyota Land Cruiser
1999 F-350 CC 7.3 Turbodiesel

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t_bonee
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#2 Unread post by t_bonee »

I have a 1982 GS650L. Great bike. Rock solid. Can handle highways, backroad cruising, twisties, you name it. And it handles two up great as well. You can't go wrong as long as your not paying out the "O Ring" for it. I got mine for $1200 USD. Keep up on basic maintenence and it wil last a long time.
A dog had his chain reduced one link at a time, every few days, until his chain was so short he could barely move. He never resisted because he was conditioned to the loss of his freedom slowly, over time. Are we in this country becoming like the dog?

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Gadjet
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#3 Unread post by Gadjet »

I can second t_bonee's opinion on the GS650L, but mine was an '83. Great first bike, bulletproof engine, low maintenance drivetrain, very easy to work on.

I got mine for $1400CAD, traded it in a little over a year later on my KLR and got $1300CAD as my trade in value.

I put 23000km on my 650L in just a little over a year, and only really had to do basic oil/filter changes, and had to adjust the valves once.
1983 Suzuki GS650GL (sold)
2005 Kawasaki KLR 650 (sold)
2020 KTM 200 Duke
IBA#20953
IG: @greenmanwc

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angrypeppers
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#4 Unread post by angrypeppers »

Thanks for the info! I found an '82 with (allegedly) a little over 800 miles on it. I'm going to take a look at it Wednesday. The guy wants $1900 for it, but I'm stuck with a budget of $1500. I like the low miles, but I don't like the low miles...know what I mean? I'm not a huge fan of things sitting around, but it sounds like the owner took care of it...running the engine, etc, even though he didn't ride it much. We'll see...

Chris
Centennial, CO
1979 Suzuki GS1000E
1983 KTM495 - Sold!
1964 Toyota Land Cruiser
1993 Toyota Land Cruiser
1999 F-350 CC 7.3 Turbodiesel

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lefty5150
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#5 Unread post by lefty5150 »

I got an 82 650G for $500. its a shafty. great bike good power, and suprisingly good torque for an inline 4. 47 mpg and very dependable.[img][img]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb11 ... wbars1.jpg[/img][/img]

tim conroy
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#6 Unread post by tim conroy »

I own a mint conditon 83 gs 650 L with 29900 miles on it and it runs flawless.This bike will cruise anywhere and there is nothing hard about working on them.You will love this bike if you get it.Mine turns heads everywhere I go.They are bullet proof! If you want to fine out more go to www.thegsresources.com and look me up. My screen name is tconroy.Image[/img]

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