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Bought my first motorcycle today, a 1982 Suzuki GS450L. I've never even ridden a motorcycle before, so this is totally new to me. I do a lot of bartering, and this one just happened to come my way - not bad for something that cost me $5 originally. It's okay shape, it needs a battery and some TLC but I'd be really interested in restoring the bike and reselling it eventually. I'm not super mechanically inclined, I only recently started doing real work to my car and I'm learning fast. The bike is red, with 15k miles on it. Right side panel is missing, gas tank cap is functional but not pretty, no battery, but other than that I think I'm not starting out with a bad bike. Pictures coming shortly.

Welcome to TMW.

We like pictures.

Also..if you need help, there is a forum for asking questions. Look in the garage forums.

Ran into my first bit of trouble... The previous owner didn't exactly take great care of it, and I just discovered a long-dead squirrel in the air intake box. The real problem is, the mesh filter was bitten/rotted through, and I know the bike has been started recently (not by me). There's all sorts of crap in the box, like you'd find in any rodent nest. I'm thinking it'll be easiest to remove the air intake box and simply mount two K&N filters on the throttle body, is there any reason why this wouldn't be a good idea?

That's actually in nice shape for the year.

I found those side panels are available from a dealer. I paid less than 30 for one for my '80. The Air box parts were also available, as they fit several models. When I bought it 3 or 4 years ago.

For a piece of machinery that is over 30 years old, it's in decent condition.

Thanks for the pics.

Hey Nate and welcome to TMW!

That's a great ol' bike you've got there. I am sure you are going to enjoy fixing it up (as in de-squirreling it... LOL) and getting out and riding! Have you taken a course to get you prepared?

Also, would love to hear the details of your bartering story one of these days...

I haven't yet, I don't know if I plan to keep it. It'll be a shame to trade/sell it without riding it, but I don't have the space to keep it long term and can't afford the cost of insurance/registering it to ride once or twice.

About two months ago I started with a little gold coin I paid $5 for, as of right now for stuff I'm actively trading I have this motorcycle, a home bar with stools and glasses, a home gym, a bike, and boxes full of Xbox/PS3 games and accessories, all stuff that's come from that one coin.