1983 GR650 Restoration - Where to start?

Maielstrom · July 27th, 2013, 04:33 PM

Hello everyone,

I have a 1983 Suzuki Tempter GR650 which I am attempting to restore. Little background on the bike. It had idling issues (would sit around 1.2k then jump to 3-4k then drop back down), and it would also shut down either mid ride, or when idling (this was before I rode this bike, so I'm unsure of the specifics). We brought it to a shop and they fixed up the carbs. Also, they said this should fix the running issues it was having. At this point, I was looking to do a mostly cosmetic restoration, fixing up the mechanics while going along. However, I took the bike out last night for a test run to a friend's house. It ran fine to his house, turned off/on without issue, but then shut down while idling at a stop light going into a gas station. Also, it gave a lot of trouble starting up after filling up at the gas station. Today, I cleaned up the chain and went to start the bike up to adjust the idle (thinking that may be the shutdown issue because it was idling right around 1k). It started up fine, but once I shut it off, it wouldn't start again. There is also an oil leak coming from (I believe) the top of the engine too, suspecting it to be a gasket that needs to be replaced. I think I would like to do as much of a rebuild as I am able to so that this bike gets up and running again. I am just unsure of how to do a restoration; where to begin, things to be aware of, parts to replace etc. I'm using this bike very much as a means of learning about motorcycles and their functioning. I am following along with a shop manual and am pretty good with technical things, so I definitely want to give this a shot.

Any insight that anyone can provide would be hugely appreciated!

Motofool · August 4th, 2013, 07:10 AM

That is an impressive project for an inexperienced person regarding motorcycles.

First, you need to find a very good mechanic, for advise more than for doing the work, if you really want to learn and to have some hands-on experience.

If the internals of the engine (crankshaft, bearings, clutch and transmission) are still in good condition, you will be able to repair and service the rest with a good manual and some tools (which you may need to buy as you advance).

I am not familiar with the bike, but this article explain that it has a couple of innovations for that time, one of which may be causing your problems: the air intake by-pass into the admission valves (I am not sure, just guessing).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_GR650_Tempter

Yours may be a simple electrical problem, related to weak sparks, which is more evident at low rpms'.

If the valves are adjustable, that will be a great point to start, as well as replacing the spark plugs and cleaning all the electrical contacts, the gas tank and petcock if they look suspicious.

This website is very good for general repairs:
http://www.dansmc.com/MC_repaircourse.htm

Maielstrom · September 14th, 2013, 10:28 PM

Thanks so much for the reply! I definitely know this has the potential to be a large project, but since this isn't my main bike, I'm absolutely going to be taking my time on it. Definitely this one is meant to be a learning experience, I'll see if I can find someone for advice as this goes along. It may be a while until I can start working on it (Winter may put this on hold), but definitely will post updates as they come along!

Motofool · September 15th, 2013, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maielstrom

Thanks so much for the reply!................ It may be a while until I can start working on it (Winter may put this on hold), but definitely will post updates as they come along!

You are welcome, Eric

For the winter, empty the bowls of the carbs and the gas tank and release some pressure from the tires.

Please do update us !!!

Chicagobob · September 16th, 2013, 08:51 AM

Great find! These bikes are actually simple and easy to work on, and I agree that you should find a nearby mechanic who knows old bikes, but you'll probably be fine doing all the work yourself.

The things to start with are the obvious: tires, steering head bearings, fork oil and seals, brake lines and pads, valve and timing adjustment, plugs, chain, shocks. A lot of carb problems result from rust or dirt in the tank, or from petcock problems (petcocks aren't designed to last 30 years). Old electrical systems also have a lot of problems with corrosion in the bullet connectors, and with failed stators and regulator/rectifiers. These things can all be upgraded, and parts are still available.

The Tempter is essentially a Suzuki GS, and so largely bulletproof. A great resource for restoration and mechanical advice is the GS Resources forum (http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/index.php) and BikeCliff's Suzuki site (http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/). Real gold mines.

Also, check out this guy's site: http://tcmcstuff.tripod.com/gr650.htm

Good luck with the project.

July 27th, 2013, 04:33 PM	#1
Maielstrom Ghost Rider Name: Eric Location: Westchester, NY Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: 84	1983 GR650 Restoration - Where to start? Hello everyone, I have a 1983 Suzuki Tempter GR650 which I am attempting to restore. Little background on the bike. It had idling issues (would sit around 1.2k then jump to 3-4k then drop back down), and it would also shut down either mid ride, or when idling (this was before I rode this bike, so I'm unsure of the specifics). We brought it to a shop and they fixed up the carbs. Also, they said this should fix the running issues it was having. At this point, I was looking to do a mostly cosmetic restoration, fixing up the mechanics while going along. However, I took the bike out last night for a test run to a friend's house. It ran fine to his house, turned off/on without issue, but then shut down while idling at a stop light going into a gas station. Also, it gave a lot of trouble starting up after filling up at the gas station. Today, I cleaned up the chain and went to start the bike up to adjust the idle (thinking that may be the shutdown issue because it was idling right around 1k). It started up fine, but once I shut it off, it wouldn't start again. There is also an oil leak coming from (I believe) the top of the engine too, suspecting it to be a gasket that needs to be replaced. I think I would like to do as much of a rebuild as I am able to so that this bike gets up and running again. I am just unsure of how to do a restoration; where to begin, things to be aware of, parts to replace etc. I'm using this bike very much as a means of learning about motorcycles and their functioning. I am following along with a shop manual and am pretty good with technical things, so I definitely want to give this a shot. Any insight that anyone can provide would be hugely appreciated!

August 4th, 2013, 07:10 AM	#2
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	That is an impressive project for an inexperienced person regarding motorcycles. First, you need to find a very good mechanic, for advise more than for doing the work, if you really want to learn and to have some hands-on experience. If the internals of the engine (crankshaft, bearings, clutch and transmission) are still in good condition, you will be able to repair and service the rest with a good manual and some tools (which you may need to buy as you advance). I am not familiar with the bike, but this article explain that it has a couple of innovations for that time, one of which may be causing your problems: the air intake by-pass into the admission valves (I am not sure, just guessing). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_GR650_Tempter Yours may be a simple electrical problem, related to weak sparks, which is more evident at low rpms'. If the valves are adjustable, that will be a great point to start, as well as replacing the spark plugs and cleaning all the electrical contacts, the gas tank and petcock if they look suspicious. This website is very good for general repairs: http://www.dansmc.com/MC_repaircourse.htm __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
FZR250R 3LN3 Restoration	Linkin	The Ex-Ninjetters Lair	74	July 17th, 2015 03:43 AM
Is this the toughest Kawasaki restoration project?	Ninjinsky	General Motorcycling Discussion	2	January 6th, 2015 06:53 PM
Exhaust & Muffler Restoration/Cleanup	aweesner	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	2	August 6th, 2013 06:49 PM
Ninjette Decal Restoration of Discussion.	Verus Cidere	Forum Information	134	October 20th, 2010 10:51 AM
Tune up / Restoration questions - long post	Tommy	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	32	June 26th, 2009 08:57 PM

September 14th, 2013, 10:28 PM	#3
Maielstrom Ghost Rider Name: Eric Location: Westchester, NY Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: 84	Thanks so much for the reply! I definitely know this has the potential to be a large project, but since this isn't my main bike, I'm absolutely going to be taking my time on it. Definitely this one is meant to be a learning experience, I'll see if I can find someone for advice as this goes along. It may be a while until I can start working on it (Winter may put this on hold), but definitely will post updates as they come along!

September 16th, 2013, 08:51 AM	#5
Chicagobob ninjette.org guru Name: Bob Location: Chicago Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250, 2018 Honda GL1800B Posts: 315	Great find! These bikes are actually simple and easy to work on, and I agree that you should find a nearby mechanic who knows old bikes, but you'll probably be fine doing all the work yourself. The things to start with are the obvious: tires, steering head bearings, fork oil and seals, brake lines and pads, valve and timing adjustment, plugs, chain, shocks. A lot of carb problems result from rust or dirt in the tank, or from petcock problems (petcocks aren't designed to last 30 years). Old electrical systems also have a lot of problems with corrosion in the bullet connectors, and with failed stators and regulator/rectifiers. These things can all be upgraded, and parts are still available. The Tempter is essentially a Suzuki GS, and so largely bulletproof. A great resource for restoration and mechanical advice is the GS Resources forum (http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/index.php) and BikeCliff's Suzuki site (http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/). Real gold mines. Also, check out this guy's site: http://tcmcstuff.tripod.com/gr650.htm Good luck with the project.