Old GS450 question - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

mtnman262 · 05-12-2007, 08:43 PM

Hello,
Does anyone know what the difference between the GS450E, GS450T, and GS450L was back in 1981? I just picked up a 1981 GS450T with 4055 miles, a super clean bike. I was just wondering what makes it a T other than the letter on the side cover?

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Eric

**Clint** · 05-12-2007, 09:31 PM

L - cruiser
S- sport
E - standard
T - tour
GA - automatic transmission
The GSResources - 1980-1981 GS450 review

Looks like they were just minor feature packages. Welcome.

sandyman · 05-25-2007, 11:41 AM

I have an 83 Suzuki GS450GA. It has worked fine for years but now was driving down the road and suddenly stopped and could not be jumped. Put in a new battery and ran for a few days and then suddenly stopped. It continues to drain down the battery. I can keep it running with a starter hooked up or a new battery for a while but that is all. I no about zilch about repairing an electrical problem or where the alternator and the other important items are on the bike. Can anyone help?

omegajim · 05-25-2007, 11:16 PM

Welcome aboard.

Looks like somebody needs to go to a motorcycle store, and blow the $30 for a service manual.

You obviously have a problem with the charging system. There are two main components that can fail, the rectifier and the stator. The stator makes the electricity and rarely fails. The rectifier changes the AC current (yes AC) into DC that your battery and coils can use. It fails more frequently.

Then there is the oddball outside shot that there is a broken wire.

But, as I have said, time to go to the store (not a dealer, too expensive) and buy the manual which will help explain how to diagnose and possibly lead you to what's wrong.

good luck.

sandyman · 05-26-2007, 05:21 AM

I went and bought a volt meter and think the problem must be the rectifier. Called dealer and they want $157 for a new one but found for $80 on internet. Probably go with that. Thanks for your response.

DR-Z125L · 05-26-2007, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omegajim

Welcome aboard.

Looks like somebody needs to go to a motorcycle store, and blow the $30 for a service manual.

You obviously have a problem with the charging system. There are two main components that can fail, the rectifier and the stator. The stator makes the electricity and rarely fails. The rectifier changes the AC current (yes AC) into DC that your battery and coils can use. It fails more frequently.

Then there is the oddball outside shot that there is a broken wire.

But, as I have said, time to go to the store (not a dealer, too expensive) and buy the manual which will help explain how to diagnose and possibly lead you to what's wrong.

good luck.

your avatar cracks me up. everytime i see one of ur posts i seiriously laugh out loud...lol

omegajim · 05-26-2007, 11:54 AM

Well, in that case, I'll just have to keep the old Sgt. Schultz avatar around a bit longer.

I have two favorites I see here, one is the cookie monster and the other is Mr. Peabody.

05-12-2007, 08:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
mtnman262 Newbie Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1	Old GS450 question Hello, Does anyone know what the difference between the GS450E, GS450T, and GS450L was back in 1981? I just picked up a 1981 GS450T with 4055 miles, a super clean bike. I was just wondering what makes it a T other than the letter on the side cover? Any ideas? Thanks, Eric

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05-25-2007, 11:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
sandyman Newbie Joined: May 2007 Posts: 13	I have an 83 Suzuki GS450GA. It has worked fine for years but now was driving down the road and suddenly stopped and could not be jumped. Put in a new battery and ran for a few days and then suddenly stopped. It continues to drain down the battery. I can keep it running with a starter hooked up or a new battery for a while but that is all. I no about zilch about repairing an electrical problem or where the alternator and the other important items are on the bike. Can anyone help?

05-25-2007, 11:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,530	Welcome aboard. Looks like somebody needs to go to a motorcycle store, and blow the $30 for a service manual. You obviously have a problem with the charging system. There are two main components that can fail, the rectifier and the stator. The stator makes the electricity and rarely fails. The rectifier changes the AC current (yes AC) into DC that your battery and coils can use. It fails more frequently. Then there is the oddball outside shot that there is a broken wire. But, as I have said, time to go to the store (not a dealer, too expensive) and buy the manual which will help explain how to diagnose and possibly lead you to what's wrong. good luck.

05-26-2007, 05:21 AM	#5 (permalink)
sandyman Newbie Joined: May 2007 Posts: 13	I went and bought a volt meter and think the problem must be the rectifier. Called dealer and they want $157 for a new one but found for $80 on internet. Probably go with that. Thanks for your response.

05-26-2007, 11:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,530	Well, in that case, I'll just have to keep the old Sgt. Schultz avatar around a bit longer. I have two favorites I see here, one is the cookie monster and the other is Mr. Peabody.

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