1972 GT550...........It's not getting spark, but the engine is freshly rebuilt.  Should keep  me busy first getting it running then getting it pretty.  Interesting tidbit:  an 05 GSXR FE bolts directly in    If I keep it, I'll probably do something crazy like that and make it into some ridiculous bastard 'fighter.  If I don't, I'll probably keep it as close cosmetically to stock as possible.  I'm picking it up tomorrow evening......

pics? 

Should be an interesting project...  I could see myself doing something like that from time to time if I had more time and money to invest.  It would be nice to have some older projects to learn wrenching on.  I've never been one to tackle big projects or even do a whole lot of my own maintenance.  ...wouldn't mind getting into it a little more though.  Just don't like the idea of learning on the only bike I have to ride! Enjoy! 

UBS maybe we should pick up some cheap(initially) projects to tinker with.

Quote from: b_long_1 on July 21, 2008, 07:47:28 PM
UBS maybe we should pick up some cheap(initially) projects to tinker with.

I'm sure the Mrs. would just love it if we did so!    What was that your son said today?... 

I would probably be home more if I had a project. I think she is starting to harbor ill feelings toward the GS. I think the son said something Like "f_ing motorcycle"

+1 pics

A real GT550? the 2-stroke triple with ram-air cooling? Where did you dig that up Tel? Those things used a points/condenser setup, one set and one coil per cylinder, if its not sparking thats the place to start mate. Timing is critical on those things too.....check the wiring to the coils then get the points gap and dwell angles spot on, best way to do it is with a DTI down the plug-hole.

http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/suzi/models/GT550wd.gif

http://www.geocities.com/spoomym/timing/timing.html

Yup, the real deal 2 stroke triple. Thanks for the links I'll check em out when I'm at a computer. I was hoping you would have some advice. 
The crazy part is that it only cost 475!!!!!!

"Only" - shee-heesh!

No spark, and whoever freshly rebuilt it gave up on getting it spark, I presume? Unless all the other parts that need rebuilt on the bike (not just the motor) have also been done, I'm not sure that "only" is the right description of price - but good for you if you feel like it is, because then it is for you, and hopefully you get it sorted before the new-project-enthusiasm-well runs dry.

Running old bikes may be classic. At 36 years old, non-running they go from classic to OLD real fast. If it gets running up to snuff, the "power to handling ratio" may bother you just a touch, given typical 1972 chassis components.

...my 26 year OLD bike has been slowly beating this lesson into my head (and last I knew, it ran - but has a variety of tedious things that need sorted, the sum total of which run to more money than my 18 year old GS cost, plus time I don't have right now.)

Pay no attention Tel  You have done extremely well on this deal.70s jap tin has a huge following and that bike will turn more heads than any GS5 will. Getting it running, tidying it up, sourcing parts, tinkering with it and just generally bringing it back to life will give you a huge amount of satisfaction. Its the sort of thing I am into and If I had been offered it I would have snapped it up in a heartbeat, dont regret it or be put off. If it does turn out you cant give it the resources it needs you can always punt it on or.......as a last resort break it.
If you think I can give you help or advice........hit me! I know people, who know bikes like this inside out.

Get on board here.... http://www.classicbikeforum.com/ and here.... http://gt550.clivey.com/

And to give you an idea of the value and appeal these bikes have over here.......http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C50405?pt=pf

Thats about $3.5k and its not even a concours bike!

I've already checked into breaking it down as a last resort and from what I've seen would stand to make a little profit.

This is a really lame question, but even with a kick starter, wouldn't you need a battery in place to close the circuit for the bike to run?  The PO didn't ever put one in

Oh yes, you need a battery. Running without a battery confuses the voltage regulator, upshot is the reg can run hot, overheat and burn-out etc. But I doubt it would start from a kick without a battery in the system. Given that the GT550 uses points ignition and not a electronic/CDI system my guess is the alternator is nowhere near powerful enough on its own to start the bike.