Hi all "Newbie" alert.  This just kind of fell into my lap so I decided why not check it off my bucket list "motorcycle project" suggestions.

1991 Suzuki GS500.  I was told it runs but the crankshaft got bent and is rubbing on the magneto so it needs to be replaced and is also missing the carburetor bolts. I was given the replacement crankshaft and balancer...

Run.  Run away.  Run fast, run far.

Cookie

Agree with Cookie. This is not the motorcycle project you were looking for.

It's not like you couldn't make a usable motorcycle out of this, and if there were some sentimental reason to keep this particular motorcycle, then it might make sense. But your time and money will be better spent on some other basket case.

meh,.... You can do it!  I'd weigh if it's worth it to you, to give it a shot, then why not?  I'm fixing a turd zzr600 that isn't going to be worth barely 2k when it's done but I'd rather do that then watch tv.

Oh jeeze...

I hope you really know what you are doing.

Woo boy, a lot to take in here...

You introduced yourself as a newbie. So, first of all, welcome to the forum! Secondly, do you just mean that you're new to this forum, or that you're new to motorcycle repair as well? Replacing a crankshaft is a very involved procedure, and DEFINITELY not an ideal first project. You're going to essentially have to take apart the entire engine and then put it back together. How much motorcycle wrenching experience do you have? Ask yourself and be brutally honest: do you feel adequately prepared to take on something like this?

Okay, now lets move on to the bike itself. Let me get this straight... you were told that the bike runs but also that the crankshaft "got bent"? How exactly did that happen? Are you certain that a bent crankshaft is the only problem with the bike? I would think anything that exerts enough force on the crankshaft to bend it is bound to wreak havoc on other parts of the engine too. Pistons, rods, bearings, valves, etc. could all be affected. You simply won't know until the engine is halfway torn apart.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do it. What I'm saying is to make sure you know what you're in for if you do.

Another option  would be to get a good  used engine , assuming the rest of the bikes fundimentals are ok that could be a good way to go ...

hummerfam,

I like the good used engine idea, but if you want the challenge of rebuilding a basket case then go for it! I've put more labor into the bikes in my garage than they are worth, but I do it because I love to tinker. I often use garage time as personal therapy time. I always need a project to keep my mind and hands engaged. Let us follow along and see if you can resurrect that poor beast.

One thing I would watch out for is letting the bike become a money pit. Don't spend on unnecessary things until you at least have the bike running. For example don't go buying new tires or brake pads until you have that baby purring.

Good luck,

Kenner

Yeah I guess it's all about whether it's the means or the ends you care about. If you want to do a project bike in order to have one to keep and ride and take some pride in, then I suggest starting with a more desirable bike to begin with. But if you want a project bike to have a project to tinker with and then you will probably move it along once you are done, then rock on, the GS is a great platform to tinker.

I'm the work on stuff because I want to keep it type. The GS was a brilliant bike to tinker on and learn about working on motorcycles but it's just not that desirable to use for the long term. I spend my tinker time with the GS and ride time with the Triumph. I am a tinkering addict so I think I'd get way bored if all I had was my Bonneville.

Awesome guys thanks for the suggestions and thoughts.  This is more of a tinkering project for "winter" to keep me from going stir crazy and (Kenner) "Personal Therapy time", Love it! also would I need to replace the balancer on it or could I just put in the new crankshaft and call it done assuming it is in fact bent.  (twocool) not instilling a lot of confidence here, lol.

Here's where its at now.

Pretty much just tearing it down.

Quote from: cbrfxr67 on March 22, 2019, 06:56:09 AM
meh,.... You can do it!  I'd weigh if it's worth it to you, to give it a shot, then why not?  I'm fixing a turd zzr600 that isn't going to be worth barely 2k when it's done but I'd rather do that then watch tv.

Agreed! the whole Netflix and chill is waaaay overrated.  Lets get out and do something!