[evans238]

Hey guys, I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm new to the whole cafe racer scene. I've ridden dirt bikes since my feet could touch the ground and wanted to step into the world of street bikes. To start things off I found a 1982 Suzuki GS750T for like $400 in running condition (it does run, the carbs were absolutely filthy but after I cleaned those puppies up she ran) and with a title (which in my neck of the woods took me forever to find a bike with a title and non salvage at that). Luckily parts are pretty easy to find and don't thin the wallet out too much but what can you guys tell me about the bike in general? Is it reliable? Does it handle well? Or should I just shine her up and try to flip her? Like I said I've very new to the game and just any general information, opinions, or tips would be great! Thanks guys!

 

[hardline_42]

The entire Suzuki GS line is composed of fast, reliable bikes with handling that was better than most of its competitors at the time. The 750 is no exception. If you got a running, titled bike for $400, I think you did great. The "T" model is a blend between the standard "E" model and the cruiserish "L" model. Luckily, the "T" only has cosmetic similarities with the "L" (teardrop tank, chrome fenders, stepped seat, different wheels etc.) but the geometry is that of a standard bike (standard rise bars, non-leading axle forks without excessive rake). The few things that are performance robbers, like the single front disk and the fat rear wheel should swap easily to the "E" model parts and can be further upgraded if you want.

Clean it up, get a service manual, do all the maintenance and you should be good to go. You can start tinkering with it afterwards and add superbike bars, better shocks, upgrade the forks, etc. but no major surgery is really necessary to make it a fun bike with good handling.

 

[ILoveThumpers]

Go to The GSResources and sign up on their forum.

If it's GS knowledge you want, they're the ones that have it.

-Deek

 

[Geeto67]

what do you want to do with the bike? It's summer soon so I presume you just want to ride around on it and have fun. it's great for that. Maybe do a few things like a dual disc upgrade, some fresh tires, better lighting, and the general maintenance stuff that has probably been overlooked for a dozen years. It's perfect for that.

Just don't get ambitious. Don't throw around words like bratsytle, ton up, cafe racer, etc...you have a gen-ewe-whine middelweight superbike from the superbike era and the easy road is going to be looking at old GS race bikes and stealing tips and tricks. Don't focus too much on how it looks or how much you can hurt yourself with stupid riding position mods, just focus on riding it and letting it tell you what it needs. right off the bat I would start with a superbike bar and some decent mirrors and grips. then start rackinf up the miles.

 

[hardline_42]

Take a look at this recent thread for ideas:
http://www.caferacer.net/forum/new-members-read-here/22809-new-guy-michigan.html