FOAK: Suzuki GS250T any probs?

Just browsing Ebay and saw this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1981-SUZUKI-R...iewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item414ffb56ef

or

http://tinyurl.com/22rpe8a

Are they any good?

 

I've owned one (you won't be surprised to hear).

Very smooth, and remarkably pokey for a four-stroke twin. Downside is
they have a reputation for buning valves if the clearances are
neglected, and the charging system is the usual Suzuki crap. I bought
mine from the classified ads in pre-Ebay days, and the owner said it
had a new battery. I should have figured. It died just as I was
turning into my driveway, 20 miles from where I bought it. No charge
at all.

One re-wound alternator and an aftermarket reg/rec later....

<Checks link>

Oh, look at that! It's got a new battery! A pound to a penny it isn't
charging either. Take a multimeter with you.....

 

"TOG@Toil" <> banged this out on the
bongos:

Thought you might.

Ta.

Was looking for something like a GN250 - like yours, but I don't think
you would sell within my meagre budget. I do, however have the offer
of a GN400, but it's right at the top of my budget.

Basically I'm after a small, cheap backup bike, which will also be
used for whizzing round locally and slow runs over longer distance.
I'm considering C90s, CG125s, 250s up to 400/450. Light weight and
fuel economy are more important than style. Ability to survive under a
bike cover helps, due to shed space.

 

Decent GNs seem to be about £500. They're definitely in the want because
they're the easiest, cheapest-to-run commuter 250 around.

I had one of these once, as well. Lovely little thumper. Downside was
kickstart-only (not that it bothered me) and dreadful 6v electrics
(which did).

My GN250 lives under a cover, yeah. Alternatives are a Honda CB250, but
they don't come cheap either. Or a dirt bike, but they're always pricey.
And they get stolen.

Or a Nold MZ.

 

(The Older Gentleman) banged this out

Not surprising, really. Adult sized bike, but sips fuel.

The kickstart is fine, but I guess there's no way of converting to
12v...

What was your problem with 6v?

CB250RSs seem to hold money, if they're decent, and I have an aversion
to stuff based on a supernightmare motor. I had a CM250, but the
engine was crap and kept killing itself, despite me cosseting it.
Every 3 months - BOOM! Same with the replacement donk. Apart from
that, I liked the bike - the high bars made it dead comfy, especially
after I changed the sculpted seat for a standard one off a 250 Dream
(pre supernightmare).

Bit thin on the ground, ATM. Would need lecky ignition - I don't have
the patience for points, these days...

 

I think there is, actually.

Oh, just glimmering indicators, useless headlight. Manky, really.

Jamie's selling his Super Dream soon, I think. 15k miles from new, all
standard, Invader fairing, Rickman panniers, top box, absolutely
fantastic runner. Engine just purrs.

Header pipes are a bit rusty. Rest of the chrome's OK. Everything works
as it should. Needs a damn good clean...

 

MT500

It's currently my commuter bike ...

Paul.

 

Thought about ex-military stuff, but it's all beyond the allotted
budget.

However, should a nice wee Condor show up...

 

At pulling your weight around? I'd opt for a "No" on that.

 

Opt for whatever you want, but you're wrong. Just had a play on a c90
- kept up with traffic and quick enough away from the lights.

I had a c70, 16 years (and 2 stone less) ago, which did just fine
commuting down the Lancs to Manc. That was in the days before rush
hour traffic was backed up to here and it was NSL apart from a stretch
from the M60 to Charlie Browns.