So I have a DL650 K4 which was sitting outside for seven years. After losing a job last year I developed an itch to get it back running. So after installing a new battery, tank, new fuel pump, cleaning the fuel line, starter/kill switches, some more minor stuff here and there, yesterday it ran for the first time. Solid stable rpms in idle, throttling, everything. Clutch catches, gears go up and down. Sounds dry though - desperate for fresh oil.
Today I’ll drink to Suzuki engineers, what a great bunch of lads.
Awesome! Yeah I’d definitely do all the fluids
Oil, coolant, breaking fluids and strategic application of grease and light massages are next on. And break calipers. And chain. And sprockets. And…
This is fun as Lego.
Check for crunchy coolant hoses before you do the coolant ;-)
Solid advice. To my biggest surprise, only plastic exposed to sun started to break down. The rest of rubbery things, esp. those in the underbelly, are in acceptable condition, maintaining flexibility and integrity.
Fantastic :-)
Nice work. I’d be sure to take a close look at those tires. Stay safe out there!
By now they are reaching about 15 years, so for sure are hard as woodpecker lips. I’m slowly eyeing something more practical for city rides.
That is good accomplishment. I tried to get a moped started that sat in a barn for a year and couldn’t get it done.
Very satisfying doing that, well done!
Those are really solid bikes, too … I knew of one that racked up over 150,000 miles and was still going
Feels like one of the last generations of bikes that could have been serviced without a fancy shop. I’m amazed by their durability.
Not entirely sure about that, IIRC there’s some stuff on the Suzuki thats not as easy as it could be … but it is becoming less common amongst “premium” brands’ larger bikes
Looks in great shape for being outside so long.
Getting a bike running is great. First one I tackled was a 1974 Yamaha Enduro.
Good on you! I recently sold my bike for scrap, as getting it in a more or less safe condition would have cost several times its market value. Good to see you restoring your bike to its former glory.
Can’t go wrong with a Japanese bike. A few suggestions I’ve not seen yet for ya good buddy; new tires, new air filter, fresh suspension fluid is usually forgotten about, check spark plugs. Those rotors look surprisingly good but always good to check the pads too. Good it starts but make sure she stops too haha. Ride safe.
Motorcycle repair slaps, congrats
