matthewb77

Thanks for the advice. This would be a first bike for me, so because of NZ laws I'm a bit limited in terms of power and weight, also our second hand market is shit so not a lot of choice. Also I'm a cheapskate (student) which means Im only going to buy something 1981 or older because registration costs $50 a year rather than $500. Dont really care about classic or not other than this year requirement. I agree 102000 ks is more flogged than its worth so I'll probably take your advice.

Hi Im considering buying an '81 GSX 250. According to the Haynes manual this is a very similar to the GS250 and GSX/GS400 of the same period. The guy selling it reckons the timing chain needs replacing, because the sprocket doesn't line up to the timing marks even when moved 1 tooth back. It runs but doesn't want to rev past 3000, which he and his mechanic thinks is because of valve timing. Does this sound likely? The haynes manual suggests that the cases need to be split to replace the timing chain. Is this true, or is it a split chain (where I can clip the new chain to the old one and feed it through from just having the head off)? Are there any other things to watch out for on these bikes? Its done 102,000kms and hasnt been driven on the road in about 20 years so Im guessing that everything that can be worn out is. Will be mainly for road use and am going to do my own work on it. Thanks