'81 GSX 250 buyer's advice

[matthewb77]

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

[eddiegsx]

Hi matthew and welcome.

I had one of these gsx250's from new when I was a young lad, it got me around and I past my test on it, quite a capable little bike.

There were quite a few little niggles though and with the one you're thinking of buying it sounds like there's a lot of money needs to be spent. Even if you sort the motor the electrics are a bloody nightmare and with all those km's as you say, almost everything will need replacing.

If you really still want it I'd be looking for an engine with lower km's as an alternative, but if it were my money I'd be looking for something that needs less spending on it . Good luck 

[wraith]

Nice little bike in there day but most of them got raged around, so not being on the road and the the milage it's got it will be more a project of love than anything else.

If the cam chain has gone you should be able to hear it unless it's got a very good tensioner. Then you have to think if the timming is that far out what damage has been done trying to make it rev?

[PanzerWomble]

Unless you're being offered it for £20 ....with those miles and that problem I'd really pass up on it.

Don't be conned by the thought it's a "classic" they were kinda dull in the 1980/90's . If you can find a mate with a cheap X7 for sale  .............

 

[Joseph]

Buy a proper bike if you can

[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.