FAQs - 86 GSXR Trading Club

The answers on this site are suggestions only.
I make no promises about the effectiveness of any of the advice given here.

I own an 86 gsxr 750 and I am experiencing some problems. To begin with, my solenoid went out so I had to start my bike with a screwdriver. Then one day I came outside and my bike was trying to start on its own without then key in it. I couldn't get it to stop and so it kept going until the wires started smoking. I am wondering what would have caused this and what possible damage could arise from this event. - John Turner

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I have an 87 slabside on a D plate, have changed the fuel tap, but the fuel tap will not not turn off or to reserve, when i got the tap from new there was 2 outlets but i could not see where the 2nd outlet went to or from, now the fuel is constantly on and the carbs overflow leaking fuel everywhere, any suggestions as im looking at selling the bike soon for an SV, im in the UK- Brian in the UK

The petcock (fuel tap) is vacuum activated by a running engine. It defaults to closed, unless it's turned to Prime, which is always open. Maybe it's stuck on Prime. Try spraying a good lube/solvent like WD40 in there to loosen the tap so you can turn it from Prime to On. - Rose

I have a '86 1100. Does the front nose cone fit off the same year 750? Can't find anyone who knows. Can someone help???? - Ben

Not sure what you mean by "front nose cone". Is that the fairing around the headlight? Can you send a schematic reference? BikeBandit.com has online schematics for almost all bikes.
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I just bought an 89 GSXR750. Showroom condition. Only issue is the headlight stays on after key os off and out. Guy I bought from said he believed it was a problem with these. Anyone have any info? - Rob

For now I can tell you that is NOT a common problem. Is it both headlights? Are you riding with them unscrewed? Have you bought a Clymer manual for the bike yet? BikeBandit.com has them. Nice thing about older bikes is the simple wiring. You should be able to trace it back to the short that's causing the light to stay on. Sounds like it's improperly wired directly to the battery. Good luck, Rose
- Hey, Rose, thanks for the speedy reply. Yes it is both lights. I have to disconnect the battery. I do have a factory service & parts manuals. I also have the Haynes copy. I just picked the bike up on Sunday and have not really had a chance to investigate. I am a pretty seasoned bike wrencher, although Harleys most of my life and hate wiring problems. Any advice you can give would be much appreciated. I have posted on a couple GSXR sites, none seems to know either. - Rob
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Hi, I have recently restored a GSXR 750 89. Having trouble sorting out what coloured wires go onto which coil terminals. Is there any particular order? Thanks for any feed back. - Chris

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trying to install a gsxr 750 1985 model motor back in the frame and i cant get it in is there any tricks as i have the carrys on and the complete frame is rigid - mike

If I remember right you have to put the motor in then slide the aluminum brackets in. Havent done it for quite a few years. - Jeff
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I got a pair of gsxr1000 k1 forks that i want to fit to my 1985 gsxr750 but they are too short . Any sugestions??? - Darren

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I recently fitted a dyna 2000 ignition and crank sensor to my gsxr 1100 89 model.Im using standard coils and the prob is i have no spark and the box isnt testing properly,the test light stays on continously on box even with the earth disconnected,any idea's. - Steve

That is an excellent question. Gearheads, help! Send responses with the form.

i just got a 89 gsxr and having trouble with it whe i first got it it was hard to start and if im riding it and get in it all the way it bougs down i have to back off just a little and it runs it has an after market exch and k&n pods air filter can any one help - John

Sounds like jetting issues to me. What else, readers?
Sounds like the carbs are very dirty/unbalanced. I recomend taking off and giving a good clean. May be enough to get back running properly. Could do with balancing too. Have you checked for any holes in the exhaust too? - Steve
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Did a steering damper come stock with 1990 GSXR-1100? Or can i fit another year / model to it? I plan to do track days. - Fraz

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Probally teaching most to suck eggs here but i had no idea how to remove my GSXR750H (1986) carbs for cleaning. Here is a guide to what i did.
1. Remove seat.
2. Remove tank bolts infront of seat
3. Unscrew petrol tap making sure pointing down in the ON position
4. Pull up tank and remove fuel lines.
5. Lift tank out.
6. Unfasten the air filter box (3 bolts)
7. Slacken the 8 clips attaching both sides of the 4 carbs around the carb boddies.
8. Pull pack the rubber from the airbox side on all carbs until clear. (These are a pain and will need to be worked off pushing back into the air box)
9. One airbox side clear. Put seat back on. Sit on seat and grab the carb assy pulling firmly side to side out of the front rubber hoses.
10. Undo the throttle assembly (slaken the nuts at the bottom and slide out)
11. Clean carbs.
12. To replace carb assy remove air filter from air box as gives better access to the rubber hoses to push back on. Remove and Spray all airbox rubber hoses with WD40 to aid lubrication.
13. Push the carb assy back into the engine side and tighten up the 4 clips round the carb bodies. Make sure all the way in.
14. From the airbox push the hoses back in. Rememeber the 2 side rubbers are different as have angled hoses.
15. Using brute force take your time working the hoses through the airbox and over the individual carbs. You need to make sire you get the rubber seal through all the way around so sits over the plastic lip on the carb side creating a good seal 15. Put back the 4 remaining clips.
16. Put tank back on. Reverse take off procedure.
17. Youre done. Put back all parts of filter and bike back together.
18. Turn fuel onto lfet or right position to allow fuel to flow. Wait a while turning throttle. You may hear the carbs filling. Pull choke in and out a few times.
19. Start your engine. May splutter to start with.
20. Hopefully all running well after a 5 minute run.
Hope this helps. While fiddly and a pain in the backside is possible for anyone to do. - Steve H

Thank you for this exhaustive list! When I took mine out for rejetting, I remember chanting to myself, rock, rock, rock the carbs. There isn't enough clearance to pull them forward off the airbox, but I got there eventually without removing the airbox. - Rose

I'm very tempted to buy my first GSXR 750 (86 model). It's had a different paint scheme and I'd want to return it to the original blue/white scheme like I saw when they first came out - where could I buy a good complete decal kit from? thanks, Andy

I recently repaired some crash damage on my lower fairing, and found all the decals at BikeBandit.com. Remember the bike came out in two color schemes originally, red/black like the photo on the home page, and blue/white. I think you can tell which is my favorite! ;-)- Rose

Wanted to see if anyone had an ideas about Long-term storage of gas tanks. I have 3 tanks that I'm not currently using, and the GSXR is prone to rusting in the rear area. I was thinking of using a very light weight oil (5/30). But I wanted to dilute it a bit further to make sure it spreads across all surfaces on the inner walls of the tank. I thought of using Acetone or mineral spirts, something with a high evaporation rate. Anyone have any other ideas? - Greg

A mechanic once told me to keep the tank filled with gas + gas treatment. I know, doesn't sound safe because you basically have a bomb sitting in your garage. - Rose
- Thanks but gas+treatment isn't an option. These are to be stored for several years. Additionally I live in Chicago, lots of humidity and rain. I'm planning to add a thinned out oil and roll the tank around several times to coat the walls and then drain the excess. - Greg
You had a question about long term storage of gas tanks, I would suggest that this my work..
http://www.kreemproducts.net/p-17-kreem-combo-pak.aspx "Kreem Fuel Tank Liner is designed for use as a preventive maintenance product in metal and fiberglass tanks, new or old: containing gasoline, gasohol, or diesel. Kreem Fuel Tank Liner has a unique formulation with extremely rapid set-up, that arrests corrosion, prevents leakage from hairline cracks and seam pinholes by coating the tank’s inner surface with a fuel resistant elastomer. Kreem Fuel Tank Liner contains titanium dioxide which gives a high degree of light reflectance to aid in visual inspection of the tank’s interior during application." - Yor Suiris
Hey readers, have another idea? Send with the form and I'll post it.

I read that the 85/86/87 750's from Japan had restricted power outputs of 77BHP as against 100BHP standard. How can I tell if my bike is a restricted model and are they easty to de-restrict? - Andy

Interesting, I hadn't heard that before. Anyone else? Send with the form and I'll post it.

I have a 87 gsxr 750, just bought it. It has spark when I try to start it the thing just backfires once and a while. Checked the timing it is dead on. Can anyone help me? - Mike King

Comments: if it has fire you will need to sync the carbs - j harris
Got any ideas for him? Send with the form and I'll post it.

Hi Guys, What is the cheapest way to modify an 88 GSX-R 750 for "sit-up" style handlebars similar to a SV650? I'm wanting to go with the naked/streetfighter style because I have a bad wrist and shoulder. I hate to chop up an oldie but goodie, but I can't afford anything else at the moment. Thanks, Doug

Doug, I got around this on my 1986 750 by taking the front and rear end off an 1100 as it has the top yolk and with a bit more length and bigger tyres makes it more stable, with only a half fairing round the lights and finished in black it does look good. Stuart

I have 1989 gsxr750 with the 4.5 rear wheel and I want to install a 92 5.5 will it bolt right on my swing arm are will have to change the swing arm to a newer one

Hi, it will fit right on, you have to use your spacers and caliber anker. cheers, Nikos
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I own a 85/86 gsxr750f slabside, are front brake calipers from any other model likely to fit? As mine are shot, Thanks.

Comments: no 89 and up will if you use spacers in your wheel and their discs - j harris
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I have a Suzuki GSX R 750 1986 and am finding it hard to find a carburetors or parts for it.It has RS 34 flatslides.Can any other carbs be used? Thanks. - craig

I own a 1986 GSXR 1100 with less than 10,000 original miles on it and always garage kept. I have found tons of odd stuff for it at Babbits on-line. they have a ton of the more common stuff but also have some of the harder stuff to find as well. The warehouse must be huge. My bike is 100% factory except for the pipe. - Jeff Reid
- Thanks for the tip!
Other favorite sources? Send with the form and I'll post them.

Will an 87 gsxr swingarm fit a 97 katana 750? - Jerry

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I rode my bicycle twenty miles to see this motorcycle back in 1986 (I was 16). Saturday I bought one, a 86 gsxr750! It has 10k on it and though I would be happy just to stare at it all day I'd rather ride it. But there are some issues such as will not idle with choke off and bogs down a little when twisting the throttle then takes off also shoots and orange flame out the pipe at redline. I don't want to hurt it so any ideas for this would be great! Plus what preventative maintenance should be done now! Thanks to all - - Doug

Sounds like serious jetting issues to me. Try to find here or elsewhere stock carbs, airbox, jets, and exhaust pipe.
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I've bought a set of 1985 gsxr750 flat slide carbs32mm. Can I fit them to my 1986 gsxr 1100g? Will they give me better performance then the standard carbs? What jets & inlet boots do I need to use? thanks, leon

Leon, These carbs should slip right in to the 1100 intake boots, I am not sure about the airbox, if you are running one. Your 1100 should have 34mm carbs, but, flat slides should still flow slightly more than the original CV carbs. You can fit any air/oil cooled gsxr carbs into any motor, 600, 750, 1100, 1200, but carbs 36mm, and above require 91-92 intake boots. Hope this helps, Eric

I have a problem with the front brake switch, it sticks on then some times come back on. I've replace switch wiring and black button it works better but every couple of times it will stick on, can you help? Andre

Have you tried some good, old fashioned WD40 in the switch housing? Or maybe filing down the housing around the switch so it has more play?- Rose

Hi!.I am from Spain and I am sure you can help on this .I have a 87GSXR1100 and I want to paint it as the 86 blue/red.The problem is that in Spain it was not sold that model so we do not have nor "pantone" reference for the paint nor how it was painted.Do you know someone than could help me on that?.Thanks for your help!...it is been nice to find some other mad people for GSXR far from home! Yours, Inaki

I've build a street fighter GSXR1100WP took me 2 years looks great runs crap due to carbs tried 2 sets had dynojet stage 3 fitted I'm put of with the carbs known for floats getting stuck i would like to fit a different carb any suggestions on what carbs will fit thanks Len

Hi Len, If you could describe the running condition in the best detail you can, ie: throttle pos, rpm,what exactly happens, ETC. these carbs usually run well, and are not bad to tune. I'm sure you can get them to work. I'll se if I can help. Eric

I'm looking at putting a slabside 750 in my bandit and was told to use flatside carbs, will they go straight on or will i have to have them tuned to the motor? - Dan

HI, no guarantees, but I have used the same flatslides on my 600,750, and 1100 gsxr without any jetting changes at all! All were dyno'ed,and they all ran great. You should be in the ballpark, without too much effort. Hope that helps, Eric, and yes the 600 was a Katana motor, not a watercooler!

Will a 93 gsxr 1100 engine fit a 95 gsxr 750? Thanks for your time.

You're welcome, but that's off topic for this site. Try gixxer.com

My new 1986 GSXR 1100 has mikuni flatslide carbs, I think, no airbox or filters. I'm having a hard time finding filters that fit. the outboard carbs either hit the frame or the filters hit each other at the sides, the intake throats are very close together. The intake O.D. are 58mm or approx 2.2 inches. any ideas. Thanks

I was just told by Don of Scuderia West that stock jets do not need much dialing in, so the best option with filter and/or exhaust issues is to go back to all stock. See if you can find the carb boots and a stock airbox. I found a schematic on BikeBandit: http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/suzuki-motorcycle-gsxr750g-1986-air-cleaner/o/m6223sch245251
I know it's a hassle to get the boots attached because there's almost no clearance between the carbs and the airbox, but I have done it, it just takes a lot of jiggling them in there and patience. Think like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

have just got 87 gsxr750 and some one as started to streetfighter it have a problem with the flatside carbs no air filters if i cover the air filter inlet up with a rag it starts and revs like mad when i move the rag she cuts out been told k&n filters which i got and then jetting but what size jets and which ones can some one help thanks lee

I personally hate those single K&N filters, but that's my opinion. If I had your bike, I'd look for a stock airbox. I'd love for someone to give me a good reason to use those things.
These bikes are no longer competitive as race bikes, they are most valuable to us for the artistry of their engineering and design, and massively fun to ride!
Also, it's hella hassle to remove the carbs. If you have to do it, take a deep breath and rock them out sideways a millimeter at a time.- Rose
best bet is to fit a dynajet kit which comes with the right size jets and needles and springs for the sliders.you can choose from 2 kinds, one to be used with stock exhaust and air filter and another for use with racing exhaust and k&n filters. regards, michelle
Are these flatslides, as you state, or OEM CV carbs. If Flatslide racing carburetors, the rag should not make that much difference. Try raising the needle a notch, adjust the accelerator pump for a bit more fuel, richen up the idle mixture screw, or a little of all of the above, and GET FILTERS!!! If these are CV carbs, you almost have to use filters. If you have a stage three kit, raise the slide needles a notch or two, and richen the idle mixture screw. Let us know what happens. Eric
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I just bought a 86 GSXR 750 it has the 4 k&N puck filters owner said it was jetted and has a yosh racing pipe. It runs okay in high rmps but slow traffic or at lights it bougs out and have to ride the clutch just to leave lights and if I ride at same speeds it starts to die out feels like plugs are getting wet but looks good when I take them off. if I ride a bit and stop it runs rough till I rev it up. not smooth power on power of nothing i n between. hard to ride. any one know what the jetting size are for 86 gsxr or what can I do to make it smooth with the yosh pipe and the filters. I tried many times playing with the needle height nothing works right it at very top. it the best so far but not right. hard to turn smooth power is choopy on of. also slight back fire keeping revs at 3 4000 rpms when powers on it moves need help - Arda

I have a similar set up and a similar problem. Mine doesn't sound as bad as yours though. Not sure what size jets go with the Yoshimura pipe, but if you still have stock jets, you're better off trying to find a stock pipe. - Rose

What engines will fit my 97gsx750 katana frame? Any help is greatly appreciated, Jerry

i want to remove the back end and put a better one on so its all open can anyone tell me whitch one would be the best it has to cary two people without too much chopping - john

hi,i have a 86 gsxr1100 and i have a 91 gsxr750 cdi is it posible to fit the 1100. thanks, regards, michelle

I've got a 86' GSXR 750. I dont have the fairings on it and after running in a hard rain it acted like the rev limiter was kicking in at 4Krpm. The limit crept up a little at a time over a few days of dry weather till it cleared up. I believe I want to replace the coils. Can I get a recommendation on the right coils to get? Is there any chance this is a malfunction in the rev limiter? Where is the rev limiter? - Adam

this model rev limiter is the cdi, so can't be touched. the misfirring is probably becouse the rubbers of the spark plug cap are broken and your geting water in the plugs well. Regards, Michelle

i've got a 1986 gsxr1100g. I don't know if its a u.k model, are non uk models restricted in any way? and what way? also what's the best carb for it 36mm/38mm what model is it straight swap? thanks, leon

36MM CARBS WORK GREAT WITH STOCK HEADS AND STAGE 3 JET KIT. IF YOU FLOW THE HEADS 38 WILL WORK, BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO PUT ON BIGGER IN TAKE BOOTS.THE 36MM WORK GOOD WITH THE STOCK BOOTS - Unsigned

What is a cherry 1986 GSXR LTD worth these days? 950 miles, and looks like it. All stock including the pipe and tires. - Mark

Garaged for the last 22 years or restored?
- Perfect, original, unrestored, 950 miles. Not even any corrosion. Like outta the crate. - Mark
Well, ok then, what do YOU think (you 86 gsxr website readers)? Send responses with the form.

Will the CDI (part number) 32900-31310 or 131100-3581 work on my GSXR750 86 motor? - Aidan

That is an excellent question (that I just sort of understand ;-)) Gearheads, help! Send responses with the form.

i have a 85 gsxr &want to make it into a street fighter,any ideas or suggestions on what can be done to expose the rear more,i don't like the rear panels&also any info on how to change to a set of straight bars so its more comfortable to ride for more than couple of hours. - Ron Keats

please could anyone help me as regarding japanese frame numbers for slabsides i have 3 bikes beginning with gr71f 1067xx,1017xx,1066xx they are on uk plates but am not sure what year they are uk bikes are easy to check but i have had no luck with japanese imports thanks - Harry

hi i have a 86 gsxr 750 i would like to know how hard is it to fit a 87 gsxr 1100 motor thanks heaps guys Aaron smith

I have just completed installing an 88 1100 motor in my 750. It is a direct bolt in. The trouble comes from the electronics. You can use the 750 CDI but the redline is 13000 rpm the 1100 motor is 11000 rpm. You have to be careful. I installed an 1100 CDI but you have to have some knowledge of electrical wiring and schematic reading. Over all it is fairly simple if you have patience. - Corey

Can you tell me if a 86 gsxr 1100 swingarm will fit my 86 gsxr 750? thanks mike

My 86 gsxr 750 has seemed to have lost spark only on #2 cylinder. I have replaced plug, boot, and cleaned connections. Someone said that not only one side of the coil would not blow. True? Does anyone have any further ideas of what could be keeping me from riding?

I'm interested to know about interchanging the 1989 GSX 750 Katana motor into the 1987 GSXR 750 frame. Do carbs, electric..etc interchange? I run 86/87 GSXR 750's and have a spare Katana motor, never tried bolting it in to the GSXR. Any GSXR guru out there have a comment? - Greg (847)445 9616

Greg, I just bought some motor mounts from you. Hopefully I can help. Everything is a direct swap, however you may need both manuals as some of the pins (for the cdi plug) may need to be to be moved if you use a Kat cdi in a GSXR or vice versa. The carbs and all should swap np problem. Eric

Will a 92 katana 750 cdi box work with a 86 gixxer 750? - chuck

Doubt it, but maybe someone will know for sure. Gearheads, send comments for posting using the form below.- Rose

Can any one please tell me what 3 spoke wheels will fit my 86 slabside gsxr 750 with out 2 many mods to the bike? - John

I’m pulling this off the top of my head but… 88 - 93 750 are the easiest. The rear is a bolt on with your stock caliper, hanger and spacers. The front is a little trickier, you need a spacer made to run through the bearings and center wheel spacer so it will fit your axle and you need 88 - 93 rotors and 86-88 1100 calipers. Then you need to have some fender spacers made to lower the front fender. I think that’s about it. - Mark

I have owned my 85 GSXR 750 for 18 yrs now. It is stock standard with 64000 k's on the clock. Just installed new front tyre and notice it is weaving at over 160 kph. The bike has never done this before. I don't think it's the tyres fault. Short of putting new suspension all round, what can be done? I feel stiffening the suspension up may help. Rear shock is straight forward but how are the forks tensioned or stiffened up on this model? - Shane

In response to Shane's 85 GSXR weaving problem, I have a little info that might help.

I've had my 85 GSXR 750 since January 1986 and have had numerous instances of high speed wobbles all the way to violent tank slappers somehow managing to keep the bike upright.

Tightening the suspension will more than likely increase the problem because stiffening the bike amplifies the vibrations.

The reason 85's wobble or twitch is because the swing arm is shorter that year than 86/87. This makes the bike very short and nimble but a bit nervous and twitchy. Suzuki recognized the problem and fixed it for 1986. I plan to swap my swing arm for an 86/87 to improve mine but if that isn't possible make absolutely certain that your rims are true, the wheels are both balanced and matched, and make sure that your fork seals are good. I had a slight leaking tube on one side and it unbalanced the suspension just enough to weave at high speeds. Oh, and don't tighten the suspension too much.

* I like Metzlers... They seem to work well. I managed a very violent wobble popping the wheel ever so slightly off the ground between 1st & 2nd hard on the throttle one day but that was the only time.

Cheers,
Andrew

my 86' gsxr 750r at high speed the bike starts to wobble, but now im getting vibrations in the seat and foot pegs although its not in any way limiting the bikes power, it just feels dangerous is it my shocks maybe what do you think and any solution(apart from slowing down) Thanks, Matt

Look into the response above by Andrew, especially the part about making sure your suspension is balanced.- Rose
As always, your comments are welcome here. Use the form below

I have an 86 slingshot 750 and it has k&n filters and yoshimura pipe. Bike seems to cut out at high rpm. Any ideas? Just doesn't seem to run right. - Scott

Mine has done something similar ever since getting the after market jets and pipe too. I was told to get the carbs dyno tuned. Not everyone does that for old bikes anymore. Let us know if you find a good tuner. - Rose

HEY GUYS OK I HAD MY CARBS CLEANED, SYNCED, NEW PLUGS AND NEW AIR FILTER. FIRST CRANK MY BIKE IT RUNS FINE UNTIL ABOUT 45 MINS WORTH OF RIDING. THEN THE BIKE STARTS DOING A LOT OF POPPING WHEN I GIVE IT THROTTLE AND ALSO RUNS ROUGH AT LOW SPEED AND WANT IDLE. SINCE THE CLEANING AND OTHER FEW THING I CAN TELL A DIFFERENCE .IT IS MORE RESPONSIVE. CAN YOU TELL WHAT IS WRONG OR POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THANKS.- Dee

In response to Dee's question:
Sounds like the ignition coils are overheating. Replace them with a good aftermarket set. The originals are junk even when new. - Rod
i had dyna coil and new lead in my 3 gixers and it the best i had REGARD MICHELLE

The Standard '86 rear shock is a bit basic. Are the any Shocks from other Make/ Models that will bolt right in?- Cadium

Agreed, the stock shock is subpar. Mine has an aftermarket Fox shock. Anyone know about fitting other models?- Rose
I've fitted an Ohlins rear shock and that made an enormous improvement. Next will be cartridges for the front forks. Ohlins as well. That should complete the suspension upgrades as soon as I set them up.... - Tony Gilligan
a shockie from a 04 yamaha r1 will fit a gsxr 750 f 85 model
you need to grind about 6 mm of the bottom shockie mount ( not on the bike) - Davie W

hi can you tell me the colours of the 87 h model the blue ones.or better still the codes..thanks regards- Al

I googled and found this website of Suzuki model codes http://www.motolit.com/suzukiserial.html.- Rose
Recently discovered that link is dead. Try this one: http://www.suzukicycles.org/_misc/identification.shtml - Rose