My Suzuki GS425 Twin / Kawasaki Mojave ATV Project

[Bill__Woods]

Hello to all,
I wanted to get your opinions on my new project:
My GS425 Twin Cylinder Kawasaki Mojave ATV Project
Let me know what you think, I could use some feedback!

[wildbill]

I can`t view your link. Sounds like a interesting project.

[Bill__Woods]

Hi Wild Bill,
The link works for me
Go to http://www.metriccycles.com
than Click on Articles at the top.
It is the 2nd article on the page.
Hope this helps

[wildbill]

I like it, sharp. I think you have a real sleeper hid there. Those engines will throw out more heat so I would keep a eye on that but it looks like you have the bases covered good. The more you ride it you might have to correct some bugs but I don`t think you will have anything major.Good luck and have fun.

[Geezer]

A guy in Vancouver, WA put a KZ550 in his quad. I doubt it would fit but I'd like to try a XS650 twin in one. It shure would be a torquer...

Geezer

[Bill__Woods]

Hey Geezer,
Being a bike mechanic from back in the day, what can you tell me about the GS Twin engines? Mainly the GS400, GS425, and the GS500? Anything I need to know?

Thanks

[Geezer]

Originally posted by Bill__Woods
Hey Geezer,
Being a bike mechanic from back in the day, what can you tell me about the GS Twin engines? Mainly the GS400, GS425, and the GS500? Anything I need to know?

Thanks

Nothing really important to know, they were good but not exciting motorcycles. Suzuki in general has transmissions that are expensive to fix but they're as reliable as any thing else. Don’t jam the gears and you should be alright.

As I recall they were all 8 valve engines. The 4 valve per cylinder Suzuki’s went like stink but I don't recall if that technology ever trickled down to the 400 series.

Geezer

[Bill__Woods]

Hello again,
Geezer, the GS425 is 2 valves per cylinder. They did not make a 4 valve per cylinder version of the GS425.
I think a Yamaha XS650 would fit in a Yamaha Warrior Frame, or maybe a Kawasaki lakota frame.
I can deal with "good, but not exciting"
, as I am buiding this ATV for Trail Riding, not Racing. I picked the GS435 for a few reasons.
1. Non-peaky powerband, smooth throught the RPM range
2. The whole donor bike was $100.00
3. the original engine was about 20 HP, the GS425 is about 38HP. Hopefully the Uni pod air filters and the Dual Yosimura's bring it to about 40HP.

[Geezer]

I think it's going to work out well for you.

The only problem I can see is that the front plastic looks like it blocks the airflow a bit. Some trimming or ductwork might be worth considering. You didn't post any pictures from the front so it's hard to say.

I've wanted a Yamaha Warrior since they were a new item. I set up and test rode a few out of the crate. I'm fond of the XS650 engine for this because I want to be able to haul and elk out of a ravine with one... However I have more projects than I can currently handle or afford, so it'll have to wait.

Geezer

[Czekus21]

Good looking project. I agree that there will probably be a cooling issue but it looks good. Eventually, when I obtain a few more tools, I'll get around to fabricateing a go cart fitted with a Honda cb650 engine. This will happen but no time soon.

[Bill__Woods]

Hello,
I do not think cooling will be an issue, the front is pretty open. If it is an issue, I will add a electric fan to help out.
Hey Czekus21, I have a 1981 Honda CB650 4 cylinder you can have for your go-cart project. But you have to pick it up in circleville ohio, I will not ship it.

We got the Sprocket spacer made yesterday, we hope to test ride it tomorrow. I got the GS425 running good before stripping it down, so it should not take muck to make it ready for the test ride. I added a few new pictures to the article I am writing on the engine swap. More to come Sunday night or on Monday.

[Czekus21]

Thanks for the offer. That's exactlly what I've got under the work bench waiting for a chance to come back to life. Like a dummy, I sold the carbs but that's O.K. I'll probably go bigger anyway.