Not the usual bike for a long trip I know, but a US based friend has very kindly offered me his Suzuki GS250 for a 2-3 month trip (I'm based in the UK). The bike had been standing for a while and on starting is leaking oil around the clutch pushrod. The seal has been relaced but it's still leaking. There's also a lot of free play on the shaft. Any ideas?

We were wondering whether there's another seal further inside the motor or whether we're missing something painfully obvious.

I'm flying out on 31st July and will be well and truly stuffed if we can't get this sorted, so any help gratefully received.

Thanks for looking, Richard Smith

I have passed this on to the Vintage Jap email list in the hope of getting some help, but could you tell me what year and model this on is? There are GS250 twins and fours.
Regards

Nigel in NZ

It's a 1981 Suzuki GS250 twin. Didn;t know they did a four. Thanks for your help!

I have had quite a bit of action on this one from the list. The two most offered suggestions are that the push rod is the first thing to suffer is the chain comes off. Make sure it is dead straight and smooth. Also, it is not uncommon for the oil seal to leak around the housing too, so put sealant around the edge of the oil seal before you tap it into place (a socket of the right size to fit just inside the housing is what I use, but I am sure you guys have that part covered too). I hope one of those suggestions work. Actually the request for help has generated a lively discussionas to wether it is a go ida to tour on a small bike. It's seems to have devided itself into two camps; those who think you are mad to try it on US roads (mostly Americans who think touring on anything less than a 650 is an invitation to be run down) and those who think it's a great idea but keep off the freeways (mostly everyone else). Personally, I often ride a 50cc bike on the open road and am planning to use a Suzuki TS185 for my big trip. You're singing to the choir here mate!

Regards

Nigel in NZ

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--"How can I be lost if I don't care where I am?"--

Two good suggestions there. Thanks for the tips. I'll email matey in the US and get him to check it out.

I'm going to see as much of the USA as possible on my little 250. I've been offered it as a favour from a mate so I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth. I'm going to do this trip as cheaply as possible (I'm not a wealthy man!) so a ratty 250 is ideal. He's not fussy about getting it back with bits hanging off it (or getting it back at all!) and I quite like the idea of throbbing around on an "unsuitable" bike, patching it up as I go, camping rather than hoteling it etc. I just love being a cheapskate!

It's not what you ride, it's the way that you ride it!

Cheers mate,

Rich