Suzuki RE5

[Lucien Harpress]

Wow... That is AMAZING to hear. I forget- I read these bikes were supposed to be overly-complex, but were they overly-temperamental as well? Maybe not....

Oh, and as always...

[82aspy]

what's the carb story? 1? 2? sounds like no carb parts required?!

Well, after changing out fluids and cleaning the carb, she started up like it was 1975 again. And after 34 years....... Wow.

[Dirty Dave]

Sorry. The picture woulda been a bunch of old guys jumping up and down with the Suzook running in the background. The carb was reassembled with all original parts after being boiled in lemon juice. The rubber intake hose had a huge hole in it after leaking gas ate through it but duct tap took care of that for the initial start up. Now the works starts. So many little thing to get it roadworthy. My old buddy who I rode across Canada & the US with in 77 was ecstatic when his RE5 rumbled to life. I was trying for years to get that bike over to my garage. Looks like a buncho seniors will be riding together in the spring to the Americade on old motorcycles. Good times ahead. I needed a new project as all is well with my 2 Hondas. I promise pics when it's looking pretty!

[Dirty Dave]

The RE5 is complete. Everything is functional with new bearings and rubber. After 34 years in hibernation, I thought it would be tougher. Will post pics after all the cosmetics are touched up.

[Dirty Dave]

Downer alert.

Years have gone by without my buddy being able to iron out the complicated carb & valving
procedure so, back into his shed it went. Bikes & Beards has an identical model Craig may
be attempting some time.

My buddy died March 8th last month so.....

Who knows?

[gltriker]

So sorry to learn your Buddy has left you, Dave...

[wingrider]

Sorry to hear of your buddy...those type of projects can be hard to finish when they were the ones that wanted to see it through.

[Dirty Dave]

I seem to be losing a buddy a month recently. Comes with the Ol' Man territory I guess.
I used to be the young guy in my groups. So many are alive but not longer are able to ride.

I appreciate the comradery here though.....

[RSTman]

Really sorry about your buddy.
I'm just about to wade into an RE5 resto, the carb is on the bench. It's complex to say the least, good job there is only one of them!
Jerry

[Dirty Dave]

Wow.

It's a complicated relationship involving 3 ports if I remember.
Couldn't get it right. I would really like to know where we went wrong
if you nail it. Good luck.

[RSTman]

Yes, two throttle bodies and three butterfly throttles, one of which is part of the engine and one operated by a vacuum diaphragm! Has an accelerator pump too. I'm slowly getting my head round it. Predictably someone has been there before me, causing some damage so I'm hoping it's salvageable.
Jerry

[wingrider]

I don’t watch this fella to much, but interesting that he was working on an RE5…

[Whiskerfish]

Guy up the street from me does Rotary engine drag cars. Have talked to him briefly, there is a language barrier. I was asking hm how he gets more performance from them and basically all he does is add more air and gas.

[RSTman]

Turns out the accelerator pump jet is toast on my Re5 carb. So far its resisting all attempts to remove it. I did get the bike idling nicely though. Regular rides on the GL1000 are keeping me chilled out
Jerry

[Dirty Dave]

Yeah the video of the Bearded Mechanic (Craig) that wingrider posted is interesting.

I may have another crack at the RE5 if my buddy's wife wants that.
I'm a glutton for punishment I guess.