1980 Suzuki GS550E Motorcycle

Scratches on gas tank. Newish battery, ood tires. A little rust in gas tank. Rips in seat. Newish tachometer.

Once the plastic side piece fell off and broke, o I jury-rigged it with Bondo, bolt, nd a wing nut.

Has always been garaged.

Biggest problem is it won’t start.

History:

I bought this bike used from a friend (the original owner) in 1991 for a trip from Boston to Alaska and back. The longest trip since then was from Boston to St. Louis and back, ut other than that, 've just driven it here and there over the years.

About 10 years ago, t started stalling a little in first gear when at stop signs and red lights.

Then two years ago, had a mechanic totally give it an overhaul. Sorry I can't be more specific than that. But when I got it back from him, t ran great.

BUT...it still stalled sometimes in first gear.

Then it started leaking oil if I warmed it up for a really long time or after about 30 minutes of driving on a hot day.

A mechanic I never used before replaced the valve cover gasket.

It still leaked so I took it to my normal mechanic. He said the gasket had slipped, nd he replaced it.

It still leaked, ut again, nly after getting hot. He replaced it again, ut no change.

Then it started stalling in more gears: first, econd, nd once on an exceptionally hot day, n third gear after about an hour of riding.

The last time I rode it was last year (the summer of 2014). After that, couldn’t get it started.

I’m not a mechanic, ut I think the stalling, il leak, nd not being able to start it are all related.

My mechanic wanted to replace the engine, ut I decided it’s time to sell it to someone who knows more about motorcycles than I do.