I just purchased a 1984 Suzuki GS 550 L and not sure if this is normal or not. When I start up the bike, it takes about 3 - 4 minutes with the choke on maximum, then slowly ease it off till it stays idling. The total warm up to idle is about 4 -5 minutes. I have never had this with other bikes I have had. The seller showed me the work he did on it and the receipts, so I believe the carbs were rebuilt as he says. Thanks

SOURCE: electrical problem

Suzukis aren't the only bikes with this problem. Certain Hondas are notorious for stator shorting. If you can get the temperature down you will be able to get MANY more miles out of the stator. I'm referring to the stator temperature. If you have any heavy load accessories (extra lights, boom box, etc.) you will need to get rid of them. If the battery is ancient it will really load up the alternator. Check out the rectifier. My last BMW had a small daylight running headlight that drew about a third of the night time headlight wattage. If all is well electrically, install an aftermarket oil cooler on the engine.

SOURCE: choke on a suzuki gs1100 gk /mikuni 34mm carbs

cables too tight , poor lubrication of choke and or throttle cable

Steve Allison

• 5569 Answers
• Posted on Apr 26, 2009

SOURCE: bike wont run when choke is at half way setting

Sounds a lot like fouled fuel jets in your carb; you may have a little work to do.
If the jets do not allow sufficient fuel to pass, using the choke can 'cheat' the carburetor by restricting the flow of air and restoring the fuel-air ratio. You can't ignore this problem since the 'cheated' condition does not let the engine develop the power for which it was designed.    

SOURCE: 82 Suzuki GS 550 L Spark plug gap

gap is approx 12-15 thou/ but if running points can vary trgoing over to cdi?

SOURCE: suzuki gs 550 bike wont start they said it doesnt spark?

points and condenser if not that then coil