Market Position:
The Suzuki GR650 Tempest was positioned as a stylish and practical mid-size standard motorcycle in the early 1980s, appealing to riders seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and reliability for commuting and touring.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other mid-size standards from manufacturers like Honda (CB650SC Nighthawk), Yamaha (XJ650 Maxim), and Kawasaki (KZ650 CSR), often differentiating itself with its clean styling, shaft drive (on some variants), and Suzuki's reputation for build quality.
Key Features:
The GR650 Tempest was known for its comfortable riding position, smooth inline-four engine, and often shaft drive, which reduced maintenance compared to chain drives. Its styling reflected the popular cruiser/standard aesthetic of the era.
Manual Utility:
This manual provides dealership-level repair and maintenance information, offering a significant advantage for owners looking to perform their own servicing or understand complex repairs. The digital format allows for convenient access and selective printing, minimizing wear on physical documents.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, General Information, Transmission, Chassis, Lighting, Steering, Seat System, Clutch, Suspension, Locks, Brakes, Lubrication, Electrical, Frame, Fuel System, Battery, and other topics.
Page Count:
Not specified, but described as 'complete' and for dealership use.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description and common for such manuals)
Format:
Adobe Acrobat PDF
Systems Covered:
Comprehensive coverage of all major motorcycle systems including: Engine mechanical and electrical, carburetor adjustment and overhaul, transmission operation and repair, clutch operation and service, suspension (front fork and rear shock absorbers), braking system (front and rear), steering mechanism, fuel delivery system (tank, lines, pump, carburetor), electrical system (charging, ignition, lighting, starter), frame and chassis components, lubrication system, seat and bodywork.
Procedures Included:
Detailed step-by-step repair and maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic information, wiring diagrams, exploded views for component identification and reassembly, specifications for adjustments and torque settings, removal and installation instructions for all major components.
Technical Depth:
Extensive, covering everything from routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment) to complex engine overhauls, carburetor tuning, electrical system diagnostics, and chassis component repairs. Designed for professional dealership technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Carburetor Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for carburetor disassembly, cleaning, inspection, reassembly, and synchronization, including jetting specifications and float bowl adjustments.
Engine Rebuild:
Comprehensive guide for complete engine overhaul, including piston and ring replacement, cylinder inspection, crankshaft and connecting rod checks, valve lapping, and timing chain adjustment.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Includes detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting flowcharts for ignition, charging, lighting, and starting systems, and component testing procedures.
Suspension Overhaul:
Procedures for front fork seal replacement, oil level and type specification, rear shock absorber servicing (if applicable), and linkage lubrication.
Brake System Service:
Guidelines for brake fluid replacement, caliper inspection and service, piston and seal replacement, brake pad/shoe wear checks, and bleeding procedures.
Shaft Drive Maintenance:
Instructions for draining, refilling, and inspecting the final drive unit, including spline lubrication and universal joint checks.
File Format:
PDF (Adobe Acrobat)
File Size Consideration:
Files can be large, recommended for high-speed internet users. Dial-up users should inquire about file suitability.
Print Quality:
Printable, allowing users to select and print specific sections or the entire manual for physical reference.
Binding Type:
User printable and bindable in a 3-ring binder.
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format - user's choice for printing)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, Inline-four
Displacement:
650 cc (approximately 39.7 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
62.0 mm x 55.6 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (typical for era)
Horsepower:
Approx. 50-60 HP at 8,000-9,000 RPM (estimated, actual varies by market and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 35-40 lb-ft at 6,000-7,000 RPM (estimated)
Fuel System:
Carburetor(s) - typically dual Mikuni VM series or similar
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (CDI or similar) with dual spark plugs per cylinder
Lubrication System:
Wet sump with oil pump
Front Brake:
Disc brake (single or dual, depending on variant)
Rear Brake:
Drum brake (typical for this era)
Front Tire Size:
Typically 3.50-18 or 100/90-18
Rear Tire Size:
Typically 4.00-17 or 120/90-17
Lighting System:
12V system including headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals, and instrument illumination.
Infotainment System:
N/A (Analog instrument cluster: speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights).
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (Basic motorcycle controls and safety features of the era).
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No electronic connectivity features).
Electrical Components:
12-volt electrical system, CDI ignition, alternator for charging, electric starter motor, standard lighting and signaling.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months. Specifics detailed in the manual.
Spark Plug Service:
Check/replace every 6,000-10,000 km (3,700-6,200 miles). Manual provides correct gap and type.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Typically at 10,000-12,000 km (6,200-7,500 miles) intervals. The manual provides exact procedures and specifications.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 recommended. Specific viscosity depends on ambient temperature. Manual lists precise Suzuki recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.4 liters (3.6 US qt) with filter change. Manual confirms exact capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (check manual for specific recommendation)
Final Drive Gear Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80 API GL-4 or GL-5. Manual specifies correct type and capacity.
Common Issues:
Age-related wear on rubber components (hoses, seals), potential carburetor issues (clogging from fuel varnish), stator or regulator/rectifier failure (common in older electrical systems), and shaft drive spline wear. The manual is essential for diagnosing and rectifying these.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Generic filters such as HF138 or equivalent may fit, but the manual will list the original Suzuki part number or a direct cross-reference.
Brand Heritage:
Suzuki Motor Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer, has a long and storied history in motorcycles, known for innovation, performance, and reliability across various segments, from sportbikes to cruisers and off-road machines.
Model Evolution:
The GR650 Tempest was part of Suzuki's lineup in the early 1980s, an era of significant styling and technological advancement in motorcycles. It evolved from earlier Suzuki inline-four designs, incorporating features like shaft drive and updated aesthetics to compete effectively.
Production Period:
Produced in the early to mid-1980s, with the 1983 model year being a key example. Specific production end dates may vary by market.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Recognitions:
While specific awards for the GR650 are not widely documented, it was generally well-received for its performance, reliability, and styling within its class during the 1980s.
Contemporary Reviews:
Motorcycle publications of the era often praised its comfortable ride, smooth engine, and low-maintenance shaft drive. Handling was considered competent for a standard motorcycle.
