Editor’s note: If you’re having trouble with that old Suzuki, BSA or BMW, Keith Fellenstein is your guy. From motorcycle tuning tips to detailed motorcycle engine repair, he can draw from a wealth of experience to help guide you to success. Send questions to: Keith’s Garage, Motorcycle Classics, 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609, or send an email with “Keith’s Garage” as the subject.
Q: I am trying to get my 1981 Suzuki GS450 into shape to transport via trailer from Minnesota to Florida to give to my daughter’s boyfriend to restore. The bike needs work. Right now the electrics are not working right, so I can’t get it started or even light up the lights.
The biggest issue right now is even though I think I shifted it into neutral (engine not running), I can not get it to roll forward or reverse easily so I can get it up on a trailer. With effort, I can get it to roll backwards very slowly feeling a lot of resistance in the rear tire as it turns.
With a lot of effort we can push it forward, but the rear tire does not turn. It just drags along. Any ideas on what we can do to get the rear wheel turning freely so I can easily get it loaded on a trailer?
Thanks very much for any thoughts.
— Rick Ross/via email
A: I’d start by really loosening up the rear brake linkage and see if that helps. If that doesn’t, you’ll probably have to take the rear wheel off to visually inspect the brakes and drum, and maybe the rear wheel bearings.
