Motorcycle Repair: RESTORATION NIGHTMARE, aluminum bracket, suzuki dealer

Question
MY E-MAIL IS  JANAEMURRAY@YAHOO.COM
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1985 SUZUKI GV700GL MADURA. IT WAS IN POOR SHAPE BUT THE PRICE WAS RIGHT, AND I LOVE A GOOD PROJECT. PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE BIKE I CALLED THE LOCAL SUZUKI DEALER TO CHECK ON PARTS AVAILABILITY. THE GUY SAID PARTS FOR MID 80'S BIKES SHOULD BE READILY AVAILABLE. NOTHING COULD BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH. THE BIKE WAS LAID OVER AND THE ALUMINUM BRACKET THAT HOLDS EXHAUST AND REAR FOOT ON THE LEFT SIDE IS BROKEN AND IS DISCONTINUED. THE BIKE IS FINE AT IDLE, BUT AS SOON AS YOU GIVE IT THROTTLE IT WANTS TO STALL. FUEL DELIVERY RIGHT? I'LL BE A MONKEYS UNCLE IF I CAN FIND THE FUEL FILTER ON THE THING.I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS PARTIALLY BLOCKED. I'VE DISCOVERED IT HAS A FUEL PUMP. ALSO, HOW DO I TEST THIS AND FIND OUT IF IT IS WORKING PROPERLY? NOW I HAVE MADE A FEW CHANGES TO THE BIKE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THE MANUFACTURE CALLS FOR NGK D8EA PLUGS, WHICH IS WHAT I PUT BACK IN IT. HOWEVER, 3 OF THE PLUGS I TOOK OUT WERE D7EA AND 1 D8EA. ALSO THE GAS WAS OLDER THAN ME, SO I DRAINED IT AND PUT FRESH GAS IN IT. I DREAD TO THINK THIS PROBLEM IS IN THE CARBS. KITS ARE DISCONTINUED. I ALSO NEED COMPLETE EXHAUST AND THATS DISCONTINUED ALSO. CAN YOU HELP ME?

                ROB

Answer
Hi Rob,

You're not the first to have Madura woes. Try Ebay and internet searches for Madura parts and resources.

The D7EA plugs are the next step temperature range plugs. There should be no problems from using them. Use the D8EA's as designed, though.

Fuel in the carburetors and other fuel related components and hoses has likely varnished. If so, the carbs will need thoroughly cleaned to restore proper performance.

I sent a link and tech files to your email.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively