Suzuki GS550E

[Maha]

So I have my eye on a GS550 (1982) low K's.
I would buy it for a 2nd bike.
What would be a 'con' to look out for?

[Edbear]

So I have my eye on a GS550 (1982) low K's.
I would buy it for a 2nd bike.
What would be a 'con' to look out for?

I'm jealous! A great bike! I remember when Suzuki released them, Two Wheels had a comparo with the GT550 2-stroke triple. Both bikes were highly praised for smoothness and easy riding. Quite a performer for the capacity at the time.

Regular servicing is a must as with most bikes. Remember though you are buying an old bike and it may need fettling re: suspension, swing-arm bushes, brakes, head-bearings, etc. But you probably know all this already. Parts may not be easy to get, but others here into classics should be helpful.

[nudemetalz]

Electrics (rectifiers etc) were the one thing to look out for with Suzukis of that age, from what I remember.

[Maha]

I'm jealous! A great bike! I remember when Suzuki released them, Two Wheels had a comparo with the GT550 2-stroke triple. Both bikes were highly praised for smoothness and easy riding. Quite a performer for the capacity at the time.

Regular servicing is a must as with most bikes. Remember though you are buying an old bike and it may need fettling re: suspension, swing-arm bushes, brakes, head-bearings, etc. But you probably know all this already. Parts may not be easy to get, but others here into classics should be helpful.

Heres the Bike Ed, see what I mean about the tail section?

[pete376403]

www.thegsresources.com for everything you wanted to know
www.suziparts.com.au for NOS parts

[RDjase]

Electrics (rectifiers etc) were the one thing to look out for with Suzukis of that age, from what I remember.

If you have a dodgy battery or jump start it and let the charging system try and charge a dead battery you will cook your stator and reg/rec

Standard sukuki problem of that time

Take a multi meter and check its charging and the stator wires from the engine arnt burnt and have melted the plug to the wiring loom. Also check the earth leads to to frame and the earth lead to to reg/rec,

[Edbear]

Heres the Bike Ed, see what I mean about the tail section?

Yeah, definitely not the original tail section. Looks tidy though!

[terbang]

Yup a goodie for sure. I have a bit of a penchant for old 1100's from that vintage, though I don't know a lot about the 550's. Keep yer battery in good shape as they had a tendency to fry rectifiers, but there are a few good fixes out there now (including a honda part) that will easily and cheaply sort that out. I notice a bit of a daggy old 4 into 1 on it, keep an eye on that as its probably a rowdy old straight pipe and I wonder if the engine was jetted to suit.
All those old girls are a bit "spindly" in the front end and are underbraked in the front and overbraked on the rear. Makes them a challenge to ride, but not impossible and adds to the challenge, thus enjoyment of the old girls. . It's the way things were.
Enjoy...

[Maha]

Its coming down in price, I was going to offer $1800 when it was $2000 ono.
Reckon I could own it for $1500?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-287849891.htm

[wysper]

What would be a 'con' to look out for?

That it becomes your most favouritest bike rather than the second bike! :niceone: