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Thread: 1981 Suzuki 550 Katana

  1. #16
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    9th August 2005 - 19:57
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    Yamaha MT09 Tracer
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    cool wee bike, i had one years ago. cycleworks 4 n 1 is a great pipe for these.. the slash cut one (with drilled baffle tip) they sound fantastic but not offensive
    'the stickiest situation since sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun'

    Cpt Edmund Blackadder

  2. #17
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    19th November 2007 - 13:39
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    1994 Triumph Trophy 1200
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    All over NZ
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    Nah keep the twin pipes as original (this isnt but I still reckons looks better) How are yah Flash!


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    Quote Jan 2020 Posted by Katman

    Life would be so much easier if you addressed questions with a simple answer.

  3. #18
    Join Date
    12th March 2014 - 19:23
    Bike
    1983 Suzuki GS650E
    Location
    Northland
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    24
    I had a CW slash cut on a 650E I had that sounded awesome.

    I may keep the ones on it at the moment. I think the headers are original, not mint but they're solid and may invest in a 4 - 1 when I find someone in welly with a 550 willing to take it to Damon at cycleworks to use asa jig haha.

    Im contemplating doing a 650 head swap as well so may as well just wait for the time being.

    Ive got to get a couple shims then it should be back together in no time.

  4. #19
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    19th November 2007 - 13:39
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tofu View Post
    I had a CW slash cut on a 650E I had that sounded awesome.

    I may keep the ones on it at the moment. I think the headers are original, not mint but they're solid and may invest in a 4 - 1 when I find someone in welly with a 550 willing to take it to Damon at cycleworks to use asa jig haha.

    Im contemplating doing a 650 head swap as well so may as well just wait for the time being.

    Ive got to get a couple shims then it should be back together in no time.
    Where in Northland are you.


    Quote Jan 2020 Posted by Katman

    Life would be so much easier if you addressed questions with a simple answer.

  5. #20
    Join Date
    14th July 2006 - 21:39
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    2015, Ducati Streetfighter
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    Christchurch
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    What is the benefit of the 650 head on the 550?

  6. #21
    Join Date
    15th February 2005 - 15:34
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    Katanasaurus Rex
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    The Gates of Delirium
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    Quote Originally Posted by AllanB View Post
    What is the benefit of the 650 head on the 550?
    You can swap the whole top end off a 650 and have the reliability of the roller bearing 550 bottom end.

  7. #22
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    9th August 2005 - 19:57
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    Gidday Murray..going well thanks mate. bloody hot here but!
    are you well?


    p.s budgie rules!
    'the stickiest situation since sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun'

    Cpt Edmund Blackadder

  8. #23
    Join Date
    12th March 2014 - 19:23
    Bike
    1983 Suzuki GS650E
    Location
    Northland
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    24
    Quote Originally Posted by Murray View Post
    Where in Northland are you.
    I was in Whangarei, I'm in otago now..

    The top end swap seems to be a good option for a bit more power. At the same time it would be nice just to ride this and get a bigger bike later on. There's two 1100 Kats on tm at the moment.

  9. #24
    Join Date
    25th March 2004 - 17:22
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    RZ496/Street 765RS/GasGas/ etc etc
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    Wellington. . ok the hutt
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tofu View Post
    Since posting this thread Ive done a bit to the bike.

    I have stripped it down to the frame and had it powder coated, purchased Hagon shocks for it, numerous new bushings, gaskets and bearings.

    Ive checked the tolerance for the cam chain and its in spec but shims are to be replaced.

    Im keeping the air box etc all factory but . . ..
    Lordy. Probably the most intelligent thing I've read for a while.

    It will never be a rocket but with change of fork oil and good steering bearings and shocks plus no silly intake mods will be quite capable for rooting around on having fun.

    I'd by precaution buy a charging warning LED

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Motorcy...:QWIAAOxyY9VRO

    Like this as Rectifier Regulators aren't strongest point.
    Keep oil level ok and std bulbs gives the starter best chance. Also ditch a battery that is slightly dodgy.
    Don't you look at my accountant.
    He's the only one I've got.

  10. #25
    Join Date
    12th March 2014 - 19:23
    Bike
    1983 Suzuki GS650E
    Location
    Northland
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    24
    I just brought another dirty old Kat.. @katman will cringe at this colour
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  11. #26
    Join Date
    13th June 2010 - 17:47
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    Exercycle
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    Out in the cold
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tofu View Post
    I was in Whangarei, I'm in otago now..

    The top end swap seems to be a good option for a bit more power. At the same time it would be nice just to ride this and get a bigger bike later on. There's two 1100 Kats on tm at the moment.
    I have a 650 barrel and pistons here. Good condition, good rings and pins. I broke an incmplete 650 engine a while back and kept these for just this swap.
    The 650 head is no better than the 550 IMO. Cams are not different enough to make a performance difference either.
    $200 buys - plus freight or can be collected inland Canterbury.

  12. #27
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    25th March 2004 - 17:22
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    RZ496/Street 765RS/GasGas/ etc etc
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    Wellington. . ok the hutt
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    I read about this in my Clymer manual with wistful contemplation. Actually when I blew a piston and had to buy 4 more and a rebore this would have been a better bet. At 18 it financially ruined me.

    30 mumble years ago I don't think I'd have found a $200 650 top end.
    Don't you look at my accountant.
    He's the only one I've got.

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