A Note from the
Owner
Mark
I just recently finished up the winter work on my '79 GS 550, and I
wanted to submit it for bike of the month.
This is my second 550, and the blue body parts, with the exception
of the new lower fairing I painted, came from my first '78 550. I
liked the blue so much I transferred all of the body parts over to
the '79 frame and motor after I got it running. I rescued this bike
from a barn, where it sat for over two years without running.
This winter, with the help of other Chicagoland GS'ers, we adjusted
the valves, cam tensioner, tested a silicone Real Gasket valve
cover, replaced the chain, added a slotted front bracket rotor,
installed new tires, polished the wheels, installed a H4 headlight
conversion, wrapped the exhaust header with header wrap, painted
the exhaust, made mounts for a new lower fairing, and painted the
lower fairing to match.
Last year I converted the point ignition to Dyna S electronic and
added Dyna green coils and wires. The carbs are fitted with Emgo
pod filters and rejetted. It has a Kerker 4-1 exhaust from a later
model 550, replaced rear master cylinder, original 550
seat, drag handlebars with new mirrors, ProGrip 721s, and I
run Mobil-1 Synthetic Oil in it. I'm probably forgetting some
things.
Future plans include new rear shocks, in black, and I am currently
painting a new front fender to replace the chrome one to finish off
the look.
I love my GS and wouldn't trade it for anything.
See you on the roads!
Adam Reinke
