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
