First Bike: Completely Factory 1980 GS550E

[Tenshots1]

Hey guys,

I just picked up my first street bike about a month ago. 1980 GS550E. Seems to be completely factory. If you see something that isnt factory or is missing, would you mind letting me know?Has 7,800 original miles on it and is in pretty good condition. Cost $1,300. Now I've been spending my time checking out the forum and trying to figure out all the maintenance for it etc.

[Nessism]

The seat cover and engine guards are not factory. Looks nice. Enjoy!

[dorkburger]

Nice cycle.. and welcome to the GSR.

[steve murdoch]

Welcome to the site.
Nice looking bike.
I don't think it should have a chrome chainguard and shouldn't there be badges instead of decals on the side cover?

[Charlie G]

Back in the day I wanted one of those!

cg

[SVSooke]

An ad from back in the day.Nothing on yours I'd be to worried about,case guards are a good thing and the mirrors and seat cover look OK

[Tenshots1]

Thanks for the welcomes guys! I do think the mirrors are a factory option, as I have seen some model pictures with them. O well, this way I won't feel bad when I put my own parts on it. BTW, I was just down working on it, replacing the air filter that also looked original! While there, I was looking for the fuel pilot on the carbs. I was surprised to see no screws on the sides or underneath them. Then, when I look towards the front of the carb on the inside, I see some copper adjustment looking screws. This is the fuel pilot correct?

[Guest]

The mirrors are accessory, there were no 'factory options' for mirrors.

[steve murdoch]

Thanks for the welcomes guys! I do think the mirrors are a factory option, as I have seen some model pictures with them. O well, this way I won't feel bad when I put my own parts on it. BTW, I was just down working on it, replacing the air filter that also looked original! While there, I was looking for the fuel pilot on the carbs. I was surprised to see no screws on the sides or underneath them. Then, when I look towards the front of the carb on the inside, I see some copper adjustment looking screws. This is the fuel pilot correct?

Everything you need to know about carbs is here.

http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/gs/Mikuni_BS-CV_Carburetor_Rebuild_Tutorial.pdf

[Tenshots1]

Everything you need to know about carbs is here.
http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/...d_Tutorial.pdf

Thanks steve. I did a decent amount of searching around but did not yet stumble on this great bit of info.

Another super noob question that I would never make a thread for, but as long as your here: How do I adjust the bottom of my shocks? Do I need a tool for this?

[JEEPRUSTY]

nice to see another survivor

[steve murdoch]

You adjust the shock with a C spanner wrench. 6" long with a hook on the end.
There should be one in your bikes toolkit. They are cheap to buy if you don't have the kit.
Yu can do it with a metal punch and a hammer but it will mess up the collar.

[Tenshots1]

You adjust the shock with a C spanner wrench. 6" long with a hook on the end.
There should be one in your bikes toolkit. They are cheap to buy if you don't have the kit.
Yu can do it with a metal punch and a hammer but it will mess up the collar.

Thanks steve. I do have the kit. I'll have to check out the parts inside

[GSXR7ED]

Chrome Options

Welcome!

What a nice bike! Seems like chrome headlights are the favorite option--my bike came with one but should have the black headlight.

Definitely find that spanner for your shocks. I replaced my chrome ones for solid black progressives and the spanner came with the pair.

Plenty of knowledge to soak up around here and many helpful members.


Ed

[DougMarshall]

Bike looks in great shape! I just bought same 1980 gs550e month ago (not as pretty as yours) solid bike though. You'll find this Forum very helpful. Good Luck