First large bike: GS 550 - moped graduate from Lowell Massachusetts

[Guest]

Greetings,

Lurking here helped me decide what motorcycle to buy.

I found a 1980 GS550L with some recent work done at a suspiciously low price.
I watched the dealer ride it around the lot, shift, brake, work the clutch in a turn, and use signals before I bought it.
It is now insured, registered, titled, and awaiting additional repair, inspection, and the springtime.

I have used scooters, ebikes, and mopeds as daily commuters since 2009, worked small engine repair in high school,
restored a moped, built a series of ebikes, and passed the MSF - BRC 1 on a leafy and freshly damp parking lot.

But I have not owned a highway capable machine until I bought this.

50788444_2300035723340188_8825595629305593856_o.jpg

[Gorminrider]

Hi,Dan. Bike looks pretty good! A good mid-range size for just about anywhere that's pleasant or useful to go.

No experience beyond bicycles myself but I think you'll be safer than on your mopeds etc...more "presence" and your skills being vulnerable will serve you well... no more looking for respite on the road shoulder! I see brave souls riding bicyles, ebikes, and scooters on the narrow shoulders of my local "secondary" and it looks a little hairy where a lot of drivers aren't competent to stay clear of the white line on the shoulder...

go here read up if you haven't . A lot of stuff is common across these suzukis
BikeCliff's Website

[Redman]

..........
Lurking here helped me decide what motorcycle to buy.
...........

Dan, Welcome to TheGSR.

Yes, this website forum is a good reason to have a GS, if you are going to have any 80s bike.

In your lurking did you notice that an L isnt typically what want for long distance highway riding....?
I see yours still has the stock bars.

Tell us more of your adventure.

.

[Rob S.]

Welcome aboard this site, but mostly welcome aboard a real motorcycle!

I've never liked mopeds or scooters, and these new electric ones that sneak up on you positively give me the creeps. Many people ride them on the sidewalks here.

Congratulations! You are now a real motorcyclist.

[dorkburger]

Hey Dan, welcome.
Good luck and enjoy the 550. It?s a good size to start with, and big enough to stay with if you choose.
My first streebike was also a 550, but not a Suzuki. It served me well while learning the ins and outs of street riding which was worlds different from off-road that I was accustomed to.

[Guest]

Thank you,

I was aware that the L is not the preferred long distance version, despite being a cruiser.

Besides numerous bits of maintenance I have been brainstorming improvements.

At 6'3" with a long torso and arms I intend to get higher bars with a bit less rear angle.

I wear size 13 Fox Comp boots so ... over-and-under toe shifter, peg lowering, and some adjustments to the front brake. These will be done early.

Potholes, large frost heaves, and sloppy road "repairs" are a fact of life here in Massachusetts ... progressive front springs - emulators - new rear shocks.

[Rob S.]

Thank you,

...peg lowering...

Just remember, the pegs are the first to ground on many bikes. As a beginner, though, I hope you won't leaning it over that far (especially at speed).

[steve murdoch]

Excellent intro, Dan.
Welcome to the site.

[Peppermint Patti]

Welcome to the forum Dan. You will find a lot of good souls here... Even if they sometimes act like idiots on off-topic. LOL...

[Rob S.]

...they sometimes act like idiots on off-topic. LOL...

What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?!?

[Peppermint Patti]

I know I was part of it once! LOL...

[Guest]

Off topic is where the rubber hits the road. You can get flattened pretty fast!

[wymple]

I have good advise for you. Don't dump a lot of money on anything for your new ride until you bring the problem to the forums. Collectively these guys know everything there is about Suzukis, other brands as well. You can save a ton of time and money (and aggravation) by using this FREE help. Be as specific as you can about your problem.

[Peppermint Patti]

Great advise wymple! There are SO many guys who've helped me... as they continue to help others.
If you stick around long enough, you will be amazed at the kindness here!!!

[850 Combat]

It isn't light, but it is compact. There are a lot of survivors, and I think that is because they are tough, not because they were cherished.

It is a reasonable choice. Good luck with it. It sounds like you have prepared yourself well for it.