Compatible Carburetors?

[Treppen]

Hello all,

I have a GS550E (manufactured 9/1979) that came without carburetors. I have been looking for a set of original carbs to put on it, but I have heard people say it is better to go ahead and "upgrade" to better carbs when you have the chance. Only thing is, I can't seem to find what carburetors they are upgrading to.

What carburetors will work with this engine besides the originals? I understand the rubber boots will need to be modified, but if there are other carburetors that are easier to find than the originals that would work I would seriously consider going with them.

[Nessism]

Hello all,

I have been looking for a set of original carbs to put on it, but I have heard people say it is better to go ahead and "upgrade" to better carbs when you have the chance.

Maybe you should ask these "people" what carbs you should use? In my years of hanging out here I've never heard anyone recommend different carbs for the 550 before.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/vm_carb_rebuild.pdf

Edit: the tutorial listed is for the early VM type carbs. Your bike may be a 1980 model year model though in which case the bike came with CV carbs (tutorial for that model carb is shown in my signature). If your bike has points it takes the VM carbs. If the bike has an electronic ignition you need the BS CV type carbs.

[cornishgs]

you are better starting off with original carbs vm22 are what you have on pre 1980's.

the later vacuum carbs can be expensive if they need diaphrams

vm 22 easer to tune with k&n type pods.

will fit your intakes properly and airbox connections.

get a set from a bike that runs if you can.a good starting point before carefully stripping,cleaning and rebuilding .

good luck

[JTGS850GL]

Hello all,

I have a GS550E (manufactured 9/1979) that came without carburetors. I have been looking for a set of original carbs to put on it, but I have heard people say it is better to go ahead and "upgrade" to better carbs when you have the chance. Only thing is, I can't seem to find what carburetors they are upgrading to.

What carburetors will work with this engine besides the originals? I understand the rubber boots will need to be modified, but if there are other carburetors that are easier to find than the originals that would work I would seriously consider going with them.

There are no "upgrade" carbs for a stock 550. As others have stated, the 79 came with VM carbs and you should keep it that way. They're good carbs and will allow the bike to run at its best.

[Treppen]

Thanks everyone. I didn't get the chance to ask the guy what he used but it looks like I should definitely go with the stock solution. My only problem now is I'm not sure what style carburetors to use. VIN lookup on the bike has been useless but it does have ignition could which would make it the VM type?

[Guest]

Does it have a kickstart?