Hard time identifying model of VM carbs on '79 GS 550

[roeme]

While I know that I have VM carbs on my 550s, the exact designation eludes me. Pictures I found of VM24, VM26 and VM28 do not match mine.
While VM29 do look similar, pictures I found are missing certain features on the body and lead me to believe mine are either an earlier batch
or a different model alltogether.

Here's a picture (click for full size):



The rebuild guide on cliff's website pictures the same model, but refers to them simply as 'VM'.

Does anybody know?

(I'm asking because I'm trying to source gaskets etc. on this side of the pond; S&H is a beast.)

[roeme]

Update; from what I found in the meantime these should be VM22SS.

[steve murdoch]

Sounds right.
You can measure the inside diameter on the engine side to get the correct size.

[tkent02]

Looks similar to standard 550 carbs, so VM22. Not Suzuki though, it looks like the vacuum port on #3 was not drilled? Or maybe just can't see it in the picture.

[roeme]

Sounds right.
You can measure the inside diameter on the engine side to get the correct size.

Thanks, that's useful.

(...) it looks like the vacuum port on #3 was not drilled? Or maybe just can't see it in the picture.

Just had a look at them to verify; it's not. They're only drilled on #2 and #4, and #1 and #3 are connected to their neighbor.

On the picture, you can see the short rubber piece connecting 3 and 4 just behind the spring for returning the throttle.

[Nessism]

You can cut out your own gaskets from common gasket paper. Use a paper hole punch to make the screw holes. I've done this several times and it only takes about 5 mins per gasket. Use one of the old gaskets as a template.

[tkent02]

OK, so no vacuum port, came from a Kawasaki or something? Or perhaps #3 was replaced with a #1 at some point.
No big deal, unless you have you heart set on using a vacuum petcock.

[roeme]

You can cut out your own gaskets from common gasket paper. Use a paper hole punch to make the screw holes. I've done this several times and it only takes about 5 mins per gasket. Use one of the old gaskets as a template.

I didn't even know that such a thing exists. Man, this forum just keeps on giving. I'll check the nearby motorcycle shop, but I fear they don't carry them.

OK, so no vacuum port, came from a Kawasaki or something? Or perhaps #3 was replaced with a #1 at some point.
No big deal, unless you have you heart set on using a vacuum petcock.

Whoops, sorry, I confused the air vent holes with the vaccum port. It's all there; the vaccum port is simply not visible from this angle; obstructed from view by the non-drilled air vent hole.