GS550 Model Indentification

[Scottydog]

Hi all,

first time poster.
In UK, and just bought what I think is 1980 GS550ET on a UK "V registration"
Perhaps you could help me out.


Frame number -- GS550E124994
Engine Number -- GS550-158919

See more photos at my GS page: Scottydog's GS
Local Suzuki dealer only has microfiche going back to 1982.
I can't see anywhere else with that headlight and cowl. Is it aftermarket?

Bit of history -- bike was running when previous owner stored it up 4 years ago. So, suitably hard to push and full of spiders later, I need to get the bike as daily transport first, then improve it a bit at a time.

Engine degreased (got oil weep from somewhere). Crank turns, idiot lights work, horn works, almost getting good spark -- points are way off. Got a bid on eBay for Haynes manual.

One more question. Is there a light in the dash above the oil pressure light? Previous owner has rigged flashing LED in there to pretend to be immobiliser when ignition off. What was really there?

Thanks very much. I hope to be spending some time here while working on the 550.

[Nessism]

Fairing and headlamp are not stock. Not sure if they are aftermarket or off some other bike like a GPZ Kawasaki.

On my '79 E model the High Beam indicator is at the top of the warning light stack, above the Oil Pressure.

Good luck.

[tkent02]

What part of Scotland???
I'll be back in Kilmarnock in a few days, love to check out the bike!
Congrats on getting a good one.
My '77 550 was one of the best motorcycles I have ever owned.

[Dink]

Headlight and fairing are off an 82 GPz Kawasaki, and your dealer needs slapping, ask them to order the fiche they are still available.

Dink

[BassCliff]

Hey howdy hey!

Mr. Scottydog,

Let it be known that on this day you are cordially and formally welcomed to the GSR Forum as a Junior Member in good standing with all the rights and privileges thereof. Thanks for the pictures! :-D

You've got a real diamond in the rough there. I like the aftermarket plastics on it. They look cool.

Maybe the model is a little different in the UK, but those carbs make me think you've got a '78 or '79 model. Does it have a kickstart? "E" designates a chain model but the "T" would be a 1980 year designation. That doesn't look like the stock front fender either. I would have to do a little more research, but I'm sure some of the grown-ups around here can be more definitive.

Anyway, thanks for joining us. It's a terrific bunch of motorcyclists here.

Edit: I just looked at the rest of your photos. It does have a kickstart, but the non-US models had kickstarts later than '79. OK, I'll shut up now.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
(The unofficial GSR greeter)

[Scottydog]

What a friendly lot.

Nessism, Not got the bike in front of me, but yes, I do remember a high beam (blue) lamp as well. Above that again, right at the top The print has worn off.

tkent02, thanks. Awkward thing is I am near Kirkcaldy, but the bike is at my folk's near Bellshill, about an hours drive away, and I work shifts. (Had a motorcycle stolen from here earlier this year, so want to get secure facilities first (a shed!). You are very welcome to join me. PM/email me with a date and time and I'll check my shifts.

Dink, consider them slapped! Nah, the guy really tried. He had a ring bound book from Suzuki showing a range of frame numbers for years, and it started a year too late. He did recommend "Robinson's Foundry". I'll ask if the dealer can get the fiche, if it's cheap.

BassCliff, my humble thanks and a kindly offer to partake of the tea and biscuits thereof is extended in perpetuity. Yeah, as you noticed, it does have a kickstart, and twin discs at the front, which I thought might narrow it down, although being a UK model as well...
Oh, and a prayer for my wife and me is appreciated. We are baptised tomorrow. [-o<

[Dink]

Your VIN plate on the steering stem should have the build date on it.
If it is 7/79 upto 6/80 it is indeed an ET, E=chain drive, T =1980 mode year. Simple as that.

Dink

[Scottydog]

Dink, the frame number on the VIN plate on the stem is:
Frame number -- GS550E124994

Got GS550E from that (the L had GS550Lxxxxxx!)
Got T as X model frames started from just after mine, say GS550E142000 or thereabouts.

Sorry, I can't see how to interpret the code to get the date.
Was it made in 1994?

[Nessism]

I'm pretty sure the bike is either a '78 or '79. In 1980 the GS550 moved to BS carbs (CV type). My '79 E model has an engine number of 143857, so considering yours is after mine, I think you have a 1979.

[scotto58]

Scottydog
I'm pretty sure your flashing LED is occupying the place for the Neutral indicator(green) light.
You have a great looking bike there. My 1st Suzuki was a 1977 GS550 in Forest Green .

Good Luck with it.

Scott

[Nessism]

Photo from my 1979 E model.

[Scottydog]

Nessism, thanks for the info.
I wish I had the bike around the back instead of an hour's drive away.
Knew the carbs changed to CV, but thought it was next again year.
Is it obvious from the photos which carbs I have?:

http://web.mac.com/scottydog/iWeb/Bikes/Suzuki%20GS550E.html

Thanks Scott. My first Suzuki was a 2000 SV650S, followed by a 2001 GSXR600.

Hope you don't mind, but I've borrowed and photoshopped your photo to show where the LED is:


That top dot is where the LED is. Never even noticed I had a gear position indicator!

[Nessism]

You have VM carbs, which means pre 1980.

EDIT: The light bulbs are BELOW the printed letters on the gauge cluster. The space above the High Beam indicator is blank on the stock cluster.