Boat Anchor Renovation

[Mike S]

Howdy!
I bought a 1980 gs550l bike that hasn't run since 1986. I spent about two weeks"fixing" the things I knew needed help, and the took it in to have the carbs redone, as I felt somebody else knew far more than I did about how to get them going. I picked it up today, and drove it home and had a terrible time. 1st gear was so weak, I thought I was on my wife's 50cc.
Needless to say, the plugs were fouled, and the dealer picked it up and took it back. I am at altitude, so either the jets are wrong, or the carb rebuild was a bench only, no road test.
I haven't had a bike for a while, and this one is 24 years old, although it only has 9600 miles on the speedo. A 550 should snap your neck, but maybe not lift the front wheel in first, shouldn't it? Anyhow, I had them pick it up, and they are going to fix the problem. The bike came from Calif., so I think we will have to change the jets to mathch our altitude.
I will keep you posted, but I would like to hear any ideas or similar situations and fixes.
Best regards,
Mike

[Anonymous]

There haven't been many advances in boat anchors these past 18 years. I'll bet it still works.

(OK, enough stupid posts. I'm going to bed.)

Michael

[Anonymous]

Yep definately have to adjust for your altitude. It will make a big differance

[mcconnell]

Not saying the jetting isn't a problem, but I moved my good running 83 1100 from sea level to 5,000 feet here in Colorado and it is now a great running 1100. Same jetting. My EPA-mandated leanness was fixed by the altitude. Suggest you make sure everything else is up to snuff before chasing the jetting.

[Guest]

I have a 77 GS550. Runs fine here with stock jetting. The 550 is no neck snapper though. It's just not a very powerful bike. You definitely don't have to worry about how to keep the front wheel on the ground.

Debby

[Pete's GS]

Well, a 1980 has CV carbs which will automatically adjust for changes in altitude. It's likely your problem is elsewhere, with a clogged jet or circuit or leaking intake. A 550 will definitely get out of its own way though it likes to spin and doesn't come on the cam 'til about 5500 rpm. It's a good bike.

[first timer]

it will hold its own with the big bores in the twistes but the straights are a nother question. a 550 gets real fun around 7000-9500 rpms, thats where the real meat is)

-ryan

[Dark Jedi]

Check yer floats.

I had a 79 550L that was having similar problems, and I ignored advice here about float levels.

Finally wore out all other possibilities and gave in. Floats were high, bike was getting too much gas.

[Mike S]

Got the boat anchor up and running. Adjusted floats and put correct plugs in bike and it works!
Am still messing with idle, as it seems to change by itself from 900 to 1500 but the bike runs nicely. Good acceleration, although 70 is as fast as I have gone ,plenty of throttle left.
So far no seal leaks, no smoke, and nothing has fallen off!