Definitive 650 top end swap thread?

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  • tehsilver95lx
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    Definitive 650 top end swap thread?

    I've been searching for a while,on google and the infamous search of the threads,i cant really find any how to...or specifics.

    I'm working with a 85 gs550l and an 83' 650 engine. if any guidance/tips can be given, it'd be appreciated!
  • Nessism
    Forum LongTimer
    GSResource Superstar
    Past Site Supporter
    Super Site Supporter
    • Mar 2006
    • 35783
    • Torrance, CA

    #2
    Originally posted by tehsilver95lx
    I've been searching for a while,on google and the infamous search of the threads,i cant really find any how to...or specifics.

    I'm working with a 85 gs550l and an 83' 650 engine. if any guidance/tips can be given, it'd be appreciated!
    You can not put a 650 top end on an '85 550 (or any 2nd gen 550 for that matter).

    Oh, and I'm surprised by your comment about not finding info on the swap. There are dozens of different threads on this topic.
    Ed

    To measure is to know.

    Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

    Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

    Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

    KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

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    • tkent02
      Forum LongTimer
      Past Site Supporter
      • Jan 2006
      • 35571
      • Near South Park

      #3
      They all have one thing in common, they start with eight valve 550s.
      http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

      Life is too short to ride an L.

      Comment

      • tehsilver95lx

        #4
        Originally posted by Nessism
        You can not put a 650 top end on an '85 550 (or any 2nd gen 550 for that matter).
        why's that? I'm sorry for all the questions, I Don't know much on the subject...any guidance is highly appreciated.

        and to spite the threads i did pull up,nothing was instructional.
        Last edited by Guest; 05-21-2016, 07:28 PM.

        Comment

        • Old Colt

          #5
          Correct me if I am wrong, the GS550L was always an 8V motor. This model did not change to the 16V motor in '83.
          I have an '84 550L motor and frame here that is an 8V. Only difference from the early engines are the early ones had straight cut primary gears. The later crank and clutch were helical gears.

          Comment

          • tom203
            Forum Guru
            Past Site Supporter
            • Aug 2010
            • 8925
            • Norway,Maine

            #6
            Look at some part fiches.... 83 550's went to 16 valve.

            1981 gs650L

            "We are all born ignorant, but you have to work hard to stay stupid" Ben Franklin

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            • tkent02
              Forum LongTimer
              Past Site Supporter
              • Jan 2006
              • 35571
              • Near South Park

              #7
              I thought when they went to the Siamese carburetors they went to a 16 valve engine?
              http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

              Life is too short to ride an L.

              Comment

              • Guest

                #8
                The '85 550L had the 16v engine, siamesed carbs and a monoshock rear end.

                Comment

                • Nessism
                  Forum LongTimer
                  GSResource Superstar
                  Past Site Supporter
                  Super Site Supporter
                  • Mar 2006
                  • 35783
                  • Torrance, CA

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Old Colt
                  Correct me if I am wrong, the GS550L was always an 8V motor. This model did not change to the 16V motor in '83.
                  I have an '84 550L motor and frame here that is an 8V. Only difference from the early engines are the early ones had straight cut primary gears. The later crank and clutch were helical gears.
                  Nope. That bike has a 16V engine.
                  Ed

                  To measure is to know.

                  Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

                  Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

                  Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

                  KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

                  Comment

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