'81 GS550 Cafe Build

With the frame rails going straight across with no dip after the fuel tank,
I believe that it is indeed a T model.
With the blue exhaust pipe, you can be pretty certain that the jetting is too lean,
With these rusted to death looking bolts holding the head pipes on, it looks
like you are in for plenty of work getting them off and out after breaking.
Definitely try heating and cooling cycles on them



At least it is a good starting point!

Daniel

Yeah. I'm thinking a few cycles of PB blaster and some torch heat mixed in. My track record with rusted fasteners isn't so great. As long as they don't snap right at the head (which they probably will) I should be OK.

With the frame rails going straight across with no dip after the fuel tank,
I believe that it is indeed a T model.
With the blue exhaust pipe, you can be pretty certain that the jetting is too lean,
With these rusted to death looking bolts holding the head pipes on, it looks
like you are in for plenty of work getting them off and out after breaking.
Definitely try heating and cooling cycles on them



At least it is a good starting point!

Daniel

Yeah. I'm thinking a few cycles of PB blaster and some torch heat mixed in. My track record with rusted fasteners isn't so good.

Looks like a T to me. That bar really isn't a Sissy bar as much as it is a grab bar.

Photo with bike with bar installed (click image to see larger image):




Also note the seat, it isn't as flat as some, but does not have the stepping that the L models have.

If you decide to get rid of that bar let me know it looks to be a fair bit cleaner than the one I have.

The T model 550's are kind of a rare bird. It seems they used parts that were left over to come up with a mixed model that isn't fully standard, but not fully L either. And yes, they only came with one disk up front. Also there is some confusion as to whether they came with painted or chrome front fenders, but I've seen enough painted that I think the chrome ones are replacement fenders (mine at one point had chrome up there but I found a painted one to replace it)

Wow! Your bike looks gorgeous. It's great to see what mine would have looked like new.

I'll snap some pics of the grab handle when I take it off (likely tonight) and PM you. If you like it, it's yours for the cost of shipping (I figure I've already saved a small fortune with the helpful advise I've found on here).

Looking through the service manual, it does seem like the "T" was a bit of a parts bin model. It is pretty sweet though, with a classic 70s look mixed with a little 80s styling. The tech isn't bad either (rear disc brake is a nice touch - my 2002 Shadow didn't have that!).

Nice find, you have a good solid base to work from, I have seen way worse bikes brought back to life with some TLC by the members here.
I will be following with interest.
I think this is going to be a nice build, keep the updates and pics coming.

With the frame rails going straight across with no dip after the fuel tank,
I believe that it is indeed a T model.
With the blue exhaust pipe, you can be pretty certain that the jetting is too lean,
With these rusted to death looking bolts holding the head pipes on, it looks
like you are in for plenty of work getting them off and out after breaking.
Definitely try heating and cooling cycles on them



At least it is a good starting point!

Daniel

nice project....keen to see how it goes!

I think I've solved a bit of a mystery about my GS.

The styling looks like the "L" version, but the VIN and paperwork indicate that it's a "T" version. The tank and angle of the bike while sitting look more like the "T" as well.

With the side covers missing I was going on the rear sissy bar, which I thought only the "L" had. However, I've managed to find a few pics on the internet with "T"s that have the same styling.

So I'm pretty sure I have a "T"! Specs on the web on further confusing because it seems at much of the world got dual disc brakes in 1981, but the US bikes did not.

Looks like a T to me. That bar really isn't a Sissy bar as much as it is a grab bar.

Photo with bike with bar installed (click image to see larger image):




Also note the seat, it isn't as flat as some, but does not have the stepping that the L models have.

If you decide to get rid of that bar let me know it looks to be a fair bit cleaner than the one I have.

The T model 550's are kind of a rare bird. It seems they used parts that were left over to come up with a mixed model that isn't fully standard, but not fully L either. And yes, they only came with one disk up front. Also there is some confusion as to whether they came with painted or chrome front fenders, but I've seen enough painted that I think the chrome ones are replacement fenders (mine at one point had chrome up there but I found a painted one to replace it)

I think I've solved a bit of a mystery about my GS.

The styling looks like the "L" version, but the VIN and paperwork indicate that it's a "T" version. The tank and angle of the bike while sitting look more like the "T" as well.

With the side covers missing I was going on the rear sissy bar, which I thought only the "L" had. However, I've managed to find a few pics on the internet with "T"s that have the same styling.

So I'm pretty sure I have a "T"! Specs on the web on further confusing because it seems at much of the world got dual disc brakes in 1981, but the US bikes did not.

looks like a great find and start to a new project! cant wait to see some more progress

[Sci85]

Awesome. Looks like we are both entering into a winter project together. I'm just one year ahead of you and the M model of this bike. Good luck on your project!

I'd better get a new key too. This one doesn't work too well.

I bought this "Redneck Rocket" yesterday for a cool c-note. It was advertised in Craigslist "as is" and rumor has it (from the guy I bought it from, who I actually trust) that it was running recently. Carbs were cleaned last year. Origin seems to be Indiana.

Rumor also has it that the charging system isn't working.

But let me back up and show some pics first.

Picking her up. That tank paint job as gotta go. I'm not exactly a fan of WWII German Eagles as tank art.


Gauges. Sooooo close to 20,000 miles. Will she ever get there? Maybe, but not soon!


Carbs. Don't look too bad. With those pods, I'd better check the jetting at some point. So much to do.....


No seat with the bike. Apparently it's the "L" version of the GS550 with the stepped seat. I'm going to completely remove the fender and replace it with a cafe-style seat.


Hmmmm...interesting wiring "modification" No turn signals anywhere, no high beam, no running light.


Headers don't look to bad. Lots of sludge on the engine. Tach cable looks stripped out.


Let's look underneath the tank.......easy enough since there are no bolts, rubber pieces, or anything else holding it on. Looks ok here.


Brakes kinda seem to work with some pumping. A quick check shows that the brake fluid has the consistency of maple syrup (here is the front reservoir). Yikes! Rear cylinder is dry and the caliper clearly had a leak of some sort.


Bike won't start. I posted up some questions and pics in the electrical/ignition sub-forum.

First thing will be to tear some things off. I hope to get her running before I do a full tear-down, but we'll see where things go.

The goal is to convert her into a cafe racer. More soon.