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First large bike: GS 550 - moped graduate from Lowell Massachusetts

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
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Guest

Guest
Greetings,

Lurking here helped me decide what motorcycle to buy.

I found a 1980 GS550L with some recent work done at a suspiciously low price.
I watched the dealer ride it around the lot, shift, brake, work the clutch in a turn, and use signals before I bought it.
It is now insured, registered, titled, and awaiting additional repair, inspection, and the springtime.

I have used scooters, ebikes, and mopeds as daily commuters since 2009, worked small engine repair in high school,
restored a moped, built a series of ebikes, and passed the MSF - BRC 1 on a leafy and freshly damp parking lot.

But I have not owned a highway capable machine until I bought this.

50788444_2300035723340188_8825595629305593856_o.jpg
 
Hi,Dan. Bike looks pretty good! A good mid-range size for just about anywhere that's pleasant or useful to go.

No experience beyond bicycles myself but I think you'll be safer than on your mopeds etc...more "presence" and your skills being vulnerable will serve you well... no more looking for respite on the road shoulder! I see brave souls riding bicyles, ebikes, and scooters on the narrow shoulders of my local "secondary" and it looks a little hairy where a lot of drivers aren't competent to stay clear of the white line on the shoulder...

go here read up if you haven't . A lot of stuff is common across these suzukis
BikeCliff's Website
 
DanSkor said:
..........
Lurking here helped me decide what motorcycle to buy.
...........
Click to expand...

Dan, Welcome to TheGSR.

Yes, this website forum is a good reason to have a GS, if you are going to have any 80s bike.

In your lurking did you notice that an L isnt typically what want for long distance highway riding....?
I see yours still has the stock bars.

Tell us more of your adventure.

.
 
Welcome aboard this site, but mostly welcome aboard a real motorcycle!

I've never liked mopeds or scooters, and these new electric ones that sneak up on you positively give me the creeps. Many people ride them on the sidewalks here.

Congratulations! You are now a real motorcyclist.
 
Hey Dan, welcome.
Good luck and enjoy the 550. It?s a good size to start with, and big enough to stay with if you choose.
My first streebike was also a 550, but not a Suzuki. It served me well while learning the ins and outs of street riding which was worlds different from off-road that I was accustomed to.
 
Thank you,

I was aware that the L is not the preferred long distance version, despite being a cruiser.

Besides numerous bits of maintenance I have been brainstorming improvements.

At 6'3" with a long torso and arms I intend to get higher bars with a bit less rear angle.

I wear size 13 Fox Comp boots so ... over-and-under toe shifter, peg lowering, and some adjustments to the front brake. These will be done early.

Potholes, large frost heaves, and sloppy road "repairs" are a fact of life here in Massachusetts ... progressive front springs - emulators - new rear shocks.
 
Off topic is where the rubber hits the road. You can get flattened pretty fast!
 
I have good advise for you. Don't dump a lot of money on anything for your new ride until you bring the problem to the forums. Collectively these guys know everything there is about Suzukis, other brands as well. You can save a ton of time and money (and aggravation) by using this FREE help. Be as specific as you can about your problem.:)
 
Great advise wymple! There are SO many guys who've helped me... as they continue to help others.
If you stick around long enough, you will be amazed at the kindness here!!!
 
It isn't light, but it is compact. There are a lot of survivors, and I think that is because they are tough, not because they were cherished.

It is a reasonable choice. Good luck with it. It sounds like you have prepared yourself well for it.
 
DanSkor said:
Thank you,

I was aware that the L is not the preferred long distance version, despite being a cruiser.

Besides numerous bits of maintenance I have been brainstorming improvements.

At 6'3" with a long torso and arms I intend to get higher bars with a bit less rear angle.

I wear size 13 Fox Comp boots so ... over-and-under toe shifter, peg lowering, and some adjustments to the front brake. These will be done early.

Potholes, large frost heaves, and sloppy road "repairs" are a fact of life here in Massachusetts ... progressive front springs - emulators - new rear shocks.
Click to expand...


Lowering the pegs is not always a great idea. As was mentioned, they tend to touch down before anything else, and it is not always welcome, so dropping them lower may not work to your overall advantage.

As you also mentioned raising the handlebars, perhaps you might consider raising the seat an inch or two, to give a bit more leg space.

There are custom seat fitters but they tend to be expensive, however, you can also look at local automobile upholsterers who will do this . Ask if they have experience before committing with them and check out the foam they will use.
 
Welcome!
A 550L was my first bike and I loved that thing.
I can imagine it being a little cramped for you, though.

After a year of riding that 550 I was hungry for more power, got me an 1100GL (I am one of the rare birds on GSR that prefers the L)
The 1100 was bigger, heavier, more powerful, and ultimately ended up being more bike than I wanted. I missed the nimbleness of my 550.

Long story short, I eventually decided on a 650GL (because the 750GL is not available in the USA).

So welcome, and do talk issues up here -- there's a lot of knowledge and good bike sense here. Nothing like GSR anywhere else on the internets, honestly.
 
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