Gs 550 callipers

[Guest]

Hi Guys.
I am rebuilding a gs 550. Registered in 1980 but a check on the vin numbers says the frame is 1978 gs550d and the engine is 1979 gs550e and it has cast wheels, so am not worried about everything matching. But what I want to know is do the front and rear callipers fit any model, are they interchangeable?
If not my front ones are damn huge, with an internal 'floating' arm which mounts to the forks for want of a better description. They have a rubber bellows where the arm goes into the body. Dies anyone know where I can get these bellows from?

 

[Nessism]

I'm not trying to sound snarky but hope you realize that Suzuki sells parts. I'm not sure what the best source is in the UK but some members here mention this place...https://www.robinsonsfoundry.co.uk/...550b-db-1977.htm#!gs550b-front-brake-calipers

To learn what parts fit what models you can try cross-referencing the part numbers. If you use a site like Partzilla.com it will show you this information straight away too.

 

[Guest]

Robinsons are as good as any - I've used them a lot over the years.

Two different types of front caliper were fitted to UK 550s, depending on model year. Basically the earlier ones had round pads, while the later ones had pads that were virtually rectangular. If in doubt, post a photo.

 

[Guest]

Thanx for the replies. Cross referencing part numbers will get the same callipers but this is not what I want. I have the round pad brakes and want to change them coz they are monstrous. What I need to know is if the other callipers have the same hole pitch for the mounting blocks and whether they will sit on the disc in the correct attitude.

 

[Nessism]

Why not cross reference the lower fork tubes? That will show if the early and later calipers share the same fork parts, thus indicating compatibility. Pretty sure they interchange but I don't want to be responsible if they aren't. I do know that folks here have put later calipers on some of the (early) bigger bikes but I've never studied the situation for the 550.

 

[Guest]

I'm also fairly sure, but not 100%, that they will interchange. But the later calipers are no smaller. I don't have two to hand to compare, but from memory, the later ones may be a little larger.

If you're determined to have small calipers, you'll be looking at changing discs, making spacers,adjusting hoses, maybe changing fork legs etc. Check out some of saltymonk's threads to see how some people have upgraded their brakes.

 

[hampshirehog]

The later square pad type (there are actually 2 very similar but different square types) are a little larger than the round pad type. All 3 twin disc set ups are plug and play (though avoid the leading axle calipers from the L and some GSX bikes - they don't fit). The later type offer quite an improvement on braking. Fitted to the 550, 650, 750, 850 and 1000.

 

[salty_monk]

If you're looking for a set I have a set of the most modern of the GS ones from an 82 1100G (complete with master cylinder, still sealed). They were rebuilt (prob more than a year ago) and have new pads & NOS rubber lines. Probably done 1,000 miles or so since rebuild.

I believe you could potentially also do the Twinpot mod on that bike if it has the 2 brake disks. You can see details in my sig. I have a few sets of brackets & spacers on my shelf.

I will be in London over Christmas so could potentially bring parts back with me (Although I think I'd have to empty the brake system of fluid to check it on a flight - I have a friend who works at the airlines that can confirm that)

 

[Guest]

Thanx for the replies, great info there. I do wish you hadn't mentioned the twin pot conversion though, my mind and my eBay finger are twitching like mad.