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Billyboy
Guest
Nice looking ride!
I'd love to get a 550 or 750 and cafe' it.
I'd love to get a 550 or 750 and cafe' it.
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svahnm
Guest
Yes, it does Nerobro. That's exactly what my wife said too. :-D :-D
It's also true that when she gets used to it it becomes easier to handle.
I already slided front tubes an inch (against handlebars) and released spring load to a minimum behind.
As rphillips said there is lowering kits and I was examining lower fastenings of the shocks and realized also that it would be possible to move a bit backwards if necessary.
Probably first I just cut the seat because I have two (previous owner had another seat too.. Looks like GS400 had like that) so I can 'destroy' another.:-\"
It's also true that when she gets used to it it becomes easier to handle.
I already slided front tubes an inch (against handlebars) and released spring load to a minimum behind.
As rphillips said there is lowering kits and I was examining lower fastenings of the shocks and realized also that it would be possible to move a bit backwards if necessary.
Probably first I just cut the seat because I have two (previous owner had another seat too.. Looks like GS400 had like that) so I can 'destroy' another.:-\"
G
Guest
Guest
Nice bike!
however, you will be hard pressed to find lowering kits for the older, smaller displacement gs's... they use 2 pivot posts, no bolts...
however, you will be hard pressed to find lowering kits for the older, smaller displacement gs's... they use 2 pivot posts, no bolts...
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cafe850
Guest
Well, my main ride is a GS850, rides and feels much bigger than my 550. I currently own an 81 550 but sold my 77 last year so I know 550's. I'm 5'8" and flat foot just fine on the 80 550 with stock seat. My 77 had one of those camel couches on it and I could only tippy toe. I too was looking to get a bike for my girlfriend. She is a complete newbie so I was a little concerned about her riding the 550. It's still rather heavy and when those 4 banger revs kick in it can be a little alarming for a newbie, especially if she only weights 120lb. So I opted for a 1980 GS450 Twin. This bike is light at around 385lb. extremely nimble and very forgiving on the throttle although it will get up an go if you want it too, I've cracked 100mph on it and I weight 200lb (all muscle 
. Also seat hight is a couple inches lower. Personally, I just feel way more comfortable with her on the 450 especially since I gave her the motorcycle bug, I feel responsible if she gets injured or...ahem..killed (plus I love her) on it although she keeps assuring me, it's her choice.
Jason
. Also seat hight is a couple inches lower. Personally, I just feel way more comfortable with her on the 450 especially since I gave her the motorcycle bug, I feel responsible if she gets injured or...ahem..killed (plus I love her) on it although she keeps assuring me, it's her choice. Jason
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svahnm
Guest
Well, my main ride is a GS850, rides and feels much bigger than my 550. I currently own an 81 550 but sold my 77 last year so I know 550's. I'm 5'8" and flat foot just fine on the 80 550 with stock seat. My 77 had one of those camel couches on it and I could only tippy toe. I too was looking to get a bike for my girlfriend. She is a complete newbie so I was a little concerned about her riding the 550. It's still rather heavy and when those 4 banger revs kick in it can be a little alarming for a newbie, especially if she only weights 120lb. So I opted for a 1980 GS450 Twin. This bike is light at around 385lb. extremely nimble and very forgiving on the throttle although it will get up an go if you want it too, I've cracked 100mph on it and I weight 200lb (all muscle
Jason
Thanks for your opinion. I have GS850g too for "Sunday" riding.
GS450 would be quite equal with Kawasaki ER-5n and GPZ 500r Ninja she used to have before.
However currently she has 636cc Zx6r (117hp) as main bike, so the power is not the issue anymore. It is her third bike now and even she doesn't do wheelies with that I am quite relaxed the way she handles the bikes. By the way, Zx6r is lowered too..
The reason why I chose this 550E was the legendary GS-engine (reliable) and that happened to be classified (museum) bike. It means the insurance is just $30 per year (as being second bike for my wife it is still affordable). It is allowed to ride just 30 days in year like my GS850g too but that's ok with rather short Finnish summer..
brveagle:
I googled some time and could'nt find any lowering kit for the bike, but in the first place I was considering modify it myself (if needed after seat modifications). I have neighbour who makes anything of steel or aluminium.
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chinto
Guest
i too am considering an GS550 for my wife for a first bike...I am currently looking at an 84 550es any comments? I currently have an 88 Katana 600 and she feels its too big and heavy for her. Would the 550 be much different?
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chinto
Guest
not yet, nut this summer she will be taking it. I found a local guy that is selling an 84 GS550 , it has an electrical problem, that I should be able to sort out. We are going to try and look at it this weekend. And check it out.
J
jdmae92
Guest
My GS550 has oil leaking from the same place. I took the sprocket cover off to find where it is coming from but i have to get my new spark plugs in before i can start it up and hunt for the leak.
I baught an "85" GS 550 "ES", for my wife. It was too tall for her, & with the monoshock design, I found no reasonable way to lower it. She now rides a Kaw 600 Eliminator, & it fits her perfectly, she loves it. Please forgive me, but when she's happy, I'm very happy.
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svahnm
Guest
Monoshock should be easy to lower by just changing those "bones" we call here in Finland. Well, nice to hear that your wife found bike she is comfortable with.
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svahnm
Guest
I understood that he passed the GS this time..
What you said is true. For example modern Honda CB500 is equal seat height with Kaw Er-5, but seat is much wider and my wife couldn't even think about riding with Honda.