My 550 has 650 engine.. how do i tell the year?

[Anonymous]

Re: more info

Re: more info

Ok, the crankcase says GS650, the juggs say 673. The gearbox cover shows 6 gears but that may have been changed.. The bike is not running at the moment so its hard for me to count the gears. However the mufflers say 550 on them I am going to tear down the carbs and check the jets hopefully its jetted for 650

I guess the best question is how many years did they make 650 chain drives?

The GS550EM Katana was produced in 81/82/93 (GS550EMX/Z/D).
Frame numbers started with GS550EM.

The GS650G Katana was a shaft driven bike. Actually all 650's were "G" types (shaft driven), except for the chain driven GS650E.
It was produced in 81, 82 and 83. Frame numbers started with GS650.

 

[TheBigRed]

Re: more info

Re: more info

The GS550EM Katana was produced in 81/82/93 (GS550EMX/Z/D).
Frame numbers started with GS550EM.

The GS650G Katana was a shaft driven bike. Actually all 650's were "G" types (shaft driven), except for the chain driven GS650E.
It was produced in 81, 82 and 83. Frame numbers started with GS650.

Correct, however the GS650E was only available here in the states for the 81 and 82 years. We didn't get it in 83.

Also there was the GR650 which was a 2 cylinder 650 chain drive bike.

Amos

 

[Anonymous]

So, does it have 650 carbs on it or 550 carbs?

It looks to me like the 550 and 650 both use 32mm mukuni cv carbs. I am in the process of figuring out if its jetted for 550 or 650. I will put the correct jets in if they are not already.

 

[TheBigRed]

So, does it have 650 carbs on it or 550 carbs?

It looks to me like the 550 and 650 both use 32mm mukuni cv carbs. I am in the process of figuring out if its jetted for 550 or 650. I will put the correct jets in if they are not already.

Oh, just realized..

The side cases on the engine, are they held on by phillips screws, or bolts?

I know that in 81 the 550's used screws, but changed to bolts in 82. I would immagine that the 650's were the same.

And here in the states the 650 chain has to be one of those two years.

Amos

 

[Anonymous]

TheBigRed

TheBigRed

TheBigRed thanks for your wisdom. I am almost certain it is an 82. The side cover is held on with bolts. It seems as if my mystery is solved. now if i can only get it to run good.

 

[TheBigRed]

Re: TheBigRed

Re: TheBigRed

TheBigRed thanks for your wisdom. I am almost certain it is an 82. The side cover is held on with bolts. It seems as if my mystery is solved. now if i can only get it to run good.

Good deal. Hopefully the person that squeezed that engine in there was smart enough to pu on the 650 carbs with their jetting as well. And you just need to clean them well.

Amos

 

[katanamann550]

Gs550m(x)'81, (z)'82, (d)'83

Gs550m(x)'81, (z)'82, (d)'83

The GS550EM Katana was produced in 81/82/93 (GS550EMX/Z/D).
Frame numbers started with GS550EM.

The GS650G Katana was a shaft driven bike. Actually all 650's were "G" types (shaft driven), except for the chain driven GS650E.
It was produced in 81, 82 and 83. Frame numbers started with GS650.

"Frame numbers started with GS550EM"?
The only year these bikes were shipped over here was 1982, which they were given the "z" designation which corresponds to the year of the bike. You have that part right but, there is no "E" in respect to this model specifically labelled on this frame. No where on the frame sticker does it say "GS550EM(z)" all it says on mine is "GS550Mz" My S/N Starts with "JS1GN73AX&^%$#" felt like I had to make that clear. Not try to undermind anyone or hijack this thread...I just done my homework on my bike. Cheers