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New member with new(old) bike.

  • Thread starter Thread starter barn63
  • Start date Start date
B

barn63

Guest
Hello. I am Brian from IL. I just purchased a 1979 GS550. I am rebuilding the carbs and was looking for rebuild kits. However the ones I have come across have a second gasket that doesn't look like it would fit my carbs.

show_image.html
http://webhosting.web.com/imagelib/...ures/MVC-182S.JPG&target=tlx_new&title=SUZUKI

Does anyone know place that would sell kits for my carbs?
 
Welcome Brian. I wouldn't waste your time and money on the rebuild kits. The brass parts are usually less than OEM quality and these bikes do not take well to being mistuned. Cycleorings.com (Duanne a member here) has what you need to rebuild the carbs and Basscliff will be along to throw down the Red Door Mat, for you. Sit back and enjoy this site. There are a few with more knowledge than all the shops you could locate, combined. ;)

Again, and Welcome. :)

Here are a few links to get you started.
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

http://cycleorings.com/

Yo...Cliff...
 
I have having trouble identifying the carbs. The title says its a 79 and should have the VM series carbs but they look more like the BA series. The top cover is round and everything I have read shows the carbs have more of and oval cover. Did 79 come with both series?

http://cycleorings.com/ has the VM series for pre-80 and the BA series for 80 and up.
 
Those are CVs then. Circa 80-82. Title only goes with the frame, your bike may have had a motor or just a head swap. The kick start also went away in 80 IIRC, and I know the ignition went from points to factory electronic ignition in 80. Try removing the ignition cover on the right (round, 3 screws). Have points or a signal generator?
 
Also keep in mind that the '80s were started in about September of '79, so if somebody just looked at the production date and called it by that model year, ...

Look at the plate on the steering neck, identify the production date for us.
And, while you are there, see if there is a letter at the end of the serial number.
If it's T, it's an '80. If it's N, it's a '79.

.
 
Greetings and Salutations!!

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. barn63,

Welcome to the forum. I'm glad you've found us. The '79 had VM carbs, which is what that gasket looks like. The '80 and later had CV carbs. Post up a picture of your bike so we can properly identify it. Either way, you probably should pass on the "rebuild kits", except for the float bowl gasket, and go with a set of O-rings from http://cycleorings.com . Then completely disassemble and dip your carbs in Berryman's carb dip for about 24 hours each. It's all in your "mega-welcome"....

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....:)

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike! :D

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
Last edited:
Hey everyone. Thanks for the replies. I checked the plate by the neck. The manufacturer date is 12/79. The only other number I really saw didn't end T or N. It was GS550E-713204. There is no kick start lever but there looks like a spot where one could possibly be installed.

I am located in Macomb IL.
 
Hi,

No kickstart? Then it's a 1980 model.



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
Brian,

Like Bass Cliff (and I'm wondering if that is musician Bass Cleff or fisherman Bassmaster on a cliff) said, all you really need for now is the o-rings. Just follow the instructions carefully. You don't need to buy rebuild kits. I am amazed at how well my 550 runs with a $15 kit and a bunch of Gumout and cleaning.
 
Wow, so the title is wrong? So, what all do I need to rebuild the carbs properly?
 
barn63 said:
Wow, so the title is wrong? So, what all do I need to rebuild the carbs properly?
Click to expand...

Hi,

You need to read the information in your "mega-welcome". :)


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
OK for whatever reason I can't create a new topic so I will just post on my existing thread. I am not sure what the PO did to the bike before I purchased it. However it is leaking oil like a sieve. SO i purchased a gasket kit and last night I pulled the head and cylinders.

My question is, while I have the motor apart is there anything that I can do or check on? Parts to replace and what not? Pretty much anything that will save me a head ache later. I will post pictures of the internals later. Also is there any cleaner I can use case any dirt or crude fell into the crank case?

I also own a Honda CB750C and a VERY common upgrade for that bike is a cam swap with the CB900C. Its a direct bolt on upgrade. Is there any common swap for the GS550 like that?
 
barn63 said:
OK for whatever reason I can't create a new topic so I will just post on my existing thread.
Click to expand...

Hi,

Check out the new forum sections. They are still in a "transitional" phase but this should explain it:

New Technical Forums Links

As long as you have the engine down that far, just do a complete top end refresh. A partial list would include new rings, valve seals, new base and head gaskets, valve cover and breather gaskets, cam chain tensioner gaskets and seals, new intake boots and O-rings if necessary, check the cam chain for wear and make sure it's in spec, etc. I'll bet if you post over in the new "Engine" section you'll get a better response.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
I really appropriate the response. This site is VERY useful and helpful. I will post in the Engine section. Thank you again.
 
Steve314159 said:
Brian,

Like Bass Cliff (and I'm wondering if that is musician Bass Cleff or fisherman Bassmaster on a cliff) said, all you really need for now is the o-rings. Just follow the instructions carefully. You don't need to buy rebuild kits. I am amazed at how well my 550 runs with a $15 kit and a bunch of Gumout and cleaning.
Click to expand...

Its a play on Bass Clef, his name is Cliff (Im pretty sure hes NOT the drunken mailman that hung out at CHEERS though) and he plays a mean Bass guitar :)
 
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