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OEM Fairing

Robert Hurlburt

Robert Hurlburt

Forum Newbie
I have a 1978 Gs550E with a original OEM Suzki fairing. Would appreciate any history or information regarding this add on feature.
have not seen this feature or located anything with online searches. Has a OEM stamped plate inside at wire harness connection.
 
There was no OEM fairing for the early 550. You may want to repost this thread, in the correct forum section, Appearance or General GS, and provide photos of what you have.
 
Welcome robert, glad you're brave enough to join in. Just from memory, the first OEM GS fairing was in "78" and those were only on the GS1000 "S". Now you've got me to wondering???????. A picture may refresh memories, and are almost required around here. Oh yeah, we like info on bike and owner, first bike?, been riding for 60 yrs.?, project bike?, daily rider? show bike?, heck we're pretty nosey. Hope nobody is pointing fingers, but pictures of everybody's GS is appreciated.
 
Thank you for your kind response.
will try to send picture soon, when I try message says file to large to upload?
All I can say is bike was purchased from original owner & a Suzuki OEM metal plate is rivited inside fairing at electrical plug in.
 
Rich should be along shortly to explain the picture sending stuff, he's explained it a lot.
 
rphillips said:
Rich should be along shortly to explain the picture sending stuff, he's explained it a lot.
Click to expand...

:) Link in my signature to some ways to post pics hosted on third party pic hosting sites. Click the Posting Pics link, then scroll to post # 6.
 
Welcome Robert !

a picture would be helpful.

I have seen several GS bikes with aftermarket fairings that were mounted on a bracket that covered the VIN plate on the headstock, some had the VIN plate removed from the headstock and riveted to the fairing.
 
Last edited:
This is not a Vin plate but a suzuki name plate just above where the wire harness plugs into.

Also suzuki name decal on both sides with matching OEM pin striping. also has a OEM passenger back support with the Suzuki "S" stamped on the front padding. Possible factory upgrade?

I know you need a photo. Will send soon.
I am just very curious about this.

Thank you for all your responses!
 
I'll be curious with you. Try'in to imagine what the heck have you've got there.... I'd bet somebody around here can figure it out. Heck I'm want'in to see the bike, even if it had no fairing nor back rest
 
What kind of fairing? Is it a rebadged Windjammer, or similar touring fairing? Suzuki Motor USA may have sold an accessory fairing, which had a Suzuki logo. That's the only thing I can think of.
 
Hope these photos help.
The tell all sign I believe is the photo of the riveted name plate.
No other mfg identification can be located. Obviously somebody made the fairing & Suzuki sold it as a package for this model.
 

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  • photo62928.jpg
    photo62928.jpg
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It looks like an aftermarket fairing that Suzuki USA sold as an accessory.
 
What Nessism said. I sorta recall seeing Suzuki ads in magazines for those. Dunno how many they sold, but it was only for one year. I bet they're pretty scarce today.
 
Robert Hurlburt said:
..................
fetch
Click to expand...

That does look like what I have seen in old magazines. Not really factory stock, but an approved dealer add on. I think I first saw them in 78 or 79 omagizines on GS1000 and/or 850.

In previous discussion here about this, I think I recall folks suggestion was maybe Califica? Calfa? Calafa? made for Suzuki in US for the US market.
 
Last edited:
Hey, I found pics from when I sold off a bunch of old magazines

Jun14_25_A.jpg



Jun14_26_A.jpg









. Yah, you got a significant period-correct thing there (that only few folks would know).

I cant make out the date on the magazine.
But it calls the bike GS850, not GS850G, and side panels dont have the G suffix either, so is 78 or 79 model.
And it mentions "things to come" so made magaize if from late 77 even.

.


.
 
Last edited:
Thank you sir for the research & finding the answer to the mystery. bike had one owner purchased in California new from factory. He worked for NGK in conjunction with Suzuki in spark plug development. Would love to see a copy of that vintage article you posted!
could you send perhaps?
roberthurlburt42363@gmail.com
Nice having a rarity on these superb GS bikes!

Thank you again.
 
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