Help & FAQs    Search BCF    Members    Groups    Events Calendar
Resend my activation email : Register : Log in 
BCF: Bike Chat Forums


Views on a 1981 Suzuki GS550L

 Reply to topic
Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat Goto page 1, 2  Next
View previous topic : View next topic  
Author Message

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 16:27 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Views on a 1981 Suzuki GS550L Reply with quote
Well there doesn't seem to be much about it on the internet and I've never heard of it. Looks like a cross between a Yamaha SR500 and a Honda CB550. All I know is it's an inline 4, puts out 50hp and weighs 223kg. So it's slow and heavy Laughing

My cousins found one at the back of a garage. 1981, only 9,000 miles. Can't find much about price so have come here for help. What would someone pay for one? I was thinking £300 because I'm a tight arse and like my money to stay in the bank Laughing

I've been told it just needs some TLC.

Clicky

Anyone ever owned one?
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Pete.
Super Spammer



Joined: 22 Aug 2006
Karma :
PostPosted: 16:30 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Early 16 valve Suzuki engine, quite nippy but quite heavy too. A tendency to burn out the valves so look after the clearances. God-awful rectifier so look out for a Honda one as soon as you buy it.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good Very Happy
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 16:33 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Geri wrote:
Early 16 valve Suzuki engine, quite nippy but quite heavy too. A tendency to burn out the valves so look after the clearances. God-awful rectifier so look out for a Honda one as soon as you buy it.


Are you sure it's 16valve? According to Bikez it's 2 valve per cylinder (8 valve)

Any idea on price, Obviously considering the very low mileage?
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

virus
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Karma :
PostPosted: 16:40 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Think it was the L or G thats a shaft drive, good solid tool them.


Cheers
John
____________________
own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 16:48 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
virus wrote:
Think it was the L or G thats a shaft drive, good solid tool them.


Cheers
John


The L model is chain according to Bikez. Can't seem to find the G model on there Thinking
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

MaybeGuy
Super Spammer



Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 16:54 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
300 sounds a bit steep.

offer 50
____________________
Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!! Mr. Green
Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 17:03 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
mattsprattuk wrote:
300 sounds a bit steep.

offer 50


My dad said £100. I did think after posting it 'Is £300 a lot?'

We'll see once I've looked at it. I think I'm going to see it next Sunday.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Kickstart
The Oracle



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Karma :
PostPosted: 17:07 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

Think the L was the one with high bars and slightly dubious styling.

The GS550 (8 valve engine) is very solid. Not particularly quiet engine (roller bearing crank) but will go on for ever.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 17:14 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kickstart wrote:
Hi

Think the L was the one with high bars and slightly dubious styling.

The GS550 (8 valve engine) is very solid. Not particularly quiet engine (roller bearing crank) but will go on for ever.

All the best

Keith


I was waiting for you to turn up Laughing If I fitted some straight through pipes would it cover up the noise of the engine Cool
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

virus
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:03 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Straight through?

Not illegal on a bike of that age, also you don't need a working front brake light switch, and various other things.

Check out motor vehicles construction and use act for more details.


Cheers
John
____________________
own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:18 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
virus wrote:
Straight through?

Not illegal on a bike of that age


I like that idea Twisted Evil Twisted Evil
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Kickstart
The Oracle



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:53 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

There are limits on noise, just that an exhaust for a bike that age does not need to be marked. Straight through pipes would almost certainly be illegal.

The engine noise is more of a gentle rumble.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

virus
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Karma :
PostPosted: 21:01 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
True, I suppose completely straight through wouldn't go down too well on MOT, but you can still have fairly loud pipes without too much problems.

Keith, any idea on what MVCU actually says about it? I cant seem to find it, and as we know MOT and legal are different things. Laughing


Cheers
John
____________________
own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Grav
World Chat Champion



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Karma :
PostPosted: 21:02 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kickstart wrote:
Hi

Think the L was the one with high bars and slightly dubious styling.

The GS550 (8 valve engine) is very solid. Not particularly quiet engine (roller bearing crank) but will go on for ever.

All the best

Keith


Indeed it is, Keith. Thumbs Up

Right, having owned a GS550 in my misspent youth, I can offer some helpful advice here. Should you take the plunge and acquire the bike, it will give you plenty of years of service providing you do the following.

Strip it and hammerite the frame. If it's been sat for more than a couple of years it will be rusty.

Check the electrics are in good order and that a superdream reg/rec unit has been fitted. Suzuki ones from that era are utter tosh. I would think that this has already been done. Fit a new battery too It should be a YB 10L A2 if my memory serves me right.

Strip and clean the carbs thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the diaphragms. Because the bike has been stood for a while, they may have perished, but fear not. You can still get replacements for a reasonable price.

Change the oil and filter, and keep doing it every 3 thousand miles religiously. As Keith said, it's got a roller bearing crank and will last forever if you look after it properly. I have only ever heard of one of these engines blowing up and that was done by a complete nugget who hadn't a clue on how to look after a bike.

Change the brake lines for braided hoses if it hasn't already been done and change the fluid for new Dot4 stuff. If needed, fit new piston seals.

TYres will probably have perished too, shop around for Continentals or Metzelers. They like them. Wink

The cosmetics are up to you depending on the general condition of the bike. If it's not too bad, tidy it up or you can get the black paint and gaffer tape out and RAT it. There are still bits knocking around in breakers yards or ebay if you are willing to look for them.


Personally I would try to get it for less than £100 but pay no more than £200. Spend around £200 on it and you have a decent enough bike for hacking round on.

Hope this helps
____________________
Dark Lord Of Custard

snigger..... Very Happy
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Ichy
World Chat Champion



Joined: 15 Jul 2005
Karma :
PostPosted: 21:04 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
I own a GS550M Katana. Cost £200 a couple of years ago with tax, mot, new C&S and new tyres. Used as a winter hack without any problems. Easy to ride and plenty of fun, will do a tadge over a 100 mph if you have a death wish and you can lift the front fairly easily.

Valve guides wear resulting in burning oil, stay well away from synthetic they thrive on cheap supermarket oil. Air filter can rot but they are jut a bit of foam. Fork tubes seem to pit far too easily.

Engines aren't that noisy its more of a constant rumble. Parts are fairly easy to get hold of. 650 cams are a popular mod to give a bit more power.
____________________
https://www.metacafe.com/watch/1972097/how_to_behave_on_a_forum/
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Kickstart
The Oracle



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Karma :
PostPosted: 21:27 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
virus wrote:
Keith, any idea on what MVCU actually says about it? I cant seem to find it, and as we know MOT and legal are different things. Laughing


Think the limit was 86db (think current limit is 80db, so was 4 times louder).

Think the current MOT rule is to be as loud as a standard system in reasonable condition in the opinion of the tester. A standard GS550 would have had a fairly quiet exhaust.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 21:45 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Grav wrote:
The cosmetics are up to you depending on the general condition of the bike. If it's not too bad, tidy it up or you can get the black paint and gaffer tape out and RAT it. There are still bits knocking around in breakers yards or ebay if you are willing to look for them.


Hopefully I'll be getting it to original condition. There will be no matt black paint near the bike, sorry Virus Laughing

Thanks for all the tips Grav Karma

Kickstart wrote:
virus wrote:
Keith, any idea on what MVCU actually says about it? I cant seem to find it, and as we know MOT and legal are different things. Laughing


Think the limit was 86db (think current limit is 80db, so was 4 times louder).

Think the current MOT rule is to be as loud as a standard system in reasonable condition in the opinion of the tester. A standard GS550 would have had a fairly quiet exhaust.

All the best

Keith


I could just fit the standard exhaust at M.O.T time. It's not a problem anyway, I work at an M.O.T station. They usually only give advisories for really loud exhaust and there have been some loud ones. Probably not as loud as a straight through but both testers approve of loud exhaust Laughing Like the MV Agusta Brutale 910R without an end can Cool
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Pete.
Super Spammer



Joined: 22 Aug 2006
Karma :
PostPosted: 22:09 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Sorry I musta had a brain-fart and saw GSX550 Embarassed

My first big bike was a GS550E. Fitted with a superdream rectifier of course.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good Very Happy
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 22:33 - 28 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Geri wrote:
Sorry I musta had a brain-fart and saw GSX550 Embarassed

My first big bike was a GS550E. Fitted with a superdream rectifier of course.


Maybe I should fit a turbo Laughing Cool Mr. Green Twisted Evil Razz Shocked
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Pete.
Super Spammer



Joined: 22 Aug 2006
Karma :
PostPosted: 06:24 - 29 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
ms51ves3 wrote:

Maybe I should fit a turbo Laughing Cool Mr. Green Twisted Evil Razz Shocked


Super-strong engine - lowish compression - 8 valve: almost a perfect combination. Only fly in the ointment is you have to use a ball-bearing turbo as the roller-bearing GS cranks use a low oil pressure as stock and it's barely adequate for plain-bearing turbos Wink Wink
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good Very Happy
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

Pete.
Super Spammer



Joined: 22 Aug 2006
Karma :
PostPosted: 06:31 - 29 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
There was a guy on another site using one of those 550's for dragracing. It was fitted with a big-bore GSXR1100 engine on nitrous making 300HP. I asked him how the hell he got the engine in and he said:

Quote:
....the engine fitted straight in all i had to do was cut frame in half widen lengthen and make it taller..........but to get engine in or out you have to remove sump,pickup,rocker cover box and rocker cover.all engine mounts are now flush fitting and its still a git to do!


Sounds worse than changing the plugs on a ZX10R Mr. Green Mr. Green
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good Very Happy
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 08:35 - 29 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
....the engine fitted straight in all i had to do was cut frame in half widen lengthen and make it taller..........but to get engine in or out you have to remove sump,pickup,rocker cover box and rocker cover.all engine mounts are now flush fitting and its still a git to do!


Laughing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 08:37 - 29 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Geri wrote:
Super-strong engine - lowish compression - 8 valve: almost a perfect combination. Only fly in the ointment is you have to use a ball-bearing turbo as the roller-bearing GS cranks use a low oil pressure as stock and it's barely adequate for plain-bearing turbos Wink Wink


What's the difference between a bal bearing and a plain bearing turbo? I will assume the ball bearing turbos won't be able to rev as high but I have absolutely no idea.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Kickstart
The Oracle



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Karma :
PostPosted: 09:46 - 29 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

Biggest difference is cost.

Maserati Ghibli Cup had roller bearings turbos. They were £4k each Shocked . Did manage 330hp from a 2L engine though.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

ms51ves3
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Karma :
PostPosted: 09:53 - 29 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kickstart wrote:
Hi

Biggest difference is cost.

Maserati Ghibli Cup had roller bearings turbos. They were £4k each Shocked . Did manage 330hp from a 2L engine though.

All the best

Keith


So if I wanted to turbo charge a GS550 it would cost a lot of money?
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts
Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 17 years, 130 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
  Display posts from previous:   
This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set.

Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat All times are GMT
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
 You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum

Read the Terms of Use! - Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
 
Debug Mode: ON - Server: birks (www) - Page Generation Time: 0.08 Sec - Server Load: 0.82 - MySQL Queries: 13 - Page Size: 141.76 Kb