Suzuki GS550 Ride Review - 2,600 original miles!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ส.ค. 2022
- In this ride review video, I am checking out and riding Suzuki's 1981 GS550T four-cylinder motorcycle. How does this middleweight vintage motorcycle ride and drive 40+ years after its introduction? Let's find out together!
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What an enjoyable video. I had an "E" series throughout the 80's. No fuss or muss, just fun. Thank you for reviving the memories.
You're welcome Vince! I did another video review of Suzuki's GS650G that released yesterday. I love the classic GS bikes!
Just discovered your channel.. Your videos bring back so many memories from my youth. They also make me want to get and old model that I admired and restore it for fun. Especially your GPZ series since there is one close to me but priced far too high.
Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying the channel! I have a literal pile of parts to go on the GPZ1100. New gas tank, rear suspension, clutch, front sprocket, etc. I am torn about putting it back to stock because it looks so cool long and low like it is. But I don't ride it often because of the limited ground clearance.
Loved your review. I picked up an '81 - "T" model in Red a few years ago. It had sat in a basement for a number of years and while cosmetically pretty decent, the carbs were a mess. Took several years to get it sorted, and ended up replacing the entire carb rack. It only had 22,000 km. I've been able to get it out a few times and now have about 26K. 3 rd of those models I've owned over the years. Suzuki makes great machines as I can confirm, as this is my 16 th Suzuki.
Thanks Ron! I really love the GS line of bikes as well. Great mackines! Stay tuned for more GS reviews and comparisons. The GS550 and CB550 will be compared in the next few weeks.
I have a GS550E 1978 model. It so dull and slow that it’s fun to ride.. I can’t imagine that I ever get a speedticket, and the chance for getting in to a high speed accident is close to zero. The major risk for injury on this bike is if i drive to far from home, the risk for starving to death on my return is more likely than wind up in a crash. Before u people start lecturing! YES it’s tecnical perfect, it’s completly restored, the engine is overhauled, the carbs are renewed with new inner parts, i even converted to a electronic ignition (genuine Suzuki [Screwzuki]).. all mechanics are working superb. Those bikes are born like this..just suck it up.
Beautiful bike. I had a new 1978 GS550. Lots of fun,enough power. You got her sounding brand new. She is a stunner,great job, thx for video.
Thanks Ronald!
If I was not so far away in another country..Canada..I would make you an offer you could not refuse.
@@ronaldwhite7676 Hi Ronald, I wish you were local - I need some space in my overcrowded garage!
Your particular example is a classic for what it has. Beautiful black paint with gold pinstripes in excellent condition. Very low mileage on the bike. Four into two exhaust in excellent condition that puts out a great sound like it is Worth more as a "keeper" than you could get if you sold it locally. Might bring more on "Bring a Trailer" but I'd keep it (unless you wanted to sell it to me)!! Score!!!
Thanks, Mike! Unfortunately (fortunately?) I have a garage full of low mileage, nice condition classics. And you're right, when you can find them, it may be foolish to sell them. I sometimes need to move certain bikes in order to make room for others. This one made room for a 1983 GS1100E. At 6'-4" the bigger bikes fit me better. Cheers!
Geez, That reving at 3:40 brought back so many memories. Same mufflers on the GS550L. It IS a great first bike as you said. My first time on a bike was when I picked it up from the Dealership. Great on the streets but I didn't have the guts to take her on the highway in NYC. If I lived out by you, that would sure be different. Beautiful roads for bikes in PA. I'm commenting as I watch the video and you struck another nerve as I remember that the 4 into 1 exhausts were the rage on the crotch rockets back in the day. Probably no mufflers or they drilled out the baffles. Oh yesteryear. Put a nice set of drag bars on her and the 4 into 1 exhaust would really spice it up. Those were the days my friend.How about that mountain climb on route 280 on the way to route 80 in NJ. That sure is a challenge and I'm sure everyone who drives that road sure doesn't forget it. Great Video. Now I have to see where your bikes are. Good Day Jon. Gerry in Fl.
Hi Gerry, I'm jealous of the winter weather in FL, but I'll keep the Lancaster County, PA backroads. You're a brave man to ride in NYC! I'm glad the video brought back fond memories. Cheers!
What a beautiful bike!
Thanks Jared!
wow, a nice mid size bike.super low miles.great shape.be a nice bike for riding back & forth to work.looks like it was stored indoors for quite a while.nice buy.thanks for the review.
Thanks!
WOW, You restored what was my first and only bike. Suzuki GS550L. I think it was a '79. It was the cruiser with the bent down handlebars and chrome fenders. I just looked up the weight as I am having a real bad get a motorcycle again itch, and it surprised me that it weighed so much. I would have thought around the high 3's. It's weird as now I like the style of the GS550T instead of the L. Tastes change but back in the day, it was all about the Kawi's 900's with the drag bars on them doing wheelies across the Verrazano Bridge. Those bikes were rockets. Never rode a bigger bike but I did want a little more HP and that had me thinking of a 750 Honda. My age is showing. Last of the baby boomers DOB 1959. Brooklyn was so different then. PA in the NE around Milford was the hunting areas. Love the PA woods . Nothing like it. Now I must look up and see what you are selling. Ha Ha. Stay Safe out there.
Thanks Gerard!
in 1980 i bought a new suzuki 550 gs l i really liked riding it i dont have it anymore i miss it !!!
They are nice bikes!
Great review of the GS550. I have a whole collection of GS's. All 1100's and one 1000. My first bike was a GS450T (2 cylinder) which I also loved. I also just found out that I am only about 1 hour from you. I have a large collection of motorcycles, and maybe we should meet up someday and talk about bikes and compare some notes.
Sounds great Rob. I have a few GSs myself. You can contact me via email with your contact info at: jonsmotorcycle@hotmail.com
They had the best seats back in those days. That was before style became more important than comfort. Those handlebars too, on those bikes made low speed handling so easy. It was like they had everything figured out back then.
Yep. It's why I still love this era of bikes.
I got a 1979 GS550L myself, a great bike.
Nice!
Hi John love your channel. The bikes you feature are proper looking bikes not the mainly horrible looking bikes you find today.
Thanks Andrew!
This is a beautiful bike, and it's very well preserved. If I had to choose between this GS550T and the E version, ...uuuff that would make my brain collapse 😵
Comparing these 550s' power with their little sisters, the twin cylinder 450s, I found there's not such a big difference between the two, only 5 hp less in the twins. A bigger amount of horses comes with the GS650 series, 73hp if I'm not mistaken, and that's one of my favorite Suzukis from this era. I like its design so much, specifically the GS650GT. I'd love to have one.
If you ever have the chance, please make a review of one of those rare gems Mr. Jon. There aren't many good videos about them, and I'll be happy to watch it!
✌😎
Sounds good Andros. I missed an opportunity to purchase a beautiful GS650G earlier in the year. If I get the opportunity to ride and review one, I will gladly do it!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 oh thanks! That would be great!
Hi, I got the GS650G! Here's my review of it: th-cam.com/video/_lEJNZYWuL0/w-d-xo.html&si=aNBDjwOY809KMbu3
Let me know what you think. Cheers!
WOW! 2600 miles, what a find! Looks like a mini GS1100G. I didn't know there was a 550T. Knew of the 450T.
Carb. clean and better then new.
You must be going blind on FB, Craigslist, etc. to find these gems.
It does take consistent looking. I missed a nice looking little GS650G a little while ago but I can't complain. I need to thin the heard again though!
You call it a small bike, but its really a mid range bike. Old 550s were usually good for a top speed of 110mph, so pretty fast. I used to have a friend of mine who owned an old Honda Cb500 four, lots of fun if you are willing to rev it. We raced it against a yamaha RD 350LC once, two up, and we kept up uptil 70mph and then out accelerated him above 70mph and thats a CB500 from around the mid 1970s!!!
I had a CB550 years ago and remember it fondly! Much better handling than the original CB750. I'm working on the GS550/CB750 comparison as I write this...
I recognize a lot of the roads you were riding too.
Nice, PA has some great roads!
nice wee bike jon i remember them. gd vid.
Thanks David!
I bought a 1980 GS550L a year ago to use as a winter runabout when my 78 Triumph Bonneville is off the road to protect it from the salt, but I like it so much, I've been using it all year round as an everyday bike. As a UK model, it has twin discs on the front, and a previous owner has replaced the seat with one similar to yours, which suits me as I'm 6' 3", and the original seat would have been too low. My only complaint is the stupid, tiny fuel tank (with no reserve), which limits the range to around 80 miles, but if I'm going further, I use the Triumph. This is my first Japanese bike since the early 70s, and I'm enjoying the luxury of electric start, after 50 years of kickstart only.
Right on, the GS550s are great daily drivers! I'm surprised that you don't have a reserve. It sounds like someone replaced the stock petcock.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 no, it's the stock petcock (I've checked service data). It has a fuel gauge, but unfortunately, not a very accurate one. I've learned (the hard way) that once it hits the quarter tank mark, it can run out any time.
Hi Jon, I have 2 bikes in badly need of rescue. First up is a 1976 Kz1000 that runs but needs to be gone over a bit, and secondly is a 1976 Kz900 that the motor seems to be locked. I spoke with @Johnnysvintagemotorcycle and he is booked up 2.1/2 yrs down the road.
Hi Tyrone, I myself just picked up 2 KZ1000 projects (a 1978 and a 1977). Are you looking to sell them or are you looking to have someone restore them? Also, are you local to the south central PA area?
I'm located in North Carolina but the bikes are in New Jersey. My options are open let's talk. Thanks
@@tynitty772000 The best way to contact me is through email: jonsmotorcycle@hotmail.com
My 75 Honda cb-550 F is silky smooth even w/48k miles on it.Alway`s wanted to know how it compared w/the Gs-550 (which i also wanted).The cb-550f was geared lower than the standard cb-550.
which I quickly changed, as was the seat..Did 500 mile trips no problem, 150 miles before reserve 4.2g
tank.You have owned both any comment on this would be welcomed.....BTW Loved hearing the rpms
at an indicated 60mph...Cheers.!
Hi Gilbert, to be honest, I owned the CB550 in college but remember it as smooth and solid feeling, with predictable handling. Brakes are better on the GS.
Lovely bike, there was so many beautiful looking bikes in the 70's, 80's etc. Thats one thing that has definitely not improved with modern bikes and that is the look, there's so many ugly bikes now.
Yep, I definitely agree.
Hey Jon,
Great Find / Bike and a matching review!
Sounds like it might be a keeper for you?
If not ... I'm wondering if you were to sell what would a bike like this be worth to even consider?
Thanks again!
💔🇺🇸
Thanks Rick and great question! As much as I would love to keep all the bikes I work on, reality means I do sell some. I have this bike listed currently for $3495. I have fully serviced it, all the systems check out, it is state inspected, etc. It also has a clean title with the correct mileage (super low).
There are cheaper ones out there but very few with this mileage, in this condition, all stock, with proper documentation, and running and driving like this one does. It would be far cheaper to buy this one than to buy a basket case and make it this nice.
I recently got a 85 gs550L for free, dual carb set up, i cant seem to find much in them. All i find are 84 and around the era, mine only has 6037 miles on it. Is there any main issues i should look out for? Its my first bike.
I haven't had any experience with that model so I really don't know. Good luck with it!
I am in the process of buying a 1982 GS550L. The guy has the carbs and airbox torn off and is unsure how to work on a bank of 4 carbs (he is into dirtbikes). When he took the air box off, he says it will not turn over now (it did crank over before he took it apart) - he has the starter solenoid hanging in mid air - I am wondering if it has to be mounted so that it grounds to operate? The bike is in very good condition, and he is selling it for $400.00 and it has 16,000 miles on it. I appreciate any info - I know the carbs will need cleaned or rebuilt - he said it ran fine at higher RPM`S (above 5 or 6 grand) but didn`t take throttle well at lower RPM`s. Again, I really appreciate any help or info! Thanks!
Hi Scott, great question! Systems that you can't check when you buy a non-runner include: brakes, clutch, transmission, charging system, starter, engine, etc. In other words, lots of unknowns. Additionally, someone else has been messing with it already, so missing or misadjusted items are a concern. Vintage bikes are old and it's best to be able to check over all these systems prior to buying. You'll often do better buying a well-sorted bike for $2000 than buying a "cheap" non-runner. Never buy vintage because it's cheap (it isn't in the end). I just want you to be informed prior to purchase.
The earth (ground) strap for the starter is usually attached to one of the airbox mounting bolts, so may have been left disconnected.
Jon, very cool bike! Was it a local find? Thanks.
Yes, about an hour away.
Looking for guidance. A friend is helping his mom down size, and in the process, they uncovered her deceased husband project, a 1972 Suzuki GT550 with lots of extra parts. Are there any groups or forums I can put them in touch with to sell this bike and parts.
I would check on Facebook. Cheers!
I have a question about performance. When I'm at 70+ on the highway it doesn't seem to have much power at all as it struggles to reach 95mph is this normal or am I have unknown issues? The the gearing is stock
It's difficult to tell without riding the bike myself. It should pull cleanly and without any stumbling or hesitation through 100+. If it's out of tune it could cause it to run poorly. These bikes came out when the speed limit was 55 mph and cruising at 75+ mph isn't really what they were designed for.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah it's badly out of tune to where it has high idle and ots gutless in the high rpms the previous owners put an aftermarket exhaust system on it but didn't change the jetting so who knows
@@HighMileageOffroad Sorry to hear that! I would suggest tuning it for the pipe.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I've restored numerous bikes and I have never had so much trouble with a bike before lol I'm only 19 but I'm still learning with these vintage Japanese bikes
@@HighMileageOffroad Sounds like you're off to a good start. The Japanese bikes from this era are still my favorite bikes to work on. If they do give trouble, it's usually the result of someone else being in there before you and messing it up. 🙂
6:58 it’s not funny that’s the same problem with supper today with euro 5 emissions. Bikes are way too lean from the factory.
Yep. It's been a serious drivability issue with many bikes since the early 1980's. I have re-jetted lots of bikes because of the lean EPA jetting. Cheers
It looks like a proper motorbike compared to most of today’s bikes which look ugly.
Good point Andrew. Additionally, I fear the new plastic-fantastic bikes are throwaway items that won't last over time. The quality of the older bikes has really held up well.