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modified: 08/22/08
1982 GS550LZ review
by Don Harper
BIKE: 1982 Suzuki GS550LZ (standard):
SPECIFICATIONS: 4-stroke, in-line 4 cylinder
549cc.,air-cooled
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Description:
6 speeds, one down, five up, speedo, tach, trip meter,
digital gear indicator, idiot light for oil, center-stand.
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Pricing:
In the Houston area, I have seen these bike go from $500 (
what I bought mine for ), $750 at the local salvage yard, to
$1000 from a local dealer. Most of these were in moderate shape.
I am planning on repainting the tank, and maybe the frame,
getting a new seat cover, and expect to be able to ask about
$750-$1000 ( a bit much, but if a sucker wants it... :-)
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History:
I have had this bike for about 6 months now, and have logged
7K of mostly city highway driving with it. ( driving the
highways in the city ) When I bought it, it had been sitting for
about a year, and it took some work to get it happy again. (
chain & sprockets, oil, oil filter, plugs, etc ) The only
major problems I have had with it is the generator went out
after 10 years & ~35K miles ( the speedo was broken for
about 2-3 years when I got it ). Some of the plastic is getting
old, but still serviceable. The seat has lost its front pins and
is cracked. To my knowledge, this bike has never seen the inside
of a garage to live.
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Modifications:
Crash bars had been added to the bike before I got it, but I
have seen them for it for about ~$60.00 at the local salvage
yard new. The only thing I have done to the bike since I have
gotten it is I switched the light/turn signal/horn control out.
Then one I have one is from an '84 GS550, and I like the setup
of the controls better. Cost- $10.00 from the local salvage
yard.
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Opinion:
IMHO, this is a very good first bike. More than enough power
off the line to feel good about dusting a Porsche once you know
what is up, but not enough power to flip the bike on you. The
top end, though, is only about 80 to 85 MPH solo, and about 75
2-up. It is very forgiving if you do not mess up too bad, and
with the case guards on, it is very cheap to drop at speeds (
three drops, some total of *new* parts, $15.00 :-). This,
however, is not a Goof2 or such, and is a little harder to push
in the twisties ( what few I have found to play with :-) You can
go 2-up without any problems, just don't expect to go dragging
anything too seriously.
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Cautions:
Even thou I have seen lots of these floating around down
here on the road, you should be very wary about the
possibilities of these bikes just sitting around and not being
run. They will fire up with little hesitation, but they will run
like crap until completely serviced, which may cost more that
they you paid for it.
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