Vin Decoder?

[Guest]

Hey Guys,

I have a GS550E and think it is a 1980 but the oem parts fisch does'nt list a 1980 GS550E? They only go up to 1979 for the GS550E? Is there any way to confirm what year this bike is?? Vin# GS550E-132734

[rphillips]

Sorry, don't know about the VIN, but google 1980 suzuki GS550E, you'll find out a lot.

[rphillips]

You must be pushing the wrong buttons, Suzuki parts does show 1980 GS550E. Good luck

[renorealtors]

I'm using Rocky Mountain and Partszilla? After further review I think it is a 1979 anyway. I would like to know for sure. I just cant find a vin decoder anywhere.

[renorealtors]

What site are you looking at??

[Nessism]

It's not a '79. What does the VIN sticker on the steering neck say? My guess is 1980.

Oh, and Partzilla's fishe has all years.

EDIT: for some reason Partzilla doesn't show a 1980 550E. Try here instead...https://alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

[renorealtors]

20191227_115358.jpgHi Nessism See what i'm up against. Just can't make out the manufacture date. Can you tell from my Vin#?

[cowboyup3371]

Can you get a picture of the other side of that sticker? The manufacture date looks to be on the other side of the neck

[Nessism]

Correct. 1980 550E. The 550E was discontinued in 1980 for the US market and your bike is 1980 or later because of the carbs.

[renorealtors]

20191227_115503.jpgGreat job and thank you. It was a real title mystery. I went through the court system and they said it was a 1979 and I was telling them 1980. The court search came up with 1979 and I had to change my paperwork to show 1979. So now I have a 1980 GS550ET with a 1979 title. I am dead sure if I ever sell it the buyer will not ever question it unless he is Nessism!!! Thanks again John

[Nessism]

It's pretty common for the title to be a year or so off. One reason is because the build for the "model year", such as 1980, started just after midyear in 1979. There are also instances where bikes sat unsold until some time after the model year for which they were intended. Leftover bikes as it were. My KZ750 title says 1982 even though it's a 1981 model year bike so good chance it was one such bike.

[hannibal]

http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/suzi/engine-nos/engnos.htm

[Steve]

Yep, the CV-type carbs appeared on the '80 model. One more confirmation would be the lack of a kickstart lever.

The ULTIMATE proof would be on your VIN tag. See the line that says "on the date of manufacture shown above"? Look three lines above that, just above the word "above", just past what is visible in the picture. You should see the date of assembly.

The 1980 model year started production as early as late August, certainly by September, so it's quite possible that you will see a 1979 assembly date. That is why the title might show the bike as a '79.




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[cowboyup3371]

He posted in #11 after I asked for it but someone has really destroyed that part of the plate.

[rphillips]

Am I wrong to think, on all bikes, the VIN is required to be etched into the frame?