Which model do i have...

[MikeinSaudi]

HI guys

OK so i bought a '78 GS550 that was already striped down, an abandoned project (i know, i know). It gets worse, keep reading (blush).

But anyway, how do i know which model i have?

Its a British bike and i have the V5 but because i work in Saudi i have not seen the bike yet, pictures in my welcome thread in GS Owners.

Does the chasis number or engine number tell me?

Grateful for any guidance guys.

[Steve]

If it is indeed a '78 model, it would not be an "L", they started in '79. HOWEVER, ... production of the '79 models started as early as August or September of '78, and some "registration authorities" title the vehicle by production date, not model year.

For the '78 model year, there was a 550 and a 550E available. Not sure what the differences were, but most likely cast vs spoke wheels and a few other goodies.

Suzuki's code for the '78 model year was "C", so the full designation would be GS550C or GS550EC.

When you actually see the bike, get a couple of pictures and post them here, we'll be able to tell for sure.

Things to look for/photograph: side shot of front wheel and forks and the VIN plate on the front of the steering stem. The VIN plate will have the serial number, along with the "C" in the bottom-right corner and the production date in the upper-right corner.

.

[MikeinSaudi]

Thanks Steve, appreciate it.

This is about as much detail as i have at the minute, a photo from the very helpful seller before the bike left his house.

fefd4f2e-d763-405c-8570-e46037907039 by Mike Balmer, on Flickr

[steveb922]

It's definitely not an L model. No lugs for frame covers, standard forks.

As Steve said above, a 1978 build date could mean either a 78 or 79 model. There were very few differences for UK market models in those years - just different colours, graphics etc.

As to the C/EC thing, once again, there are very few appreciable differences for our market. We already had cast wheels and double front discs as standard. Maybe different seats?

So, in summary, it doesn't actually matter as far as ordering parts is concerned. I'm guessing you're not looking an absolutely factory correct restoration? You've probably already noticed that the frame has been cut at the rear, and a seat hoop has been welded in.

[MikeinSaudi]

So, in summary, it doesn't actually matter as far as ordering parts is concerned. I'm guessing you're not looking an absolutely factory correct restoration? You've probably already noticed that the frame has been cut at the rear, and a seat hoop has been welded in.

Thanks Steve, your point about the model not mattering is actually very helpful, appreciate that. Yeah i am aware that the previous owner was intending to make a cafe racer. He is an experienced builder but, luckily for me, had too many projects on and was moving so i managed to get this one. While not a huge fan of cafe racer style i hope that this will be a great learning project for me before i start bobbing other bikes which is what i would like to be able to do. But i can learn a huge amount following through on the now welded start of a cafe racer.

[Rob S.]

...before i start bobbing other bikes which is what i would like to be able to do.

I suggest you stop incriminating yourself, as some rat has probably notified the authorities already. Get a good lawyer. It's not your fault - you were probably influenced by the wrong magazines. Just be thankful you're not in some country that still practices capital punish... oh, wait. Sorry.

You can probably get off with community service, which might be no more than an amputation or two.

[MikeinSaudi]

I suggest you stop incriminating yourself, as some rat has probably notified the authorities already.

Still laughing at this end Rob, thanks for that. We all have to start somewhere and in my defence i am frequently unsupervised ������

[Rob S.]

Ssh! Big Brother's watching!

Seriously, thank you for your service.