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First large bike: GS 550 - moped graduate from Lowell Massachusetts

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    #1

    First large bike: GS 550 - moped graduate from Lowell Massachusetts

    Greetings,

    Lurking here helped me decide what motorcycle to buy.

    I found a 1980 GS550L with some recent work done at a suspiciously low price.
    I watched the dealer ride it around the lot, shift, brake, work the clutch in a turn, and use signals before I bought it.
    It is now insured, registered, titled, and awaiting additional repair, inspection, and the springtime.

    I have used scooters, ebikes, and mopeds as daily commuters since 2009, worked small engine repair in high school,
    restored a moped, built a series of ebikes, and passed the MSF - BRC 1 on a leafy and freshly damp parking lot.

    But I have not owned a highway capable machine until I bought this.

    50788444_2300035723340188_8825595629305593856_o.jpg
    Tags: None
    #2
    Hi,Dan. Bike looks pretty good! A good mid-range size for just about anywhere that's pleasant or useful to go.

    No experience beyond bicycles myself but I think you'll be safer than on your mopeds etc...more "presence" and your skills being vulnerable will serve you well... no more looking for respite on the road shoulder! I see brave souls riding bicyles, ebikes, and scooters on the narrow shoulders of my local "secondary" and it looks a little hairy where a lot of drivers aren't competent to stay clear of the white line on the shoulder...

    go here read up if you haven't . A lot of stuff is common across these suzukis
    BikeCliff's Website

    Comment

      #3
      Originally posted by DanSkor View Post
      ..........
      Lurking here helped me decide what motorcycle to buy.
      ...........
      Dan, Welcome to TheGSR.

      Yes, this website forum is a good reason to have a GS, if you are going to have any 80s bike.

      In your lurking did you notice that an L isnt typically what want for long distance highway riding....?
      I see yours still has the stock bars.

      Tell us more of your adventure.

      .
      http://webpages.charter.net/ddvrnr/GS850_1100_Emblems.jpg
      Had 850G for 14 years. Now have GK since 2005.
      GK at IndyMotoGP Suzuki Display... ... GK on GSResources Page ... ... Euro Trash Ego Machine .. ..3 mo'cykls.... update 2 mocykl


      https://imgur.com/YTMtgq4

      Comment

        #4
        Welcome aboard this site, but mostly welcome aboard a real motorcycle!

        I've never liked mopeds or scooters, and these new electric ones that sneak up on you positively give me the creeps. Many people ride them on the sidewalks here.

        Congratulations! You are now a real motorcyclist.
        1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

        2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

        Comment

          #5
          Hey Dan, welcome.
          Good luck and enjoy the 550. It’s a good size to start with, and big enough to stay with if you choose.
          My first streebike was also a 550, but not a Suzuki. It served me well while learning the ins and outs of street riding which was worlds different from off-road that I was accustomed to.
          sigpic
          When consulting the magic 8 ball for advice, one must first ask it "will your answers be accurate?"

          Glen
          -85 1150 es - Plus size supermodel.
          -Rusty old scooter.
          Other things I like to photograph.....instagram.com/gs_junkie
          https://www.instagram.com/glen_brenner/
          https://www.flickr.com/photos/152267...7713345317771/

          Comment

            #6
            Thank you,

            I was aware that the L is not the preferred long distance version, despite being a cruiser.

            Besides numerous bits of maintenance I have been brainstorming improvements.

            At 6'3" with a long torso and arms I intend to get higher bars with a bit less rear angle.

            I wear size 13 Fox Comp boots so ... over-and-under toe shifter, peg lowering, and some adjustments to the front brake. These will be done early.

            Potholes, large frost heaves, and sloppy road "repairs" are a fact of life here in Massachusetts ... progressive front springs - emulators - new rear shocks.

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by DanSkor View Post
              Thank you,

              ...peg lowering...
              Just remember, the pegs are the first to ground on many bikes. As a beginner, though, I hope you won't leaning it over that far (especially at speed).
              1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

              2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

              Comment

                #8
                Excellent intro, Dan.
                Welcome to the site.
                2@ \'78 GS1000

                Comment

                  #9
                  Welcome to the forum Dan. You will find a lot of good souls here... Even if they sometimes act like idiots on off-topic. LOL...

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Peppermint Patti View Post
                    ...they sometimes act like idiots on off-topic. LOL...
                    What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?!?
                    1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

                    2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      I know I was part of it once! LOL...

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Off topic is where the rubber hits the road. You can get flattened pretty fast!

                        Comment

                          #13
                          I have good advise for you. Don't dump a lot of money on anything for your new ride until you bring the problem to the forums. Collectively these guys know everything there is about Suzukis, other brands as well. You can save a ton of time and money (and aggravation) by using this FREE help. Be as specific as you can about your problem.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Great advise wymple! There are SO many guys who've helped me... as they continue to help others.
                            If you stick around long enough, you will be amazed at the kindness here!!!

                            Comment

                              #15
                              It isn't light, but it is compact. There are a lot of survivors, and I think that is because they are tough, not because they were cherished.

                              It is a reasonable choice. Good luck with it. It sounds like you have prepared yourself well for it.
                              sigpic Too old, too many bikes, too many cars, too many things

                              Comment

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