Are 550s supposed to be quick little bikes?

[mike_of_bbg]

Shouldn't be that different from my old Yamaha Radian, a 600cc. 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, according to an old Cycle World article.

It's not going to be as fast as a Radian. They had 4 valve/cylinder 600cc motors and probably give up a decent amount of weight to a GS also. Always felt so exposed riding my friend's YX600. The 83-86 GS550s got the 4 valve treatment plus a slight bump in displacement, and went from 48 to 64hp.

Nonetheless, your 8V GS550 should be able to take all but the fastest cages on the road.

[nejeff]

I ride my 550 just like you do but I think these guys/gals are right and it needs some revs. I have yet to peak over 4500 rpms although my bikes having some issues right now. Even with my XS1100 5000 rpm scares me. I keep thinking it's going to blow up all over which is probably what's in your head too. I am back into this stuff after 11 years and now I'm remembering back to my days with my 350 Honda and 7000 to 8000 was pretty much the norm and I use to smoke my brother's 750 light to light as he was apprehensive. Maybe I got old...

[Souske]

Find a safe road, get going, put it in second gear, aim the bike in a safe general direction, hold the throttle wide open, DO NOT BACK OFF OR SHIFT UNTIL 9,000 RPM.

Report your findings here.

Tkent, thanks so much for this advice. After coming from american pushrod motors, I too was apprehensive about going past 5-6k, as I though the bike would jettison its rotating assembly. Wound it out to 9k in second gear yesterday and wow! I feel like capt. Picard "warp speed, engage!" Doing 75 in second has me wondering why 4th and 5th are even there.

[tkent02]

Tkent, thanks so much for this advice. After coming from american pushrod motors, I too was apprehensive about going past 5-6k, as I though the bike would jettison its rotating assembly. Wound it out to 9k in second gear yesterday and wow! I feel like capt. Picard "warp speed, engage!" Doing 75 in second has me wondering why 4th and 5th are even there.

No learn to launch it without going below about 6,000, and you have a quick little bike...
4th and 5th, what about 6th? Well you don't need to keep it wound out all the time, just when you want to accelerate.
5th for top speed, 6th for cruising along sedately. Just be ready to downshift about three times if you need to go.

[Souske]

No 6th here - '80 750
Sorry OP for the hijack

[Flyboy]

That bike is gorgeous, real little gem you have there.

[dueller]

No learn to launch it without going below about 6,000, and you have a quick little bike...
4th and 5th, what about 6th? Well you don't need to keep it wound out all the time, just when you want to accelerate.
5th for top speed, 6th for cruising along sedately. Just be ready to downshift about three times if you need to go.

Yeah, I cruise in 5th with my GS700 at 60.....then I get behind granny doin 45....just drop back down to 3rd, get in the left lane and NAIL it! Wizz by them doin 70 in no time and get back in the lane and settle back down to 60.....of course only when Johnny Law aint around

[1977GS550]

Thanks for all of the advice, everyone. I took the bike out and wound it up to about 6000 rpm before I shifted. I see what you mean about flying in second gear. That does make me feel good to know that my bike can be quick if I want/need it to be because I love it so much and didn't want to have to start looking for a bigger bike. I like how slim and trim she is. Thanks again! Hey, by any chance are any of you guys/gals in the Cleveland area? There is a vintage bike night that I'm going to check out for the first time on Friday night if anyone is close and interested.

[Big T]

Thanks for all of the advice, everyone. I took the bike out and wound it up to about 6000 rpm before I shifted. I see what you mean about flying in second gear. That does make me feel good to know that my bike can be quick if I want/need it to be because I love it so much and didn't want to have to start looking for a bigger bike. I like how slim and trim she is. Thanks again! Hey, by any chance are any of you guys/gals in the Cleveland area? There is a vintage bike night that I'm going to check out for the first time on Friday night if anyone is close and interested.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you to take it to redline in 2nd gear

Then you'll know

You're still leaving a lot of HP unused

[hampshirehog]

........take it past the redline in 2nd gear

Then you'll know

You're still leaving a lot of HP unused

Added a few revs....

[1_v8_merc]

If you take it to the shop, you're basically giving them the green light to go nuts and rack up Your bill! Because unless you know Exactly what's wrong with it, their going to start replacing EVERYTHING, and you're going to be stuck with a large bill.


Get some new clutch springs, that made a HUGE difference on my 650. I almost dropped the damn thing in my driveway, because I wasn't expecting such a "jolt" when I took off in 1st!

[1977GS550]

Added a few revs....

Like I said, it's good to know that this bike IS fast. All I have to do is twist the throttle more than I have been. Being my first bike, I thought I would hurt the bike by winding it up so high, so I'm glad I found a community of people who know so much about the bike

[Bandit]

WOW really nice bike!!!

[jimfj]

I am Jealous of that 550

It seems like you are being educated here very nicely,

I have an 1100G and now a 77 550 as well.

My 550 is has a long way to go to look like yours BTW, but it runs pretty well.

The 550 is surprisingly powerfull at half the displacement of the 1100. Basically it ain't slow at all. I am willing to bet you have more power there than you can access without some tuning. Not replacing exhaust and pods tuning, but just valves, carb synch and clean ect.

These boys and girls know what they are talking about and will help you along the way. Keep us posted.

If you just want to give up and buy a 600 Ninja or something I'll take that 550 off your hands quickly

Nice bike and good luck!!

[1948man]

Having owned a 550 I can say that especially from a stop and around town the 550 should be able to scoot you around with a lot more alacrity than most cars, even if it is 30+ years old. However if maintenance is deferred long enough if will absolutely KILL performance. Valves, carbs, as well as intake sealing are all critical items that are commonly to blame for sleepy performance and hard starting.

Where is the alacrity adjustment screw? Since I went to a larger rear wheel I feel I lack alacrity.