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1980 gs550l frame difference?

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    #1

    1980 gs550l frame difference?

    I am new to motorcycles and will be going to look at a gs550L on saturday morning. If it runs good like the guys says I am planning on buying it. I would like to turn the bike into a cafe style, from what I have read the 550l is the "cruiser model". Does this model have a different frame than the other models? or anything else that would effect me converting it to a cafe bike? Thanks
    -Dennis
    Tags: None
    #2
    Welcome to the site Dennis. Honestly, I would not trust the PO about the bike's condition as there are too many things he can do to "disguise" problems. If you like it, get it home and then go through the Top Ten Newbie Mistakes as well as the other information Basscliff will give you later when he gets here. Do that first, ensure the bike is running correctly, then start cutting it up. You'll feel a lot better.

    Good luck.
    Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

    1981 GS550T - My First
    1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
    2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

    Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
    Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
    and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

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      #3
      Thanks for the advice! I think I have found that the frames are slightly different but I believe once I change out the tank, seat, and bars for a more cafed look it will work out fine. I am going to take your advice, get the bike and ride/fix anything I come across for a few weeks before I tear into it.
      I am coming from working on toyota trucks, I had 8 from the time I was 17 until now at the age of 23. I learned most everything off of toyota forums so i know these places are great. I just got my motorcycle license a few months ago, I have been riding my dads 05 honda shadow for the first few months to get comfortable and have really enjoyed it. Decided to change from project trucks to project motorcycles so it should be a fun learning curve.
      Im going to get the cash out now, guy wants 800 bucks for it with a clear title so I will let you know tomorrow if I pick it up.

      Comment

        #4
        The frames are the same, but the fork and rear wheel are different.

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          #5
          I have a 550 L and a 550 E frame both stripped in the garage, both 1979 I think. They are very slightly different, not much. L has a disc brake, the E has a drum. Around the seat is a little bit different. And of course the mounting for the tank is different. The L is the correct one to cut up into a cafe style bike
          Last edited by tkent02; 02-17-2012, 12:40 PM.
          http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

          Life is too short to ride an L.

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            #6
            I have two 550L's and one 550E frames they are very close but not exactly the same. But this started as an L so they can look good.

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              #7
              that bike is sexy
              1978 GS550 E
              673cc swap / the hot rod

              2013 GSXR
              New daily rider

              2012 RMZ450
              for playing in the dirt

              Comment

                #8
                bought the bike today! I will post up some pictures maybe on monday when I get some time. What front forks are on the bike?

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                  #9
                  550E forks in L triples

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