Got a 1980 gs550e wont start!

[FatmanGS]

Hey guys im new to the website and i could really use some help. I got this gs 550e a little over a week ago and ive had bunches of problems with it. IT was hard to start and was having problems getting power so i clean out the carbs and now it wont start. i replaced the spark plugs bought a new battery and still no life. some helpful advice would be appreciated thanks.

[Nessism]

First off welcome to the site. Secondly, performing a proper carb rebuild is manditory on these 30 year old bikes. There is a tutorial on the GSR home page and you can get an O-ring kit from cycleorings.com. You will also have to replace the intake boot pipe O-rings. The idea here is to build a foundation from which to build on. 30 year old O-rings are sure to be hard and brittle so just bite the bullet and do the job right. Needless to say you need to do a lot more maintenance, such as adjusting the valves, cleaning the air filter, etc. but the carb rebuild is number one.

BTW, these GS bikes won't run without the airbox assuming the carb jetting is stock so keep this in mind before you make newbie mistake #2.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. FatmanGS,

As Mr. Nessism pointed out, these bikes need a lot of TLC up front. Many of them have been abused and neglected for quite some time. In your "mega-welcome" are a couple of maintenance lists that will guide you to the path of GS nirvana, if you take no shortcuts. If you stray from the path you will be cursed with hard starts, stuttering performance, dead batteries, much wailing and gnashing of teeth. You will be stranded on the side of the path instead of riding briskly down the path. Let's get started.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[FatmanGS]

thanks

Thanks nessism and basscliff for your warm welcome and help im planning on redoing my carbs soon ill keep u guys posted. Thank you again!!

[FatmanGS]

airbox missing or not needed?

nessism u said most of the gs need an airbox. i bought this bike without an airbox and it ran. if anyone has seen a pdf for a repair manual for my gs550e it would be cool if you hook me up

[BassCliff]

if anyone has seen a pdf for a repair manual for my gs550e it would be cool if you hook me up

There are a couple of 550 manuals on my website.

If you have no airbox then you should at least be using some K&N pod filters. You'll have to re-jet for the increased air intake.


Than you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[FatmanGS]

thanks again

thanks again basscliff, nice website btw