Another GS550 carb question

[Ricosmodernlife]

So my carbs are the only (ha) thing keeping my bike from running. My buddy who is a great bike mechanic can't figure it out. My title says that I have a 79 Gs550 but I have 1980 style carbs. Does this mean that my bike is more likely an 80? Or has anyone else seen a 79 with 80 style carbs before? I'm confused!

[Nessism]

Most likely a 1980 bike. Look in the service manual and compare the spec to that of your bike. For example, 1980 has electronic ignition, not points.

You might want to take a gander at the Newbie Mistakes thread and carb rebuild tutorial linked in my signature. Your bike is 33 years old and needs maintenance.

[Ricosmodernlife]

That is very good to know! Thanks for the tip and I'll definitely check that out. I appreciate the reply. We've cleaned out the carbs, put new plugs, replaced a broken petcock, and other miscellaneous cleanings and adjustments. We're just trying to figure out now if i need a new intake or not. I'll make sure to take a look at that thread though. Thanks man!

[oldbikefixer]

I've owned a '79 & and currently own an '80 GS550E. The easiest way to tell what year it is, is by looking at the carbs. The '79 will have the "smooth bore" carbs, and the '80 will have the CV type carbs (which can be a real pain in the butt). If you think that the carbs might have been switched, just pop off the right side engine cover. a '79 will have points, and anything newer will have electronic ignition.

Also, there's that little tag thingie on the steering head of the frame with all the info, but those often get rubbed away by the cables, or weathered to the point of being un-readable.

[Steve]

Look on that VIN tag (if it's still there) to see when the bike was made.

The first of the '80 bikes were assembled as early as August, 1979, so somebody might have listed it as a '79 bike.

Also listed on that plate (if it's still there) should be a letter at the end of the serial number. If it is N, it's a '79. If it's T, it's an '80.

.

[hampshirehog]

Or has anyone else seen a 79 with 80 style carbs before? I'm confused!

All the time but more often it's the other way round and an '80 or '81 fitted with '79 carbs. The heads swap over easily as do the front part of the airbox (though most swaps usually end up with pods fitted).

Plus, similar to what Steve said, the UK model year started in the October of the preceding year (so an October 1979 bike would be a 1980 model).

[hakim5857]

So my carbs are the only (ha) thing keeping my bike from running. My buddy who is a great bike mechanic can't figure it out. My title says that I have a 79 Gs550 but I have 1980 style carbs. Does this mean that my bike is more likely an 80? Or has anyone else seen a 79 with 80 style carbs before? I'm confused!

Mine 1978 (GS550C) with CV carb. I have already check engine & chasis number & confirm its from 1978 but more interesting is my GS look like T model.