Frame Differences between 1981 650 and 550

[Guest]

Looking at the parts fiche it looks nearly identical aside from the coil location , the rails being longer on the back of the frame (for the 650) and the front tank mounts. Is the frame physically larger then a 550? I tried searching around with no luck.

[koolaid_kid]

Totally different. Each one is unique in the GS line.

[Steve]

Totally different. Each one is unique in the GS line.

I think the only two models that share a frame are the '80-'81 850G and 1000G, as well as the '82-'83 850G and 1100G.

The '80-'81 frames are different than the '82-'83 frames, though.

For just about any other GS bike, it's like K_K said, each one is its own.

.

[Toasty]

I want to try putting an 81 650E tank on my 81 550L. I know the front tank mounts are different but they're still there on the L frame, just empty. I'm wondering how drastically different the two frames are or if they're pretty close.