What year is my GS550l?

[ddaum]

Hi all, here's my first post as I am a GS newbie. Just got this old GS550L running, but still working on the charging system, anyway, the title says 1980, but I'm beginning to think that it's actually a 1979. Can anyone tell me some of the major or minor differences between the 79 and 80 GS550L? Mine has the vacuum petcock with no knob, just a slot for a screwdriver, also here is the VIN if it helps: GS550E705955.

[Sandy]

Welcome to the GSR. That's one fine looking 550 you have there. Generally if the bike was produced during or after July it would be the next model year. For instance bikes produced on or after 07/79 would be a 1980. The info is on the registration plate on the frames steering stem. Also 1979 models have the "N" designation and the 1980 have "T". As for the difference between 1979 and 1980 maybe some of the other members here know.

[sagent]

I think They switched to 16 valve tscc engines and vaccum carbs in the 1980 model year

edit: I noticed that yours is an L model, The Ls maintained the origional 8 valve engine.

[ddaum]

Thanks for the tip Sandy. I just checked the Registration Plate and it says the bike was manufactured 8/79 which is August, 1979 making it a 1980 model year. I couldn't find a "N" or "T" designation, but here is a kicker: the reg. plate VIN says: GS550E-705955. Does that mean it's really an "E" model? the fairings say GS550L....

So, when ordering parts for this bike do I ask for 1980 parts, or 1979 parts? "E" model or "L" model?

[Billm]

You ask for parts for an 80 GS550L.

Bill

[jimcor]

That's a 1980 L model. No the 'E' is not the model number, it's just part of the vin. The 1980 model will have electronic ignition, the 79 uses contact breakers, points, in the ignition.

[Hotblack]

They look like CV carbs, = 1980. Round flat tops as opposed to the narrow rectangular tops.

All the models switched to the 16 valve motor erratically, I don't think any 550s got it until later, like '83. The 750s all went to it in '80. The 1000's seem to have kept the 8 valve for the Ls for a while and let the Es get the 16 valve right away. I think all this is on the site under Model Information for the curious.