GS550 interchange guide

[stecz]

Are there some good rules of thumb about GS550 parts interchange?

I have a 1980 GS550e I just bought and I'm trying to locate parts, but don't have a good idea about what interchanges in various years.

Ex. are the engines externally the same from 77-80? I figure they changed in '81.

What about seat pans?

Side panels, tail pieces, tanks?

etc.

John S.

[8trackmind]

Re: GS550 interchange guide

Are there some good rules of thumb about GS550 parts interchange?

I have a 1980 GS550e I just bought and I'm trying to locate parts, but don't have a good idea about what interchanges in various years.

Ex. are the engines externally the same from 77-80? I figure they changed in '81.

What about seat pans?

Side panels, tail pieces, tanks?

etc.

John S.

If you need a tail for an '80 550e I've got an extra. I also have a tank. It's not rusty but it's dented all to @#$%.
Some knuckehead painted 'em with a spray can. (not Me btw)
I bought these to use while mine was getting painted.
PM me if you're interested.

[Nerobro]

I have those same parts ;-)

the GS550 motor is the same 77-82.

"E" parts swap, 77-80 (seat, side pannels, tank, tail, forks, fenders, etc...)

"L" parts swap, 77-80

"T" parts swap, 81-82

General rule of thumb. If the bike earned a different "suffix" letter, the frame has been changed. E's and L's don't swap parts easily. T's are different from E's and L's.

[xcutnr]

are the engines all the same, though, or what?

[Nerobro]

the GS550 motor is the same 77-82.

[Kabonkie]

They changed to the TSCC in 83 and are all the same thru 85.

[Hotblack]

The engines are mostly the same for each type, the Ls use a different exhaust system. Some may have different choke methods, but mostly the engines are the same. I think the rear tire got fatter for the L in '80 or '81. The brakes are the same (staying single disc-single disc, double disc-double disc), they got vented rotors in the 80s. The forks on L models are different, but will work in others. They're longer though, and not as desirable (to me).

If you're ever in doubt, you can do a little detective work with the parts fiches at Bikebandit.com.

[POULSEN]

At http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm you will find exploded views and sparepartnos. for almost any Suzuki Bike ever built - has helped me a lot.

[stecz]

clarification from above...

The 79 and 80 tanks are different.

The mounting area for the fuel valve is different. The hole that the fuel inlet goes into is different and tank is shaped differently on the 80 to fit the 80 fuel valve.