Determining Model

[fr8_pilot]

Hi,

The VIN on the bike is GS550E..., on the title it is listed as a GS550E. However, on the side covers it has GS550L. The bike was sold to me as a '79 GS550L. How can I determine the correct year and model?

Thanks for any info.

[bwringer]

This strikes me as a philisophical question.

Would you rather believe the physical reality of the bike in front of you or the piece of paper from the government? If the VIN matches, then just chalk it up to ignorant bureaucracy.

If the numbers don't match, then someone was up to some funny business with the title -- probably using a good title from a hopeless "E" model to get a title-less "L" back on the road. This is mostly illegal, but may not be entirely dishonorable. You can understand the motivation.

If your state's inspection requirements aren't all that stringent, you can probably get away with it. If you can get it titled in your name without a police inspection where they compare the numbers, then no one will much care.

[Steve]

The L model was the "cruiser" style, with pull-back bars and a stepped seat. The E model was more of a "standard" style with straighter bars and seat. The side covers were not interchangeable, but I am sure you could change the emblems if you wanted to pass a quick inspection.

.

[fr8_pilot]

The vin and title match. Looking at the bike it's an L model cruiser.It does have the pull back style bars and step seat. What's the best way to order parts for the bike? Should I go by the VIN (which says its an E) for ordering parts? That doesn't seem right when looking at the bike itself.

[bwringer]

The leading-axle forks, small tank, rear fender and tail, seat, and sidecovers on yours are all "L" model issue.

This isn't just a cosmetic difference -- the frames are also different.

I'm not sure if these are "E" models, but they're similar -- note the differences in the tank, seat, tail, sidecovers, and fork (never mind Jim's clubman bars and the added fairings)
This 550 used to be Adam's (AOD), but he sold it recently to another GS-er:

http://bwringer.com/gsrally/pages/P6110009.html

Here's Jim-Cincinnati's 550. Note the plastic tail and flat seat:

http://bwringer.com/gsrally/pages/P6120029.html

Here's JimCor (different Jim) and his high-mileage 550L sporting the fetching "drowned rat" look in North Carolina just after a rainstorm last June.

http://bwringer.com/gs/nc2005/jonr/pages/P6030022.html

[Griffin]

The vin and title match. Looking at the bike it's an L model cruiser.It does have the pull back style bars and step seat. What's the best way to order parts for the bike? Should I go by the VIN (which says its an E) for ordering parts? That doesn't seem right when looking at the bike itself.

Titles don't mean anything when it comes to the bike's model number. My GS700EF has a title that calls it a "G7E". Try using that when you order parts.

Ignore what the title says, go by what the bike is. It is a 1979 GS550LN. Period.

[fr8_pilot]

Ok. Thanks for the information. By the way what does the "N" designate?