550's?

[nisom512]

Is it just me or are there a lot of people who are getting 550's lately?

How many of thos are there? it seems that there are a lot more of them lately.

Thank you
Jake

[Suzuki_Don]

Jake,
They were made from '77 to '86. Don't know the numbers, but a lot were made. They can be made to perform well too. I've punched mine out to 700cc and with the six speed it will perform quite well.

[Zooks]

Even in 'stock trim' they're a ballsy little engine. I love my 550 Kat, best bike I've ever ridden (IMHO).

[SAN]

550's

Don, ive heard of two way to punch a 550. 1, 650cyl &head pistons. 2, 550cyl w/honda 750 sleeves inst,w KZ 650 pistons. Cams from a 650g,gt not E cams their same as, same yr 550,I hve had great improvement w/stg 3 jet kit, k&n cones, and a nos blk,ceramic header w/comp baffle. i chaged rear sprocket to a 45t from 50t. w/mods the gearig has made more power more usable IMOP. Ive also owned new 1985 gs550e blu/wht, my first new bike.I loved every thing about it,exept no bottom end at all but keep in revs and there I could out handle and keep up w/ my bros ninja 600. Great beginner bike, considering my beginner was a 700lb RE-5. my bro owned when i was 16.also a 500cc. SAN

[nisom512]

Jake,
They were made from '77 to '86. Don't know the numbers, but a lot were made. They can be made to perform well too. I've punched mine out to 700cc and with the six speed it will perform quite well.

dang man 700? thats nuts

[Suzuki_Don]

Actually I have retained the 550 cams in my 650 head as they have more duration than the 650 cams.

[almarconi]

I've seen quite a few on craigslist for less than $500. I can't see getting another 550 size bike because they just don't have enought ass for extended highway driving. My 750 is so much more comfortable than the 550. The 550 is great in town, it lightweight and easy to manuever.

[headsbikesmopars]

People are picking them up for commuters. They are enough for the highway and very easy on fuel. Excellent for the 'daily driver'. That is what I got mine for.

Terry

[jabberjoe87]

yalls is crazy

[SAN]

550's

Yes Don, your 77 cams have more lift, 77-79 lift of 36.295 in, 35.765 ex. in 80-82 35.515 IN 35.315 EX. The 650E has the same cams as 80-82 550's. the shaft drive 650 had 9hp more,"i believe" the G&katana 650 cams lift 36.315 IN 35.895 EX . Just some info Don already knows, may help those who want more out of the little GS-4. SAN

Actually I have retained the 550 cams in my 650 head as they have more duration than the 650 cams.

[nisom512]

Yes Don, your 77 cams have more lift, 77-79 lift of 36.295 in, 35.765 ex. in 80-82 35.515 IN 35.315 EX. The 650E has the same cams as 80-82 550's. the shaft drive 650 had 9hp more,"i believe" the G&katana 650 cams lift 36.315 IN 35.895 EX . Just some info Don already knows, may help those who want more out of the little GS-4. SAN

nice idea know of any cams and such that would go into an 850 for more powa?

[nisom512]

nice idea know of any cams and such that would go into an 850 for more powa?

any one know?

[Suzuki_Don]

I don't know what the duration is on yours cams, it will be in your workshop manuaL.

But on the 1979 850 (with points) the duration is as follows:

IN: 276 degrees
EX: 272 degrees

This is 16 degrees and 12 degrees respectively more duration than the 550 cams.

[Suzuki_Don]

Also the early 750 two valve motor has 280 degrees duration on intake and exhaust.

[Nessism]

Suzuki changed the cam timing on the 850 when they added the cross over chamber in the exhaust. I think the later cams are tuned for more bottom end power compared to the early cams. If using a 4:1 exhaust and pods, I would think the early cams would have an advantage at high rpm.