'79 550ES opinions wanted

[willie]

I'm giving serious thought to buying a '79 550 that's for sale near here. It needs work so I'm not able to road test it. Having never ridden one, I'd appreciate an opinion from someone who's ridden both a 550 and a larger GS to compare it with. I like the looks of the 550 but think a 650 may be worth waiting for to get the extra Hp. Your thoughts are welcome, encouraged and appreciated.
Willie

[tkent02]

I'm giving serious thought to buying a '79 550 that's for sale near here. It needs work so I'm not able to road test it. Having never ridden one, I'd appreciate an opinion from someone who's ridden both a 550 and a larger GS to compare it with. I like the looks of the 550 but think a 650 may be worth waiting for to get the extra Hp. Your thoughts are welcome, encouraged and appreciated.
Willie

550s are great if you don't mind winding the engine out.
If you want to chug around at 3,000 you need a bigger engine.
My 550 was one of the most indestructible bikes I've ever had.

[niko]

my 550 is a ton of fun cruising around the back roads and twisties but i feel like i could use a little more on the freeway, it winds out pretty far to keep up with traffic, that said, i just don't ride on the highway all that much and I love my bike.

[onchiman]

I've got a '79 550E and it's a great bike. Mine has plenty of power especially when you get the revs up. It's a great handling bike too as it's very neutral and easy to pick and hold a line. Depending on what type of riding you'll be doing you can find a sprocket combo that'll match. Be prepared to spend some money getting it into good running condition as this year is the thirtieth birthday for that machine. This site and it's members will show you how to get it in tip top shape.

[willie]

Thanks guys. The one I'm looking a has had the r/r and stator replaced. The seller mentioned that 2 cylinders are not getting any gas but it'll run if you shoot gas into those 2. I don't expect removing and rebuilding the carbs to be any more difficult than they are on the 1100s. I've got removing the carbs down to a 15 minute job from the time I remove the seat. Piece o' cake.
I see that valve adjustment is screw type rather than shims. I have mixed feelings about that. My biggest concern is how careful the PO was about doing that.
Thanks again.
Willie

[rphillips]

Never worked on a "79" 550, but I thought 1980 was the first year for the screw adjusters "80". I like the screw adjusters much better anyway. Just my opinion.

[almarconi]

The 550 is a great bike for learning to ride, city driving or the back roads. For me, it is not comfortable for sustained interstate driving. I prefer a 750cc or larger bike.

[onchiman]

Thanks guys. The one I'm looking a has had the r/r and stator replaced. The seller mentioned that 2 cylinders are not getting any gas but it'll run if you shoot gas into those 2. I don't expect removing and rebuilding the carbs to be any more difficult than they are on the 1100s. I've got removing the carbs down to a 15 minute job from the time I remove the seat. Piece o' cake.
I see that valve adjustment is screw type rather than shims. I have mixed feelings about that. My biggest concern is how careful the PO was about doing that.
Thanks again.
Willie

Mine has shims. 8 valve.