model identification help needed

[Anonymous]

i just aquired a gs 550. it didn't come with side covers
the vin # gs550-170220 it doesn't give a model number
or letter. not sure of year i think its a 79. any info would
be apritiated [/b][/i]

[Anonymous]

Go to http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_modelchart.htm for the chart of GS models. It shows that 1979 had designations:

550
550E
550L

I don't know what the diff would be between the 550 and 550E, because E is the basic model, and you would think that no letter is the same as the basic model.

The L (cruiser) is very recognizable, though. You can see that the major difference is that the L has the big sissy bar behind the seat and the L has the big, two-level seat. The pictures show that the L has cast mag wheels while the E has spokes, but I'm not sure if that's an original difference or if those have been changed.

This is a 1979 GS550L with aftermarket saddlebags:


This is a 1979 GS550 with aftermarket fairing:


Your model year 1979 is designated N, so its full designation is GS550N or GS550EN or GS550LN. Or you could just say '79 GS550... and people will understand.

Welcome to the GS Resources, by the way.

Michael

[Anonymous]

thanks for the charts

i looked at the charts my vin reads gs550 with no
letter code with it, not even for the year of bike...
it looks identical to the red 79gs550n. that michael
replied with. still not completely sure..

[first timer]

describe the front and back brakes and what type of rims do you have spoke or mag rims ?

ryan

[Anonymous]

rims and brakes

my bike has spoke rims, drum brakes, & single disc up front
i've seen two diff. years look the same.