Difference between GS550 European model and US frame

[JohnnyL]

I am currently rebuilding my 1981 GS550L. My build thread is here: https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...50L-Cafe-Build. I am looking at Tarozzi rearsets(http://www.fastfromthepast.com/19-0028) for my bike but it says they fit a 1977-1979 GS550 European model. Does anyone know the difference between a 1979 and 1981? And what is the difference between a European and US models? Thanks!

[Nessism]

The '81 has plates bolted to the frame which hold the footpegs. The earlier bikes had peg brackets that bolted directly to the frame. If you look at the parts fishe and compare the parts you will see the difference.

[JohnnyL]

The '81 has plates bolted to the frame which hold the footpegs. The earlier bikes had peg brackets that bolted directly to the frame. If you look at the parts fishe and compare the parts you will see the difference.

Well then I'm confused. I purchased this bike under the impression that it was an '81 but now I'm not sure. The bike didn't have the plates bolted to the frame. The foot pegs were bolted directly to the frame. The guy I purchased it from has the title and I need to get it from him. I'd like to see what year the title says.

[Nessism]

There should be a VIN sticker on the steering neck which shows the MFG Date. A 1981 model year bike will have a MFG Date from about 9/80 to 8/81.

Looking at the photo in your thread suggests your bike is a 1980.

[JohnnyL]

There should be a VIN sticker on the steering neck which shows the MFG Date. A 1981 model year bike will have a MFG Date from about 9/80 to 8/81.

Looking at the photo in your thread suggests your bike is a 1980.

There is no VIN sticker. It's gone. My VIN number is GS550E-712366. Fast From the Past got back to me and said the rearsets are only made for the European model and will not fit the US frame.

[steveb922]

I don't know of any differences between Euro and NA frames. L frames are slightly different to E frames, but mainly around the steering stem. I would suggest you measure your mounting points, and ask Fast from the Past (or maybe Tarozzi direct) if they could supply dimensions of their rear-sets.

[Nessism]

I think some more research. There is a member here from Denmark or similar with a 550. Maybe he can send some nice photos showing the pegs? Another option is to by the pegs and mod your frame (if it's needed.)

[JohnnyL]

I was totally prepared to buy them and modify my frame if necessary but Fast from the past didn’t seem too eager to sell them. He said that “The item you have ordered is not in stock and must come from Italy. Due to the holidays lead time will be 8-10 weeks.

As noted on our web store this kit will only fit GS500/550 models sold in Europe. Models sold in North America used a different frame that this kit will not fit. Numerous customers have attempted to fit this kit to North American models without success.


Please confirm by email if you want to wait for 8-10 weeks or whether you want to cancel this order.”

[roeme]

To my knowledge, the frames aren't different between EU and US; it's all the stuff that's mounted to it which needs to adhere to country-specific rules&laws (emissions, lights, reflectors, blah, blah etc. pp.).

I've got E frames here (smack dab in the middle of the EU), the peg mounts look the same as to your L, IIRC. I'll snap a few pictures this evening (local time).

Edit: Sorry, didn't get around to do it and can only do so in a few days.

[hannibal]

There is no VIN sticker. It's gone. My VIN number is GS550E-712366. Fast From the Past got back to me and said the rearsets are only made for the European model and will not fit the US frame.

Shouldn't that VIN be GS550L? According to the guide here, GS550L-712366 is an 1980 model. Also remember, they went to 17 digit VINs in 1981.

[JohnnyL]

Shouldn't that VIN be GS550L? According to the guide here, GS550L-712366 is an 1980 model. Also remember, they went to 17 digit VINs in 1981.

I had the guy I purchased the bike from check the title and it says 1981.

[Nessism]

I had the guy I purchased the bike from check the title and it says 1981.

Titles are sometimes wrong, most commonly referencing the selling date not the model year. In your bikes case it's a 1980 Model Year bike.

[JohnnyL]

Titles are sometimes wrong, most commonly referencing the selling date not the model year. In your bikes case it's a 1980 Model Year bike.

Good to know! Makes sense now because there seemed to be some small discrepancies I was coming across on looking at micro fish.