EASY CHEAP WAY TO INCREASE POWER GS550L

[GARYEIN1]

WHATS THE EASIEST LEAST EXPENSIVE WAY TO INCREASE THE POWER ON A 85' GS550L ?

[lhanscom]

How much more power do you want? As arrogant as this sounds it really is true, if you want more power, get an 1100(or 1150), it will be cheaper then mods on your 550, and the gains are huge. If you really like the bike you have, and just want to get the most out of it, I would get a pipe, some pods, and look for some different carbs. Then throw some different cams in, though I don't what's out there for the 550. These mods will make it rev easier, and have more power up top, but if you like just cruising, it won't be for you, as you'll lose some low end in the bargain. Enjoy your bike for what it is, if you're looking to win stop light drags increase the engine size.

[Anonymous]

WHATS THE EASIEST LEAST EXPENSIVE WAY TO INCREASE THE POWER ON A 85' GS550L ?

I've got to agree with Luke. There really is no substitute for displacement if you want power. That said, the things to do are:

1) Pipe - a good 4-1 pipe will be the best choice for the exhaust.
2) Pod air filters and a jet kit
3) Degree your cams - this really costs almost nothing if you know someone who can slot your cam sprockets for you. It just takes the time to pull the cams out and reinstall them, then set the lobe centers up accurately. So lots of work, but really cheap.
4) Big bore kit - This actually offers the most bang for the buck after the really easy stuff, but you are verging on the point of just buying a bigger bike instead. If you already are at that limit (with an 1100 or 1150), then the big bore kit is a good choice.
5) Port the head - Lots of money for a good tuner to do and you won't see massive gains on your 550.
6) Hotter cams - again, lots of money for OK gains, but this WILL affect rideability and low rpm performance.

Mark

[Dark Jedi]

If you just want to feel the power more, gain a few teeth on the rear sprocket.

pods and a 4-1 exhaust on top of that will get you accelerating really well. Top speed will drop.

otherwise, a new set of carbs. pods and 4-1 will gain you some power. The sprocket setup will be the most seat of the pants feel, though.

[Hoomgar]

Best way to get big numbers is to trade it in on a larger bore bike :P

No seriously, these guys have given you some of the top ideas here.
Keep it light, make sure it runs right and keep your RPM's up. A 550
can hang with the best of them.

Unless your a 250 pound Dumbo the elephant like me

[Jethro]

Unless your a 250 pound Dumbo the elephant like me

I hear ya Hoomie! I've decided that before I can justify any real money on go-fast goodies, I gotta drop a few lbs. Gotta be the cheapest power upgrade available!

[oldschoolGS]

One of Jewel hendricks project bikes in his "Superbike" book was a mid-70's Honda 550 4 cylinder that went from a mid 15 second quarter stock to 12.03 @ 109. His mods were extensive including bumping displacement to 591cc. In addition to a total suspension rebuild, the engine mods were oversize pistons, carbs, pipe and a modified cylinder head.

The problem is that after spending thousands of $, you will have a quicker 550, but it will still be a 550 . Unless you are emotionally attached to it, it would be much more cost effective to use a 750cc machine or larger as your platform for modifications. Performance is about power to weight, 750cc is where this balance between the two begins to show.

A properly sent up GS750 will make 100+ hp but will weight up to 100 lbs less than an 1100/1150. It is all in what you want. At a minimum you could regear your 550 -go up 2 teeth on the rear- and see if you notice the extra zip. Good Luck, Ed.
1983 GS750ED

[lecroy]

Spray.

[Anonymous]

Spray.

lol..................

[isaac]

There's a british guy with a site that shows how to do nitrous systems on gravity feed motorycles to boost power by a very high amount. http://www.diy-nitrous.fsnet.co.uk/ The man's a genius. That site is incredibly comprehensive. The only real issue is finding a small tank and mounting it.

[lecroy]

Spraying is cheap fun... That poor little bike...

[lhanscom]

Do you really think a 550 could handle spray? I think the smallest shot you can do is 40hp, and I don't think the 550 is built like the 1100s

[Anonymous]

Heres a really great new can that'll improve the performance of any bike for just a few dollars!

http://uk.geocities.com/alf.wayliner@btinternet.com/newcan.bmp

[HiSPL]

You can slide a GS650G top end on your 550 cases. That will give you the more power and let you keep sixth gear. If thats not enough, shoehorn a bandit 600 engine in there. those are worth about 60 HP in decent tune.

YMMV

[HiSPL]

Or, if you can do lots of fab work and know something about fuel injection and ecu's you COULD put a modern GSXR 600 or 750 engine in there. that's worth over 100 HP on either mill.


Brakes and chassis be damned though.....