GS550 V4 Engine Swap

[Guest]

So I recently bought myself a 80 GS550 basket case for a project after my last bike got stolen.

Unfortunately, there's no motor with what I bought so I've been looking around for something I could fit.

I have access (cheaply) to a running 85 GV700 motor -- Any chance I'd be able to get it to fit without major frame modifications? If I just have to fab my own mounting brackets that's not a problem.

[Steve]

Nope, not gonna happen.

The GS is chain-driven, the GV is a shaftie.

There are MAJOR frame differences between the two.

And that is before even considering whether there is room for the engine to fit.

.

[fukifino]

Ah damn, glad I asked before hand. First project and all.

[GS1150Pilot]

You should be able to come up with a GS motor from a wrecking yard cheap.

[fukifino]

Yeah that has been sort of my back-up plan if I can't find anything reasonable in the meantime. I won't be able to actually *start* on the project until mid-june when I move back to NY -- I'm currently in Texas. I managed to get the basket case on my last visit home and have been figuring I can spend the next couple of months planning things out and ordering any parts I need.

How much do you think I'd end up paying out of a salvage yard? Doesn't necessarily even need to be a currently running engine, as long as it's repairable -- I've done repair work on smaller engines before so I should be able to work through anything that's not completely destroyed.

[GS1150Pilot]

Depends on the breaker. You can find motors for a couple hundred bucks if you look hard.

[fukifino]

Oh wow, thats significantly less than expected. Thanks for the heads up.

[GS1150Pilot]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/191433115577?lpid=82&chn=ps

[JTGS850GL]

Depends on the breaker. You can find motors for a couple hundred bucks if you look hard.

Depends on the breaker. You can find motors for a couple hundred bucks if you look hard.

Ya, but the shipping can be a deal killer if you don't buy local. I got lucky and purchased a good GS1100G motor for $100 (Make Offer) but the shipping was $200. Still a good deal but not easy to find one like that.

I'd probably part out what you have and move onto something a little more complete. I'd love to find a 1000G or 1100G in my area with a titled frame and no engine for cheap. I have a couple engines just laying around looking for a good home.

[GS1150Pilot]

Good advice from a wise man.

[tkent02]

I bought a few complete 550s with useable engines for $100 or so.. Sold off the wheels and such so the engines were free. Two of the engines were very very good.
Craigslist is your friend, and patience is required.
If you need a few 550 parts like cylinders and such I have them, but the best setup is a 650 top end on the 550 engine.

[JTGS850GL]

Craigslist is your best option. You never know... You may find your next great bike deal just a few blocks away. Every bike I currently own came off of CL.

[GS1150Pilot]

Craigslist is your best option. You never know... You may find your next great bike deal just a few blocks away. Every bike I currently own came off of CL.

Ditto. Aside from buying one new bike in 2002 (the FZ1), EVERY bike I've bought in recent times came from CL.

[fukifino]

I actually just managed to get that GV for $100 (complete running bike, damaged handlebars and forks), so now I have two projects.