'79 GS550E rebuild

[charlie27]

Picked this bike up several years ago with 5800 miles and a leaking head gasket. I finally got around to tearing it down and rebuilding. New gaskets all around, internal inspection, light cylinder hone, valve lap, adj valves. Frame out to powder coating. A few pics.

[charlie27]

more pics - engine assembled

[JamesWhut?]

What is the red stuff on the cam lobes?

[ShadowFocus603]

Assembly lube probably. It's there to avoid a dry start up before oil has enough time to make it to the top end.

[charlie27]

yes, I used assembly lube on cam journals and lobes.

[charlie27]

work in progress

[ShadowFocus603]

Coming right along.

[charlie27]

final assembly - getting there

[ShadowFocus603]

I need to hurry up and get me a 550. The more I see these little bikes the more I want one.

[rkj]

I am amazed as to how tough these little engines are. Mine had two broken pistons, I bought four used on ebay and kept the used rings that came on the pistons. Took off the oil pan removed all of the broken piston pieces that had fallen to the bottom. Even had pieces in the exhaust that had blown by the valve. I polished the head domes a little. Put it all together. I have ridden it for at least 1000 miles now. Plenty of torque, no smoke. I would ride it anywhere. Amazing!

rkj

[Manny]

I really do like the way the front tire looks in comparison to the rear tire, what size is your front tire?

[charlie27]

110/90-18 front tire - Its too big to work with the stock front fender that's a bit of a bummer

oh well I will ride it

[charlie27]

the bike is complete and runs pretty well

I am happy with the outcome