Bringing a 78 GS 550 back to life. . .

[Track06]

Just read all 14 pages, looking awesome! Sorry to hear she still wont kick! I'm also in the middle of a rebuild, hopefully getting the motor in the frame tonight then on to wiring! Good luck with diagnosing the issue, i'm sure someone on here will chime in to help ya!

[Wangofree]

Thanks Track,
I was able to start the bike, BUT I gave up on the original carbs. I tried to get them lined out, but they were pretty rough, and now just good for parts. I bit the bullet and bought a nice rebuilt set off fleabay. I don't like taking shortcuts and pride myself on making things work, but this just wasn't happening.

Here's the new set:




And here's the beaters. . .

[93Bandit]

Hi Wangofree. I like your attention to detail! Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

I see you're from Lawrence KS. I'm from the Wichita area but moved to MI a couple years ago for work. Hope you haven't blown away yet, heard there's been lots of heavy storm and tornadoes in SEK. Stay safe!

[Wangofree]

Thanks 93B - No, haven't blown away yet, but glad I built a storm shelter in our garage. Man I feel for everyone living in Oklahoma. They've had it rough, plus Texas and Missouri.

The bike is coming along. I need to find a couple of side panel covers so I can paint them, the tank and rear cowl all at once. I'll post final pictures after that in a month.

[Wangofree]

I'm happy to say that I've been able to fire up the bike and ride it around the block a couple of times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otoH08yNarI

What's left is to purchase new front brake hoses, side panels, then paint the tank, rear cowl & side panels.

I am also missing a left hand grip. In dismantling the right hand grip I discovered that the throttle tube is broken:



Doing a search for a replacement for the GS550 I find a lot of talk about using a Yamaha R1 tube. No one specifically mentions doing this with the GS550. The only option from Bike Bandit and the ilk are universal tubes with no guarantee of fitment. I don't mind finagling a part, but would rather find a part that wouldn't require too much jury rigging.

So, setting myself up for the wrath of "don't you know how to use search on this forum!?" (yes I do), anyone have a suggestion or experience with a GS550 throttle tube replacement?

Thanks fellas.

[steveb922]

I can't tell you much about alternatives, but the part number you are looking for is 57110-44011.

[Wangofree]

Thank you Steve, you are a scholar and a gentleman. I appreciate it.

[Big T]

Buy a new one from your Suzuki dealer
They're cheap

[Grimly]

I'm happy to say that I've been able to fire up the bike and ride it around the block a couple of times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otoH08yNarI

What's left is to purchase new front brake hoses, side panels, then paint the tank, rear cowl & side panels.

I am also missing a left hand grip. In dismantling the right hand grip I discovered that the throttle tube is broken:



Doing a search for a replacement for the GS550 I find a lot of talk about using a Yamaha R1 tube. No one specifically mentions doing this with the GS550. The only option from Bike Bandit and the ilk are universal tubes with no guarantee of fitment. I don't mind finagling a part, but would rather find a part that wouldn't require too much jury rigging.

So, setting myself up for the wrath of "don't you know how to use search on this forum!?" (yes I do), anyone have a suggestion or experience with a GS550 throttle tube replacement?

Thanks fellas.

I'm using a GS500 throttle tube on my 850. Some parts were re-used ad infinitum by Suzuki.

[Wangofree]

Thanks Grim.

[Wangofree]

Well, here it is 4 or 5 months later. The bike is running great, so now it's time for paint. . . first the primer, then "Black Cherry".

[Wangofree]

Well, this is it, "Black Cherry" is finally finished! (Yeah no project is ever "finished". I might opt for EI later). Being as old as she is I'll probably go with an antique tag, "GS550". I checked and this combination is still available.

The only regret I might have is that things didn't come together in late summer. I guess I'll just ride her when winter gives us a little reprieve.

Thanks to all you guys who pitched in with suggestions and opinions. I appreciate it.

[Nessism]

Beautiful! Needs original engine cover emblems! Looks great regardless though!

[80GS1000]

Congratulations! Bike looks great.

[Wangofree]

Thanks fellas.