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Converting from Drum Brake Rear to Disc 1979 GS550

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    Converting from Drum Brake Rear to Disc 1979 GS550

    Hello,
    I am inquiring on if its possible to convert a 1979 Suzuki GS550B, which has a drum brake assembly to a GS550EC with the disc brake. If there's a Youtube video or a thread already describing the process that would be amazing! I haven't started the conversion yet just fishing for information. Seems like i would need a new wheel, caliper, master cylinder, and disc but is this typically a direct bolt on replacement if i can find the parts?

    Or is there a different rim/caliper/disc that is a direct swap that wouldn't require a ton of extra modification. It seems the rear wheel assembly is available on ebay with varying levels of completeness.
    Last edited by Haett0325; 09-03-2024, 02:16 PM.

    #2
    You also need the caliper bracket, the caliper stay ( long tube ) The GS650 should be a direct bolt up. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
    Current:
    1993 ZX11 - 2nd build in progress
    1977 GS750 (710 is getting closer)
    1998 Kawasaki Voyager - selling
    1998 Chevy C2500
    1999 Rav4

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      #3
      The disc brake swingarm is required
      Plus, you need to see if your frame has the mounting bracket for the master cylinder.
      Also the brake pedal and pivot.
      Either 550 E will be your source for parts
      1978 GS 1000 (since new)
      1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
      1978 GS 1000 (parts)
      1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
      1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
      1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
      2007 DRz 400S
      1999 ATK 490ES
      1994 DR 350SES

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        #4
        Originally posted by unfocused View Post
        You also need the caliper bracket, the caliper stay ( long tube ) The GS650 should be a direct bolt up. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
        If you do go with a 650 swingarm, make SURE it's from a 650E.
        If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.

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          #5
          Good luck, I always found the Suzuki rear disc brake to be about as good as it gets. nice feel and power. But man, it's a big mutha! Per Ed (Nessism) suggestion I put in organic Ferodo pads, NOS probably many years old. They are great. Properly set up the Suzukis stop as hard as I need, but you need Kung Fu grip.
          Tom

          '82 GS1100E Mr. Turbo
          '79 GS100E
          Other non Suzuki bikes

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