Hey everyone,
Up for sale is my 1980 Suzuki GS550L project package. The short version: I took on a build, collected a mountain (small compared to some of you) of parts, sorted out the main electrical failure point, started on some suspension upgrades, and then parked it when the starter stopped and I was reduced to push starting it. Life happened, and I’m ready to clear out the garage rather than let it sit any longer.
It’s an uncut, un-hacked frame with original paint. I parked it because the starter stopped engaging—it likely needs new brushes, bearings, or a starter clutch rebuild. Before the starter called it quits, the bike ran well and the valves were adjusted recently. The gas tank was cleaned out properly, lined with POR-15, and painted blue and silver.
Rather than just selling a non-running 550, I'm hoping that someone might be looking to do a nice canyon-carver 5/650 hybrid build or looking for a start towards a ~6/750cc sleeper. You could also part it out, I think for more than I'm asking?
More photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/79kkePcLxXy6E49X6
Located in Olympia, WA. You’ll need a truck or trailer to drag everything home—there are a lot of heavy extra parts and engines here. I’m more than happy to help you load it all up.
Optional Add-On Tools (Available to the buyer first):
Up for sale is my 1980 Suzuki GS550L project package. The short version: I took on a build, collected a mountain (small compared to some of you) of parts, sorted out the main electrical failure point, started on some suspension upgrades, and then parked it when the starter stopped and I was reduced to push starting it. Life happened, and I’m ready to clear out the garage rather than let it sit any longer.
It’s an uncut, un-hacked frame with original paint. I parked it because the starter stopped engaging—it likely needs new brushes, bearings, or a starter clutch rebuild. Before the starter called it quits, the bike ran well and the valves were adjusted recently. The gas tank was cleaned out properly, lined with POR-15, and painted blue and silver.
Rather than just selling a non-running 550, I'm hoping that someone might be looking to do a nice canyon-carver 5/650 hybrid build or looking for a start towards a ~6/750cc sleeper. You could also part it out, I think for more than I'm asking?
More photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/79kkePcLxXy6E49X6
What’s Included:
The Extra Engines & Big-Bore Upgrade Path:- Complete GS650 Engine: Fits the GS hybrid setup where the 650 top end mates to the GS550 bottom end and transmission giving you a 6-speed 650 (with the option for a kickstart if you used the '79 550 bottom end.
- Custom Copper Head Gasket from the group buy several years ago: Sized for Wiseco 740cc big-bore pistons (pistons aren't included, but the gasket is ready to go if you take that route).
- 1979 GS550 Engine: Spare motor complete with a kickstarter setup.
- 3 sets total (BS32s). The installed set has the stock jetting for the 550, one set jetted for the 650, and a 3/4 complete third set for parts, also stock 550 jetting (one carb body has a broken float post, but may be repairable if you want a full 3rd set.
- Front: Rebuilt GS500 front forks fitted with cartridge emulators.
- Rear: New YSS rear shocks.
- Front End Adjustability: Custom billet aluminum fork brace and multiple triple trees for messing around with front-end rake and trail.
- Brakes: New EBC front rotor (for the GS500 setup), new rear master cylinder, and an unbuilt GS500 caliper included.
- Replaced the stock stator killer/regulator with a modern Shindengen SH775 Series R/R, properly wired in with the correct connector.
- New chain and new front/rear sprockets ready to be installed.
- Tires have less than 100 miles on them and hold air fine.
- ~2.5 oil changes worth of Rotella T4 + oil filter.
- Dedicated carb sync adjustment screwdriver/wrench tool.
- Two battery maintainers.
The "Needs" List:
- Starter: Diagnose/rebuild starter (brushes, clutch, or bearings).
- Battery: Needs a new 12V battery.
- Assembly: Reinstall the gas tank and finish up the GS500 front caliper rebuild/installation.
- Cosmetics: Standard hardware/bolt surface rust from sitting garage that needs a wire wheel or replacement.
Located in Olympia, WA. You’ll need a truck or trailer to drag everything home—there are a lot of heavy extra parts and engines here. I’m more than happy to help you load it all up.
Optional Add-On Tools (Available to the buyer first):
- Carbtune Pro Vacuum Manometer: $90
- BikeMaster Heavy Duty Chain Breaker & Rivet Set: $50
- 12V "Stop and Go" Portable Air Compressor: $30
(Or $150 for all three tools if you take them with the bike)
