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GS Suzuki experts: ID needed.
- Thread starter gggGary
- Start date
I like the honda trials bike...think it a reflex maybe.
https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L48932444
https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L48932444
it's a twofer I made an offer just from the pics, HAVE to take the Zooky if I want the Honda LOL.
How much you offer? $300 for both, with that new tire?
details later LOL
I'm pretty sure that is a Suzuki GS550 - likely around a 1978-80 DOHC model (cast wheels and round camshaft end covers).
Doh....
If would be a very nice bike - smooth, quiet, reliable and quick.
Doh....
If would be a very nice bike - smooth, quiet, reliable and quick.
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you mean 8 valve?
Yup - just two per cylinder. That bike is somewhat like a mid-70's Honda CB400 Four - revvy - but with a generally larger frame, a much more powerful engine with a stiffer frame and much better brakes. In the right hands, they handle extremely well - and much better than most 1970s Japanese fours and are a ball to ride.
With a roller-bearing crank and high quality hardware, they were dead-nuts reliable and very well-built. I had a 1979 GS850G (G = shaft drive) and I always said that you could throw that thing off a cliff and it would still go.
Here is a clip from the Classic Motorcycles site (and I am pretty sure that they have the year of end of production wrong. I think they continued with that model until at least 1980-82):
Suzuki GS550
Price now: $750-$2,000
- Years produced: 1977-1978 (1st generation)
- Claimed power: 49hp @ 9,000rpm
- Top speed: 111mph (period test)
- Engine type: 549cc OHC air-cooled inline four
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Weight: 431lb (wet)
- MPG: 42-45
Price now: $750-$2,000
Have another look Pete.... there's 2 cams...
Sorry Pete We're just picking on cuz we luv yah!
Yup - all GS models were DOHC (sh!t....I think they were....) - sorry about that. I know that the four cylinder models were DOHC.
BUT - the first gen models were definitely 8 valvers (except the smaller twin GS models of course).
They weren't as flashy as the Kawasakis nor as widely distributed at the Hondas, but they were every bit as good and better in many respects (IMHO) with stiffer and stronger frames and greatly superior handling.
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BUT - the first gen models were definitely 8 valvers (except the smaller twin GS models of course).
They weren't as flashy as the Kawasakis nor as widely distributed at the Hondas, but they were every bit as good and better in many respects (IMHO) with stiffer and stronger frames and greatly superior handling.
Original post edited...
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ZACKLEY! The GS850G seat (we were told) used two different densities of foam and had been designed by an ergonomics expert. I can attest to the fact that it truly was an all-day seat. I cannot understand how Suzuki figured that out back 40 years ago - and nobody (including them in fact) has been able to do it again.
This was back in 1979 - when the Gold Wing was four years old and had revolutionized long distance motorcycle touring. People used to say that the only reason Honda painted the GL-1000 seat black was to keep it from rusting.
Maybe you just had an all-day butt back then....
You a very funny man James Dent - very funny....
It was a best offer deal, guy texts; honda gone, want suzuki? NOT! 
