Ok so what should I do with them?? What is the value of them ruffly? Should I toss them back on and enjoy a coin toss ride on rear suspension??
Yours sure look nice, and I'd sure be tempted to use what you have. I bought new ones from Honda, and I find they work fine for general street use. I wouldn't race with them. But, I harbor no illusions that my bikes are "race bikes".
It's not that hard to remove the springs and find out if they have smooth damping, if they behave the same side to side, etc. That is the only way I know to tell if they are still serviceable, to my mind. I still have some sick ones out in the shop. I also have some old Koni's that are crap, but they are 750 length (came with a hacked 550).
Sure, if you have money to burn, or are going to push the performance limits frequently, then you won't want originals. But, if they still work, then why not use them?
It's not easy getting proper shocks/springs for the 550. Many will tell you that 750 parts work. But that's a yarn, imo. Usually shock/springs intended for the 750's weight and ride height are sold to fit the 550. 550 shocks are shorter, and the weight is lower. Yeah, you can put them on and drive, but they aren't in any way correct for the 550, 'cause they push the swing arm father down and help make the bike shimy, as it change the rake angle on the front.
So, if you get non-stock shocks, make sure they have the proper extended and collapsed lengths. Also make sure the spring height/rate is for the weight of your bike and rider(s). If you settle for longer/ stiffer types, be prepared the then revive the front forks, to with stiffer springs and higher ride heights.
I like to ride my 550s with the shock travel at about 1/3 of extension length with me on it and straight up (1G load). This allows for compression without bottoming on most bumps and allows for the added loads on the springs while in a leaned over turn (adds to G load, and makes the bike squat some).
It's pretty seldom I get "air" under the wheels to hit the shock extent bumpers.
Hope this helps,