Author Topic: A "new" bike (Read 3005 times)

Johnny5 · « **on:** September 25, 2009, 12:53:29 PM »

Im picking up a Suzuki GT 550 tomorrow. From what I hear, it's pretty beat up. I dont really care if it takes 5 years or whatever to complete this bike, I wanted to find a bike that is a little different (2 stroke) and slowly work on a complete stock restore. Anyway, I havent ever rode one of these, but are they as quick as a RD350? I know the powerbands arent as snappy as the RD's. Just curious.

oldfett · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2009, 02:37:30 AM »

Ive never ridden a RD350 but the GT550 I rode not to long ago was really nice. It was quite peppy but seemed really flat accross the board with no power band to speak of. However you could get on it at any RPM range and be assured that it would take off, just don't go looking for more power.

On a side note I was disgruntled with the overall maneuverability of the bike. My CB750 has almost 100 pounds on that bike but the 550 doesn't like the corners nearly as much as my 750 does. This may just be due to my size or because I just wasn't used to the bike yet.

I did a bit of research on these bikes and here's what I found. The electric start on the earlier models had issues, the starter clutch system was not strong enough, the later models fixed this issue but these clutches are harder to find. The 1972 had the front drum brake, this is worth quite a bit of money and boy does that puppy stop on a dime!

Johnny5 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2009, 05:52:35 AM »

Yeah, from what I've read, the powerband on them is a bit flat since Suzuki was more gearing towards the bike being a little "touring model". Suppose to be a really smooth bike though.

oldfett · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2009, 10:21:41 AM »

It was very smooth just don't expect to sneak up on anyone

bikebitzofvt · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2009, 01:19:25 PM »

However it's very good at leaving a smokescreen for those stealthy getaways!

Quote from: oldfett on September 26, 2009, 10:21:41 AM

It was very smooth just don't expect to sneak up on anyone

oldfett · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2009, 01:52:23 PM »

Quote from: bikebitzofvt on September 26, 2009, 01:19:25 PM

However it's very good at leaving a smokescreen for those stealthy getaways!

Also a good bug repellent at stop lights.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 26, 2009, 07:55:32 PM »

Welp, just picked up the bike a few hours ago. I'll post pictures later. The bike cost as much as the gas I put in the truck to pick it up. Yep, it was free! A guy I met over the weekend had it sitting in his backyard for years and didnt want it. It's a 72 and in very rough shape. But it has the "beloved" front drum brake. Looks like they are worth some coin. The pipes, engine/carbs, frame, are in decent shape, so those are the big things. The engine wasnt even stuck. I need to get a shop manual for this thing and see if I can get it to run. Then begin tearing it down for a rebuild. It's cool to have a 1st year bike.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2009, 04:27:34 PM »

Man, as I go through this bike, it's just too far gone for a full restore. With the way prices are for parts, I couldnt afford a restore anyway, so this one will have to be chopped into some kind of cafe bike. Does anyone know of any decent two-stroke forums?

Here's a couple pics.

Hush · « **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2009, 04:36:08 PM »

Sorry mate the GT550 always was a pig on corners, like riding a water buffalo.
Couldn't match the T500 Titan it was supposed to replace for in-line speed or handling, all the triple Suzuki's had middle plug issues with fouling.
Probably that's why you don't see too many around these days.
Part it out on Ebay, hey you gotta get more than you paid for it.

Ogri · « **Reply #9 on:** October 03, 2009, 03:49:19 PM »

They're massively under-rated bikes, do the least you need to do to get it running, rolling and stopping and take it for a ride.

In the UK that bike, as it stands, would make $1000 all day long.

Don't write it off just yet, the longest journey starts with one step.

manjisann · « **Reply #10 on:** October 04, 2009, 04:44:07 AM »

Hey, there isn't moss or a tree growing around it, so you are already ahead of the game. If as you say it's too far gone for a full resto, then I think you have the right idea with a custom job, and the added benefit of no guilt. Good luck!

Brandon

tortelvis · « **Reply #11 on:** October 05, 2009, 07:06:56 AM »

Powerband? We had a kid come into the shop insisting that the mechanic "fix the powerband as it has slipped off." Mechanic showed the kid a rubberband and pretended to "install" it on the bike. Kid went away happy as a sandboy!

bryanj · « **Reply #12 on:** October 05, 2009, 07:14:52 AM »

Never had a plug foul on the ones i rode---Thrash the living #$%*e out of it and they go well----that supposed great front brake is crap its the twin sided 4 leading shoe GT750 that is sought after

tortelvis · « **Reply #13 on:** October 05, 2009, 07:25:20 AM »

Powerband? We had a kid come into the shop insisting that the mechanic "fix the powerband as it has slipped off." Mechanic showed the kid a rubberband and pretended to "install" it on the bike. Kid went away happy as a sandboy!

Industrial Rat400f Killer · « **Reply #14 on:** October 05, 2009, 07:48:39 AM »

It's wierd you just got one of these as I might be getting one tonight.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 05, 2009, 08:26:52 AM »

Quote from: Rat400F on October 05, 2009, 07:48:39 AM

It's wierd you just got one of these as I might be getting one tonight.

Im still debating what to do with it. Maybe you'll need some parts?

Industrial Rat400f Killer · « **Reply #16 on:** October 05, 2009, 10:30:28 AM »

I guess the guy can't meet until Wed. Here's the pic he sent me though.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 05, 2009, 10:38:13 AM »

I think that's a 72. Looks like he sold off the front wheel/hub drum brake. That's the color I was going to restore my bike if I do go that route. I love the vintage golds and oranges. And yours has extra parts. I wonder how many tanks of fuel it takes to go through a quart of two stroke oil?

oldfett · « **Reply #18 on:** October 05, 2009, 10:56:37 AM »

Quote from: bryanj on October 05, 2009, 07:14:52 AM

Never had a plug foul on the ones i rode---Thrash the living #$%*e out of it and they go well----that supposed great front brake is crap its the twin sided 4 leading shoe GT750 that is sought after

I was told that the 72' Suzuki GT550 and the GT750 both had the same front Drum brake. I did not know there was a difference.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 05, 2009, 10:59:18 AM »

Quote from: oldfett on October 05, 2009, 10:56:37 AM

Quote from: bryanj on October 05, 2009, 07:14:52 AM
Never had a plug foul on the ones i rode---Thrash the living #$%*e out of it and they go well----that supposed great front brake is crap its the twin sided 4 leading shoe GT750 that is sought after

I was told that the 72' Suzuki GT550 and the GT750 both had the same front Drum brake. I did not know there was a difference.

They certainly look the same in the photos I've seen.

Industrial Rat400f Killer · « **Reply #20 on:** October 05, 2009, 11:34:51 AM »

Quote from: Johnny5 on October 05, 2009, 10:38:13 AM

I think that's a 72. Looks like he sold off the front wheel/hub drum brake. That's the color I was going to restore my bike if I do go that route. I love the vintage golds and oranges. And yours has extra parts. I wonder how many tanks of fuel it takes to go through a quart of two stroke oil?

Yeah, it's a 72 and the price is right even thought the front end has been cannibalized for something else.
Ha, I've got a bunch of research to do before this bike will even see a wrench.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #21 on:** October 05, 2009, 11:39:04 AM »

Sucks. There used to be a GT 550 forum, but I cant find it anymore. Here's a cool history on the bike: http://www.suzukicycles.org/GT-series/GT550.shtml

I love the 72/73 sidecover shape. But Im afraid it's going to be hard for me to find a set. I guess if I do do a restore, Im in no rush anyway and can take my time and be patient for a set to turn up.

News:

Author Topic: A "new" bike (Read 3005 times)