1980 GS550E

Thomas T.

Thomas T.

New Member
Bought this last weekend and came across this forum doing some research. It's had some work done to it....

The bike has 20,000 original miles and I'm now the 3rd owner. Second owner put new tires, rear shocks and I believe the straight pipes...

I have a list going that obviously needs to work: front forks, brakes, engine gaskets, rebuild carbs, fuel petcock, wiring harness. It starts and runs briefly. I figure it's a combination of non restrictive pipes and pods and dirty carbs. It starts with half choke but dies immediately after its released...

 
Welcome to the site, man! Good looking bike.

If you haven't signed up on the GSResources yet, I highly recommend it. There is a TON of good info over there.

There are a few things that concern me though: what kind of air filters are those? If they are cheap Emgo filters, replace them immediately. And look into adding some kind of rear splash guard to protect the carbs from junk flying off the back wheel. Lastly, that bike will handle 10 times better with a front fender / fork brace.
 
Thanks! Yep I signed up on RSResources first. Pretty sure they're emgos. I plan on all of those things once I get it running right.

Do you have any suggestions on filters? I like the look of pods but I understand the issues they create being less restrictive. I don't care to mess with jetting unless I absolutely have to. I've even looked into buying original pipes due to the issue these cause.

Looks like I'm going to need an engine gasket kit. Someone used a rubber seal instead of gaskets... I don't know anything about brands.

This rebuilding something mechanical is completely new to me. I owned an 08 CBR 600rr before hand and did the maintenance up till I sold it. I have a couple of friends who do and can possibly help me. So forgive me when I seem noobish & ask a lot of question. I'm researching all I know based on common since stuff and things I've found in other builds online.
 
Welcome!

Good looking bike.

You're right that it dying unless it's on half choke is due to the pods, carbs, and pipes combo.

You're not going to be able to avoid rejecting after all that has been done, assuming the PO didn't re-jet already. If he did, you may just need to adjust your idle and air screws.

I agree with Big Rich on the rear splash guard and front fork brace, and while you're at it - add a front fender to help keep your motor clean.

Most importantly, raise your triple tree back to the stock height and put the clip ons below the triple tree top. It may look cool having the bike lowered like that (debatable), but it really messes up the fork rake, which affects handling and safety.

Also, it appears you have a small tail light, but I don't see turn signals any front or rear turn signals. Again, this is huge for safety and being street legal in most states.

You may already have those things on your list, but they weren't stated above.

Looks like you have a great start. Get it running right first, THEN do cosmetic stuff.
 
Oh...and rear sets will make those clip ons a much more comfortable ride so you aren't bent over while riding.
 
Thanks for all the comments guys!!! I pulled the carbs this morning. Relatively clean and no clogged jets but I'll clean it up. Main jet is a 92.5 and the pilot is a 40. I followed a link to jetsrus.com and will order new ones. Any suggestions on a place to start with jet size?

Before I get this thing running I need to clean and seal my gas tank. Anyone have experience doing this? I've read reviews and watched videos. I can't decide on a kit.
 
I got genuine mikuni gets on ebay for way less than anywhere. I got 4 pilots shipped for $11 total and my mains for $13 shipped total. in real mikuni packages
 
Thomas T. said:
Thanks for all the comments guys!!! I pulled the carbs this morning. Relatively clean and no clogged jets but I'll clean it up. Main jet is a 92.5 and the pilot is a 40. I followed a link to jetsrus.com and will order new ones. Any suggestions on a place to start with jet size?

Before I get this thing running I need to clean and seal my gas tank. Anyone have experience doing this? I've read reviews and watched videos. I can't decide on a kit.
Click to expand...

the best kits are from sigma 6 i think is the name.. ebay, has detail instructions with pics and he sends you everything you need. tools and all
 
buccicycle said:
the best kits are from sigma 6 i think is the name.. ebay, has detail instructions with pics and he sends you everything you need. tools and all
Click to expand...

its 6sigma racing , sorry
 
Thanks for the jet info. I cleaned the carbs and it started right up and idled. It seemed pretty lean when I checked a spark plug.

I like the sealer kit but I'm trying to decide on a cleaning kit or a diy. It's pretty rusty but it's not flaking.


I'm not running fuel from the tank since its like this. Don't want to possibly ruin the carbs or engine.
 
Check out the APE pods from Pingel. I have them on my GS850G and quality wise they are dead on with K&N. http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?223607-Black-Magick&p=2087629#post2087629 post where I compared them and it has a link to them. I know diff bikes but 1980 was first year of CV carbs and I think you have the bs32ss carbs same as I do. If not you will still be fine as long as your carbs are around 52-53mm outside diameter where the pod sits. Also as far as jetting goes look to Dynojet. You want a stage 3 kit since you have pods and pipes. If they don't have one specifically for the 550 use the kit for the 1981 gs750 (again assuming you have the bs32ss carbs) and just run the smaller main jet to accommodate for the difference in displacement. They offer a kit for the 1982 Suzuki 550 Katana but I'm not sure if it had the quad carbs or the twins.

Edit: The Katana did use quad carbs so that kit would be better suited to your needs. Again assuming carbs are the same blah blah lol.
 
Yea I have the BS32ss carbs. Okay cool bit of info! I'll have to look into those, thought I'd seen those mentioned before but didn't save the link.
 
The 550s didn't have bs32ss at least not stock anyway. I have a mix matched set of consisting of 3 bs32's and one bs32ss. Only difference is the pilot jet circuit. It's a nice looking bike man. I also have an '80 GS550. I put the airbox back on though.
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Nice bike as well. Well I know that's what I have and in the Clymer manual I have it list for 80-83 the BS32SS carburetors.
 
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