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Manufacturer: Suzuki………..TOP Model: GS550E, GS550L, GS550 Katana, GSX550ES, GSX550LG, GSX550 Katana Years Made: 1977 – 1986 Style: Standard Sport / Standard Custom
549cc Inline-FourWeight: 450lb HP: 50 Torque: Top Speed: 110mph MPG: 60 New Cost: $1,850 (1977) – $2,199 (1980) – $2,695 (1983) – $3,799 (1985) – $4,129 (1986)
Average Used Costs: Low $330 Medium $869 High $1,225
Description:
Notes:
UMG Says: The strongest Jap four, with lots of roller bearings and gear primary drive. Stable, safe handling but excess mass. Alternator and rectifier (use Superdream items) burn out. Top end eventually goes after 75k. Engine should be smooth and clean running. Exhaust and caliper rot endemic to the breed. Katana version looks flash, does 60mpg but lacks comfort. Custom version handles strangely above 70mph. Expensive on consumables but very tough.
UBG Says: The strongest original UJM with lots of roller bearings and gear primary drive. Stable, safe handling, but suffers from excess mass, plus a high and wide saddle. Alternator and rectifier (use Superdream items) burn out, don’t like knocks or crashes. Top end eventually goes after 75k. Engine should be smooth and clean running, avoid ones with black or cloudy oil. Exhaust and caliper rot endemic to the breed. Regular and frequent oil changes keep them going indefinitely. Katana version looks flash, does 60mpg but lacks comfort. Custom version handles strangely above 70mph. All very tough tourers/commuters. C1 £1500, C2 £700, C3 £300
IGM Says (GS500E, GS500ES, GS500L, GS500M, GS650G, GS650GL, GS650M Katana): Any of Suzuki’s air-cooled four-cylinder 550s and 650s make excellent, dependable bikes, but these are older, so expect them to need small repairs more frequently than newer motorcycles. The switch gear and electrical components are the items most likely to need some attention.
