Suzuki GS 550

[icyhoturbeanbag]

Hey guys, I'm new to biking and new to this forum so please excuse any newb bullshit. I looked at a Suzuki GS 550 today that has some carb problems. When you roll back the throttle the power doesn't kick in until a few seconds and btw the throttle is open pretty wide. Then comes an enormous punch of power. The seller says all I need to do is sync the carbs. He has recently jetted them and cleaned them (he claims). Is that really the only problem? Could it be something else? Is this a notorious problem with the gs 550 at 20k miles? Any help is mucho appreciated. Besides the throttle problem the bike is in good condition.

[Kurlon]

Carb sync and general tuneup will likely help a LOT with that hesitation.

[icyhoturbeanbag]

Sweet, and how much should I expect a carb sync and tuneup to cost? And is there anything else that could be causing that problem? I don't have a lot of money to spend this summer so i don't want to buy a hopeless cause.

[boosten lebaron]

Id say your gonna start from scratch and rebuild/rejet those carbs. Id figure 2-300 on the high side to cover some other little things.
Could be host of other things too but who knows. Its a chance you take buying a used bike and an even greater chance buying one that you know has issues to begin with.
How much are you thinking of paying for it? For the right price the gamble maybe worth it.

[icyhoturbeanbag]

He's looking for 400, will take 300.

[Expat]

What year? the E model with the cast wheels is the one to go for, Year was 81 I believe.
Check if it has electronic ignition fitted? Points and condensors may also need checking if not.
The engines are bullet proof so it sounds like a good price.
I had one back in 82, great bike and very comfortable.

[icyhoturbeanbag]

It is an 81 but not an E. I'm not sure about the ignition or points/condensors. My brother rode and scoped it out for me since I've never owned a bike before.

[Expat]

81 should be the ET model.
If so, it should have cast wheels, twin front and single rear rotors and electronic ignition if my memory serves me correctly!!

[Sheppo]

81 should be electronic ignition not points.

[Doc]

I had an 81 GS550ES IIRC there was also an L version.

Does it look like this...

[Expat]

I had an 81 GS550ES IIRC there was also an L version.

Does it look like this...

In the UK that was the 80' model. We got a slightly stepped seat and twin front rotors

[Kurlon]

SQUID!

[FAST GSXR750]

Buy it! For that price you can't go too wrong. Put some "seafoam" in it first and see if that helps. I've got an 81 650e.

[jeantarrou]

81 should be the ET model.
If so, it should have cast wheels, twin front and single rear rotors and electronic ignition if my memory serves me correctly!!

It was only a single front rotor.