Suzuki GS550L (1979-81)

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The Suzuki GS550L motorcycle was produced from 1979 to 1981, powered by a four-stroke, transverse four-cylinder engine with DOHC and 2 valves per cylinder, with a capacity of 549cc. It had a compression ratio of 8.6:1 and was cooled by air. It used four VM22SS Mikuni carburetors for induction, and had both electric and kick starting capabilities. The maximum power output was 35.8 kW / 49 hp at 9000 rpm, and the maximum torque was 42 Nm 4.3 kgf-m / 31 lb-ft at 7500 rpm. The clutch was wet with 15 multi-plates, the transmission had six speeds, and the final drive was via chain. The front suspension consisted of a telescopic fork that was oil-damped, while the rear suspension was twin shocks with a coil-over, and five-way adjustable spring load. The front brakes were a single 275mm disc with a one-piston caliper, while the rear brakes were a drum. The bike had a dry weight of 195 kg / 430 lbs, and a wet weight of 216 kg / 476 lbs. The fuel capacity was 17 liters / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal, and the fuel consumption average was 5.6 L/100 km / 42 mpg / 50.4 Imp mpg. The standing 1/4 mile time was 13.7 seconds at 152 km/h / 94.7 mph, and the top speed was 181 km/h / 112 mph.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Suzuki GS 550L

Year: 1979 – 81


Engine: Four stroke, transverse four cylinders, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Capacity: 549 cc / 33.5 cu in
Bore x Stroke: 56 x 55.8 mm
Compression Ratio: 8.6:1
Cooling System: Air cooled
Induction: 4 x VM22SS Mikuni carburetors
Ignition: Battery and Coil
Starting: Electric and kick
Max Power: 35.8 kW / 49 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque: 42 Nm 4.3 kgf-m / 31 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Clutch: Wet, 15 multi-plate
Transmission: 6 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Primary Ratio: 1.977:1
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, oil damped

Rear Suspension: Twin shocks, coil over, 5-way adjustable springload
Front Brakes: Single 275mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Rear Brakes: Drum
Front Tyre: 3.25-19
Rear Tyre: 3.75-18
Rake: 29o
Trail: 119.9 mm / 4.7
Dry Weight: 195 kg / 430 lbs
Wet Weight: 216 kg / 476 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Consumption Average: 5.6 L/100 km / 42 mpg / 50.4 Imp mpg
Standing 1/4 Mile: 13.7 sec / 152 km/h / 94.7 mph
Top Speed: 181 km/h / 112 mph

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