Few questions on older GS purchase

[My name is Doc]

Hey all.. new to the site.

I'm looking at purchasing a 1983 gs500ese. This is what I was told the model was, so I did some searching and have not found a '500ese' for that model year, but have found both a 'ese' model (550 I think) and a 83 gs500 model. A bit off the point, but if anyone could lend some clarification to that I'd greatly appreciate it.

Also, regardless of exact model designation, what kind of part 'swapability' and/or aftermarkets are there for these later model bikes? Of the pictures I've seen I'm quiet fond of the looks, and have read some things about replacing rear shocks and swapping brake disks, wheels, forks etc... fenderectomy's and the like, but most of them are more geared towards 89's and later. Again, any info there would be appreciated.

Lastly, any serious issues I should be looking out for? I assume it's going to be high mileage and I've heard some things about heads needing to be replaced/rebulits (but not untill about 75k mi?) and of course carbs, rear shocks, fork seals etc. Any clarification and possible info on expense involved would be awesome.

I'm a poor paramedic student with a wonderful daughter to support so I would like to be as prepared as possible for this buy. The seller is very reputable in my area and is a motorcycle mechanic by trade as I take it. His work comes recommended, but I feel awkward asking him for all this information, as it could be perceived as rude or i could get a biased answer.

Sorry for the long post and thanks for any info. 

[mach1]

as far as i know our bike started in 89. bt i may be wrong. before that was the 550 or 400 i think.

[Affschnozel]

It must be Suzuki GS550ES a 4 cylinder bike ,not much in common with current GS500 but nice bike nonetheless 

http://www.suzukicycles.org/GS-series/GS550ES_brochures.shtml

[ohgood]

the 550's sound really nice. looks are a little dated, but otherwise cool.

[My name is Doc]

"dated" looks don't bother me any, that's how I ride... old school 

I guess I assumed that the models were similar due to the GS designation, but I didn't even realize that it was a 4 and not a 2... perhaps there's a double vtwin forum?

sorry, lame attempt at a joke.

Any info/help on the subject is still appreciated, and I will continue my search of the wide world of web for answers on this bike.

[Affschnozel]

From that brochure:
in line 4 cylinder ,Dual overhead cams ,4 valves per cylinder , air-oil cooled ,monoshock suspension ,3 disc brakes

seat height 30.9 in
wheel base 55.9 in
dry weight 423 lb

Here's another link to bike's specs:
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsx550es%2083.htm

He he ,this dated bike is faster than GS500 

[My name is Doc]

thanks for that link! the info was more clear than the other sites I've looked at. I'm a child of the 80's and for some reason find the bikes from that decade tasteful to me. First (and last) bike I owned was a 89 honda vtr250 which I absolutely loved.

Thanks for the link 

[Affschnozel]

No problem    Also you'll find more info if you search " GSX550ES "  that's how it was known to the world and not the US