550 vs 500

[ghostrider_23]

Is the pre 1980's 550cc engine similar to the GS 500cc?

If not, what's different???

[jp]

The late 70's GS550 is a 4 cylinder engine.

[Dr.McNinja]

The late 70's GS550 is a 4 cylinder engine.

I'm pretty certain the GS500 isn't 4 cylinders because it's cheaper to make a 2 cylinder.


The 4 cylinder would completely change how the bike runs. Thanks for giving us a true budget bike (for everyone) Suzuki!

[BaltimoreGS]

The GS550 was an aircooled 4 cylinder with 2 valves per cylinder.  The GS450 is the closest ancestor to our GS500's.  The 450 head has the exhaust ports at a different angle but mechanically it is very similar. 

And in case you don't know how to speak Suzuki:

GS = Overhead Cam

X = 4 valves per cylinder

Numbers = Displacement (rounded off of course...)

R = Racing

F = Not positive, some say non-racing model but most people with GS's will say it means fairing

So a GSXR-600 is an overhead cam engine with 4 valves per cylinder that is designed for racing and displaces about 600cc's   

-Jessie

[Ourea]

[POST HAS BEEN REMOVED BY USER]

[Bluesmudge]

My buddy has a 550. Very smooth engine with more power than our 500's from what I can tell. I have not had a chance to ride it much because the charging system isn't working. The engine itself is physically much larger than the 500 engine.

Very nice looking bike.

[adidasguy]

The early GS500E was a sleeved GS550 due to licensing and insurance requirements in Europe.
I like it. I'd take one. Cool, classic design.
The confusion is Suzuki should have changed OUR gs500E to some other letter.
(Tarozi, that makes old rear sets is too stupid to understand that there are 2 different bikes called GS500E).