Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics for Suzuki GS550 models
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to maintain and repair the motorcycle, empowering self-sufficiency and cost savings
Comprehensiveness:
Covers complete tear-down, rebuild, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Accessibility:
Instant download in a widely compatible PDF format
Engine:
Complete Engine Servicing, Rebuild, and Tune-Up
Fuel System:
Carburetor Overhaul, Synchronization, Fuel Pump (if applicable)
Lubrication System:
Oil Change Procedures, Filter Replacement, Oil Pressure Checks
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front Fork, Rear Shocks), Steering, Wheels, Brakes
Electrical System:
Ignition System, Lighting, Charging System (Stator, Regulator/Rectifier), Battery, Wiring Diagrams
Type:
Complete Service Repair Manual
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder Head, Valves, Piston Assembly, Crankshaft, Timing Chain, Oil Pump
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (Mikuni VM series typically), Fuel Lines, Petcock
Ignition:
Electronic Ignition (CDI), Spark Plugs, Ignition Coils
Charging System:
Alternator (Stator), Regulator/Rectifier
Cooling System:
Air-Cooled Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Clutch Assembly, Gearbox, Shift Mechanism
Brakes:
Front and Rear Brake Systems (Disc and/or Drum), Hydraulic Components
Suspension:
Front Telescopic Forks, Rear Swingarm with Dual Shocks
Steering:
Handlebars, Steering Stem Bearings
Electrical:
Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals, Horn, Instrumentation
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Chain Adjustment, Spark Plug Service, Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement
Tune Up:
Valve Clearance Adjustment, Carburetor Synchronization and Jetting, Ignition Timing
Repair:
Complete Engine Teardown and Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Overhaul, Brake System Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides for common problems, Electrical System Diagnostics
Restoration:
Detailed part diagrams and rebuild instructions suitable for restoration projects
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering complete tear-down and rebuild
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, detailed diagrams
Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions for all procedures
Specifications:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, and fluid capacities
Wiring:
Detailed wiring schematics
Reader Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader
Quality:
High-quality, 100% complete and intact
Searchability:
Searchable and Bookmarked
Type:
Digital Download (PDF)
Digital Rights:
Save to hard-drive, burn to CD-ROM, view on any computer
Zoom Print:
Viewable with zoom functionality, printable pages
Type:
4-stroke, DOHC, Air-Cooled, Inline-Four
Displacement:
549 cc (approximate, may vary slightly by specific model variant)
Horsepower:
Approximately 50-55 HP (at crankshaft, estimated for the era)
Torque:
Approximately 30-35 lb-ft (at crankshaft, estimated for the era)
Carburetor Type:
Twin Mikuni BS32 (likely, standard for GS550 series)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type:
API SE or SF service classification, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.2 - 3.5 Liters (with filter change, manual will confirm exact)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycles of this era did not undergo standardized crash testing as cars do)
Braking System:
Hydraulic Disc Front Brake, Disc or Drum Rear Brake (depending on model variant)
Lighting:
Headlight, Taillight, Brake Light, Turn Signals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Manual will specify exact.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 6,000-10,000 km (3,600-6,000 miles). Manual will provide precise interval.
Spark Plug Service:
Check/clean every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles); replace as needed. Manual will specify replacement interval.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Lubricate every 500-1000 km (300-600 miles), adjust slack as needed per manual specifications.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (depending on original specification, manual will confirm)
Fork Oil:
10W or equivalent (specific volume per fork leg detailed in manual)
Carburetors:
Potential for clogged jets, diaphragm wear, and synchronization issues over time. Requires regular cleaning and tuning.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on connectors, particularly in the charging system and ignition circuits, can lead to intermittent faults.
Suspension Seals:
Fork seals and rear shock seals can degrade with age, leading to leaks and poor damping performance.
Engine Gaskets:
Older gaskets may develop leaks over time, particularly around the cylinder head and oil cooler (if equipped).
Heritage:
Suzuki has a long history of producing reliable and sporty motorcycles, particularly known for its four-cylinder engines in the 1970s and 80s.
Gs Series:
The GS550 was part of Suzuki's successful GS series, which offered a range of four-cylinder motorcycles known for their performance and refinement. It evolved from earlier models and paved the way for later GSX generations.
Manufacturing Period:
The GS550 line was produced through the late 1970s and into the mid-1980s.
