Segment:
Sportbike / Standard Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners, independent repair shops, enthusiasts
Rivals 1980S:
Honda CB550, Yamaha XJ550, Kawasaki GPz550
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliable performance, balanced handling, multi-cylinder engine
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance resource, cost-saving potential
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Specifications, Diagrams, Torque Values, Wiring Schematics
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system
Fuel System:
Carburetor identification, adjustment, cleaning, fuel tank, fuel lines
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, CDI unit
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanism, transmission disassembly and assembly
Drivetrain:
Final drive, drive chain maintenance and adjustment
Suspension:
Front fork service, rear shock absorber replacement, suspension linkages
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic lines, brake caliper service, brake pad replacement
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting, starter motor, wiring diagrams, component testing
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fairings
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire pressure, tire replacement
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, brake bleeding, coolant checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement
Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization, valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic rider maintenance to full engine and electrical system overhaul
Detail Level:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, measurement tolerances
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, inline-four
Displacement:
543 cc (33.1 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
Approximately 59.0 mm x 49.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 9.0:1
Horsepower:
Around 50-60 HP (varies by specific model/tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 30-35 lb-ft (varies by specific model/tuning)
Carburetor Type:
Mikuni VM series constant velocity carburetors (e.g., 34mm)
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 15-16 liters (3.9-4.2 US gal)
Oil Type:
API SE/SF or equivalent motorcycle specific 10W-40 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0-3.5 liters (3.2-3.7 US qt) with filter change
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Length:
Approximately 2150 mm (84.6 in)
Width:
Approximately 750 mm (29.5 in)
Height:
Approximately 1180 mm (46.5 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 180-190 kg (397-419 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 195-205 kg (430-452 lbs) (estimated)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle, no standardized ratings like cars)
Braking System:
Front: Disc brake; Rear: Disc brake (on most models)
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, turn signals, brake light
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000-6,000 km (2,500-3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise recommendation)
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 8,000-12,000 km (5,000-7,500 miles) (refer to manual for precise recommendation)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 12,000-16,000 km (7,500-10,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
If liquid-cooled variants exist (unlikely for this model, typically air-cooled), use a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol coolant and distilled water.
Carburetor Issues:
Clogged jets, vacuum leaks, synchronization drift over time
Electrical Issues:
Aging wiring harness degradation, rectifier/regulator failures, starter solenoid issues
Fuel System Issues:
Fuel petcock leaks, aging fuel lines
Suspension Wear:
Fork seal leaks, worn rear shock absorbers
Manufacturer:
Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan
Motorcycle Focus:
Suzuki is a long-established manufacturer with a strong reputation in motorcycles, particularly for performance and innovation.
Gsx Series Era:
The GSX designation in the 1980s represented Suzuki's line of high-performance, DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder engines.
Gsx550 Positioning:
The GSX550 filled the popular middleweight sportbike segment, offering a balance of performance and everyday usability.
Manufacturing Region:
Japan
Key Variants:
EF (Full Fairing), EU (Unfaired/Naked), ES (Semi-Faired)
