Auto123: Unveiling the 1980 Suzuki GS550: A Classic Motorcycle Reborn

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 is a classic motorcycle that was produced by Suzuki from 1977 to 1983. It is a standard motorcycle with a 543 cc, four-cylinder engine. The GS550 was a popular motorcycle in its day, and it is still considered to be a good value for riders who are looking for a classic motorcycle.

The GS550 is known for its reliability, fuel economy, and easy handling. It is also a relatively affordable motorcycle to purchase and maintain. These factors have made the GS550 a popular choice for riders who are new to motorcycling, as well as for experienced riders who are looking for a fun and economical motorcycle to ride.

In addition to its popularity with riders, the GS550 has also been used in a number of racing competitions. In 1978, a GS550 won the Daytona 200 motorcycle race. This victory helped to solidify the GS550's reputation as a reliable and powerful motorcycle.

1980 Suzuki GS550

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its reliability, fuel economy, and easy handling. It is also a relatively affordable motorcycle to purchase and maintain, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced riders.

Engine: 543 cc, four-cylinder
Power: 50 hp
Torque: 36 lb-ft
Weight: 425 lbs
Fuel economy: 50 mpg
Top speed: 110 mph
Price: $2,500 (1980)

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 is powered by a 543 cc, four-cylinder engine. This engine is known for its reliability, fuel economy, and power. It is also relatively easy to maintain, making it a good choice for both new and experienced riders.

The four-cylinder design of the GS550's engine provides a good balance of power and fuel economy. The engine produces 50 horsepower and 36 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to provide good acceleration and passing power. The GS550 also gets good fuel economy, with an average of 50 mpg.

The GS550's engine is also very reliable. It is known for being able to withstand high mileage and hard use. This makes it a good choice for riders who are looking for a motorcycle that they can depend on.

Overall, the 543 cc, four-cylinder engine is a major reason why the 1980 Suzuki GS550 is such a popular motorcycle. It is a reliable, fuel-efficient, and powerful engine that is easy to maintain. This makes it a good choice for riders of all levels of experience.

Power

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 produces 50 horsepower, which is a significant amount of power for a motorcycle of its size. This power gives the GS550 good acceleration and passing power, making it a fun and exciting motorcycle to ride.

The GS550's power is also important for safety. The motorcycle's ability to accelerate quickly can help riders to avoid accidents, and its passing power can help riders to safely overtake other vehicles. Additionally, the GS550's power can be used to pull a trailer or to carry a passenger, making it a versatile motorcycle that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS550's 50 horsepower engine is a major reason why the motorcycle is so popular. It provides the GS550 with good acceleration, passing power, and safety, making it a fun and versatile motorcycle to ride.

Torque

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 produces 36 lb-ft of torque, which is a measure of the twisting force produced by the engine. Torque is important because it affects the motorcycle's acceleration and hill-climbing ability.

Acceleration: Torque is what gets the motorcycle moving from a standstill. The more torque an engine produces, the faster the motorcycle will accelerate.
As an example, the GS550's 36 lb-ft of torque is enough to propel the motorcycle from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds.
Hill-climbing ability: Torque is also important for hill-climbing ability. The more torque an engine produces, the easier it will be for the motorcycle to climb hills.
In the case of the GS550, its 36 lb-ft of torque is enough to allow it to climb hills without losing speed.

Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS550's 36 lb-ft of torque is a major reason why the motorcycle is so popular. It gives the GS550 good acceleration and hill-climbing ability, making it a fun and versatile motorcycle to ride.

Weight

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 weighs 425 lbs, which makes it a relatively lightweight motorcycle. This is a major advantage, as it makes the GS550 easy to maneuver and handle, especially at low speeds. It also makes the GS550 a good choice for riders who are new to motorcycling, as it is less intimidating than a heavier motorcycle.

Acceleration: The GS550's light weight gives it good acceleration. The motorcycle can reach 60 mph in about 6 seconds, which is comparable to much heavier motorcycles.
Braking: The GS550's light weight also helps it to brake quickly and effectively. The motorcycle's brakes are powerful enough to stop the motorcycle from 60 mph in about 120 feet.
Fuel economy: The GS550's light weight contributes to its good fuel economy. The motorcycle gets an average of 50 mpg, which is excellent for a motorcycle of its size.
Handling: The GS550's light weight makes it very easy to handle. The motorcycle is nimble and responsive, making it a pleasure to ride on both winding roads and in city traffic.

Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS550's weight of 425 lbs is a major advantage. It makes the motorcycle easy to maneuver and handle, gives it good acceleration and braking, and contributes to its good fuel economy. These factors make the GS550 a good choice for riders of all levels of experience.

Fuel economy

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 is known for its excellent fuel economy, getting an average of 50 mpg. This is a major advantage, as it saves riders money on gas and reduces their environmental impact.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the GS550's good fuel economy. First, the motorcycle's engine is very efficient. It uses a four-stroke design, which means that it burns fuel more efficiently than a two-stroke engine. Second, the GS550 has a relatively low curb weight of 425 lbs. This means that the engine doesn't have to work as hard to move the motorcycle, which also improves fuel economy.

The GS550's fuel economy is also important because it makes the motorcycle more affordable to own and operate. Riders can save money on gas, which can be a significant expense, especially for those who commute long distances. Additionally, the GS550's low fuel consumption reduces its environmental impact. Motorcycles produce emissions, and the GS550's good fuel economy helps to reduce these emissions.

Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS550's fuel economy of 50 mpg is a major advantage. It saves riders money on gas, reduces their environmental impact, and makes the motorcycle more affordable to own and operate.

Top speed

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 has a top speed of 110 mph, which is impressive for a motorcycle of its era. This top speed is achieved thanks to the motorcycle's powerful engine and its lightweight design.

The GS550's engine is a 543 cc, four-cylinder engine that produces 50 horsepower and 36 lb-ft of torque. This engine is powerful enough to propel the motorcycle to a top speed of 110 mph. The GS550's lightweight design also contributes to its high top speed. The motorcycle weighs only 425 lbs, which is relatively light for a motorcycle of its size.

The GS550's top speed of 110 mph makes it a fun and exciting motorcycle to ride. The motorcycle is capable of accelerating quickly and reaching high speeds. This makes it a good choice for riders who enjoy riding on the open road or on the track.

However, it is important to note that the GS550's top speed should only be used in safe and legal conditions. Riders should always wear a helmet and obey the speed limit when riding a motorcycle.

Price

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 was priced at $2,500 when it was first released. This price was relatively affordable for a motorcycle of its size and power, and it helped to make the GS550 a popular choice for riders. The GS550's price also made it a good value for riders who were looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient motorcycle.

The GS550's price has remained relatively stable over the years, and it is still considered to be a good value for riders who are looking for a classic motorcycle. The motorcycle's popularity has also helped to keep its price stable, as there is a strong demand for the GS550 among collectors and riders alike.

Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS550's price of $2,500 was a major factor in its popularity. It made the motorcycle affordable for a wide range of riders, and it helped to establish the GS550 as a classic motorcycle that is still enjoyed by riders today.

FAQs about the 1980 Suzuki GS550

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 is a classic motorcycle that is still popular today. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the GS550:

Question 1: What is the engine size of the GS550?

The GS550 has a 543 cc, four-cylinder engine.

Question 2: How much horsepower does the GS550 produce?

The GS550 produces 50 horsepower.

Question 3: What is the top speed of the GS550?

The GS550 has a top speed of 110 mph.

Question 4: How much does the GS550 weigh?

The GS550 weighs 425 lbs.

Question 5: What is the fuel economy of the GS550?

The GS550 gets an average of 50 mpg.

Question 6: How much did the GS550 cost when it was first released?

The GS550 cost $2,500 when it was first released in 1980.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1980 Suzuki GS550. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a Suzuki dealer or visit the Suzuki website.

Summary: The 1980 Suzuki GS550 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its reliability, fuel economy, and easy handling. It is also a relatively affordable motorcycle to purchase and maintain, making it a good choice for both new and experienced riders.

Transition: If you are interested in learning more about the 1980 Suzuki GS550, please continue reading the following article.

Tips for Riding the 1980 Suzuki GS550

The 1980 Suzuki GS550 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its reliability, fuel economy, and easy handling. However, there are a few things that riders can do to make their GS550 even better.

Tip 1: Upgrade the suspension

The GS550's suspension is adequate, but it can be improved with aftermarket upgrades. Upgrading the front forks and rear shocks can improve the motorcycle's handling and stability, especially when riding on rough roads or at high speeds.

Tip 2: Install a new exhaust system

The GS550's stock exhaust system is restrictive and can limit the motorcycle's performance. Installing a new exhaust system can improve the motorcycle's power and torque, and it can also give the GS550 a more aggressive sound.

Tip 3: Jet the carburetors

The GS550's carburetors may need to be jetted if the motorcycle is modified with an aftermarket exhaust system or air filter. Jetting the carburetors will help to ensure that the motorcycle is running at its optimum air/fuel ratio.

Tip 4: Upgrade the brakes

The GS550's brakes are adequate, but they can be improved with aftermarket upgrades. Upgrading the brake pads and rotors can improve the motorcycle's stopping power, especially when riding in wet or slippery conditions.

Tip 5: Install a windscreen

A windscreen can help to reduce wind buffeting and improve the rider's comfort on long rides. There are a variety of aftermarket windscreens available for the GS550, so riders can choose one that suits their needs and style.

Tip 6: Add a luggage rack

A luggage rack can be added to the GS550 to provide additional storage space. This is especially useful for riders who plan to take the motorcycle on long trips or who need to carry a lot of gear.

Summary: By following these tips, riders can improve the performance, comfort, and style of their 1980 Suzuki GS550.

Transition: If you are interested in learning more about the 1980 Suzuki GS550, please continue reading the following article.

Conclusion

The GS550 is a versatile motorcycle that can be used for a variety of purposes, including commuting, touring, and sport riding. It is also a good choice for riders who are new to motorcycling, as it is easy to ride and forgiving of mistakes.

If you are looking for a classic motorcycle that is reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy to handle, the 1980 Suzuki GS550 is a great option.