Source: Bring a Trailer –
This 1978 Suzuki GS550 spent time in Arizona, where it underwent a build in the style of a cafe racer in the 2010s, and was later relocated to Connecticut where it was acquired by the seller in 2019. A subsequent refurbishment that was completed in 2021 included a rebuild of the 549cc DOHC inline-four’s top end as well as a repaint in metallic blue with tri-tone blue accent stripes over a black double-cradle frame. Equipment includes a custom seat and side panels, a six-speed transmission, a front disc brake, quad Mikuni carburetors, both kick and electric starters, LED mini taillights, and a chrome four-into-one exhaust system with a megaphone muffler. This modified GS550 is now offered at no reserve in Connecticut with a clean New York title in the seller’s name.
The bike was refinished in metallic blue with tri-tone blue accent stripes, the double-cradle frame was fitted with a custom rear hoop and painted black, and both the frame and the bodywork were pearl- and clear-coated. The black seat and both side panels were designed and fabricated by the seller. Additional equipment includes a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, dual LED mini taillights, an offset vertical license plate bracket, and a side stand.
Chrome wire-spoke wheels are mounted with older 3.25×19″ Avon Speedmaster MKII front and 3.75×18″ Duro HF314 rear tires. Suspension consists of a braced telescopic fork with black sliders as well as a pair of preload-adjustable shocks mounted to the swingarm. Braking is handled by a single front disc and a rear drum.
Black clip-on handlebars equipped with an Emgo throttle assembly and a right-side bar-end mirror are secured beneath the top triple clamp. Instrumentation consists of a a 150-mph Nippon Denso speedometer and a matching tachometer with a 8,500-rpm redline. The five-digit odometer shows 18k miles, approximately 6k of which were ridden by the seller.
The 549cc DOHC inline-four is equipped with four 22mm Mikuni VM-series carburetors, UNI pod filters, both kick and electric starters, and a chrome four-into-one exhaust system with a megaphone muffler. The cylinder head was ported, the valves were shimmed, and the piston rings and valve guides were replaced during a rebuild of the engine’s top end under current ownership. Additional work included re-jetting the carburetors and replacing the spark plugs and wires, the ignition points and coils, and the condenser. The oil was changed in preparation for the sale.
Power is sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox and a replacement drive chain.
The bike is titled using the last six digits of the number GS550118261 that is stamped on the steering neck.
