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Edition:
Suzuki GS 550 DOHC - [1978]
This edition of the Suzuki GS 550 DOHC is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special.This particular Suzuki GS 550 has a 549cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]
The 1978 GS 550 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the GS 550's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid | 2024cc.1957 Norton Dominator 77 | 1957cc.
Weighing in at 216 kgs (476 lbs) this makes the Suzuki GS 550 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700, give or take 50kg.
The 1978 Suzuki GS 550 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [2025]
In terms of power the 549cc 8 valve Wankel 4 cylinder engine produces 49 bhp (36 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 30.9 lb-ft (41.9 Nm) @ 7500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Suzuki GS 550 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1973 Yamaha RD 350 Twin has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1978 Suzuki GS 550 DOHC.
The 1978 Suzuki GS 550 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 226.8 bhp per ton and 143.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 GS 550 competing with the 1973 Yamaha RD 350 Twin [251.6 bhp\ton] and the 1975 Yamaha RD 350 Twin [251.6 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Suzuki GS 550 generating around 143.4 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1987 Suzuki GSX-R 400 DOHC [168.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 400 SP [168.0 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 16.3 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 16.7 secs, this makes the Suzuki GS 550 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2019 Honda X-ADV 745 (16.3 secs) and the 2019 Kawasaki Z 300 Twin Cylinder (16.3 secs). This Suzuki GS 550 DOHC also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1978 Suzuki GS 550 DOHC and the 1980 Suzuki GS 450 L
When talking about the performance of the 1978 Suzuki GS 550 DOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.7 secs @ 94 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1980 Suzuki GS 450 L (13.7 secs) and the 1995 Honda VT 1100 C2 Shadow Ace (13.7 secs).
The 1978 version of the Suzuki GS 550 DOHC has a maximum speed of 112mph.
Top Speed of the 1978 GS 550 equals the 2009 Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1978 Suzuki GS 550 DOHC then how about a 2009 Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit (123 mph) and the 2007 Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit (123 mph).
Kawasaki KH 500 Three Cylinder
Engine Capacity: 498 cc
Top Speed: 0 mph
Quarter Mile: 14.3 secs @ 0 mph
