Suzuki GS 550 L - [1979] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Suzuki GS 550 L - [1979]

Suzuki GS 550 L - [1979] image

Suzuki GS 550 L - [1979]

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Suzuki

Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Suzuki GS 550 L
  • Year: 1979 | Type: Standard
  • Engine: 549 cc (33.5 ci) 8 Valve
  • Engine Type: Wankel | Cylinders: 4
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 6 speed | Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 216 kgs (476 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 195 kgs (429 lbs)
  • Power: 49 bhp (36 kW) @ 9000 rpm
  • Torque: 30.9 lb-ft (41.9 Nm) @ 7500 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 226.8 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 143.4 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 16.3 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 16.7 secs
  • Top Speed: 112 mph (180.2 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 14 secs @ 94 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Suzuki GS 550 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Suzuki GS 550 L is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1979. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1979 Suzuki GSX 1100 SX Katana Prototype and the 1980 Suzuki GSX 1100 E.This particular Suzuki GS 550 has a 549cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.

Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020] image

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 1979 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.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 216 kgs (476 lbs) this makes the Suzuki GS 550 L in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally, give or take 50kg.

Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025] image

The 1979 Suzuki GS 550 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]

In terms of power the 549cc 8 valve Wankel 4 cylinder engine produces 49 bhp (36 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 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 Tenere 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

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.

Yamaha RD 350 Twin - [1974] image

The 1974 Yamaha RD 350 Twin has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1979 Suzuki GS 550 L.

The 1979 Suzuki GS 550 L 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 1979 GS 550 competing with the 1974 Yamaha RD 350 Twin [251.6 bhp\ton] and the 1976 Yamaha RD 350 Twin [251.6 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

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 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 400 DOHC [168.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 400 DOHC [168.0 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

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 L similar in acceleration to the 2019 Kawasaki Z 300 Twin Cylinder (16.3 secs) and the 2019 Honda X-ADV 745 (16.3 secs). This Suzuki GS 550 L 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).

Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan - [1998] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1979 Suzuki GS 550 L and the 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan

When talking about the performance of the 1979 Suzuki GS 550 L 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 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan (13.7 secs) and the 2000 Suzuki XF 650 Freewind (13.7 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1979 version of the Suzuki GS 550 L has a maximum speed of 112mph.

Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit - [2009] image

Top Speed of the 1979 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 1979 Suzuki GS 550 L then how about a 2009 Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit (123 mph) and the 2007 Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit (123 mph).

Related Links:

1979 Suzuki GS 550 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Suzuki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




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More Suzuki Models:

Edition:

A 100

A 50

A 80

A 95

AC 50

Across

AN 125

AN 200

AN 250

AN 400

AN 650

AS 50

B 120

Boulevard - Intruder

DL 1000

DL 1050

DL 250

DL 650

DR 125

DR 250

DR 350

DR 370

DR 400

DR 500

DR 600

DR 650

DR 750

DR 800

DR-Z 250

DR-Z 400

DR-Z 800

GF 250

Gixxer

GN 125

GN 250

GN 400

GP 100

GP 125

GR 650

GS 1000

GS 1100

GS 125

GS 250

GS 400

GS 425

GS 450

GS 500

GS 550

GS 650

GS 700

GS 750

GS 850

GSF 1200

GSF 1250

GSF 250

GSF 400

GSF 600

GSF 650

GSR 250

GSR 400

GSR 600

GSR 750

GSX 1000

GSX 1100

GSX 1200

GSX 1250

GSX 1300

GSX 150

GSX 250

GSX 400

GSX 550

GSX 600

GSX 650

GSX 750

GSX 8

GSX-R 1000

GSX-R 1100

GSX-R 125

GSX-R 150

GSX-R 250

GSX-R 400

GSX-R 600

GSX-R 750

GSX-S 1000

GSX-S 125

GSX-S 750

GSX-S 950

GT 125

GT 185

GT 200

GT 250

GT 380

GT 500

GT 550

GT 750

GV 1200

GV 700

GW 400

GZ 125

GZ 250

Katana

LS 400

LS 650

NS 350

PE 175

PE 250

PE 400

Raider

RE 5

RF 400

RF 600

RF 900

RG 125

RG 150

RG 185

RG 200

RG 250

RG 400

RG 500

RGV 250

RH 200

RH 250

RM 250

RMX 450

RV 125

RV 200

SB 200

SFV 650

SG 250

SG 350

SP 125

SP 200

SP 250

SP 370

SP 500

SP 600

ST 250

SV 1000

SV 400

SV 650

SW-1

SX 125

SX 200

T 125

T 200

T 250

T 350

T 500

TC 90

TF 125

TL 1000

TS 125

TS 185

TS 200

TS 250

TS 400

TS 90

TU 250

TV 250

V-Strom

VL 125

VL 1500

VL 250

VL 800

VS 1400

VS 400

VS 600

VS 700

VS 750

VS 800

VX 800

VZ 1600

VZ 800

XF 650

XN 85


More Bikes:

Bike Figures:

Kawasaki GPX 250 R

Kawasaki GPX 250 R
Engine Capacity: 248cc
Top Speed: 95 mph
Power: 45 bhp


Honda CB 650 cc

Honda CB 650 cc
Engine Capacity: 627 cc
Top Speed: 118 mph
Quarter Mile: 13.6 secs @ 0 mph


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Quarter Mile Time
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