86 Suzuki GS-550L Good Beginner Bike ?

M

M G

New member
I've been looking at this 86 Suzuki GS-550L. Do people think it would be a good beginner bike? Here is what I know!

The cosmetic damage is a dent in the tank. The mileage is 4,605 miles. There are new tires. Also a front reflector. The carbs and fuel lines were redone. The guy said it would also need a passenger footpeg. Is that hard to replace? Does that need to be welded into place? He said that there is oil leaking from the drain plug. He doesn't know why. The price is $1100!
 
A 550 is a big bike to learn on, unless you're a big guy - like 200 lbs or better. Even then, it's enough that it could get away from you and give you a close-up lesson on the meanings of the words "road rash". If you're young, or small, or especially both, I'd go for something in the 175-350 or maybe 400CC range. You can learn on a smaller bike, and then trade up in a year or two. It will cost you a bit more this way, but you are more likely to live through it with all your arms and legs attached at the end of the process.

It's also 23 years old. That means that on average, it was rode only 200 miles/year. At this point, there's no way to know how much it's been thrashed, or just sat ignored for years. Neither is good for the bike.

The oil leak could be nothing, or it could be serious. You might need do nothing more than replace the plug, but without seeing it, there's no way to tell. The foot peg is not a problem. Even if it needs to be welded on, it's a simple fix. What would concern me more would be the engine interior - if it sat for 5/10 years and was never started, how badly are bearings, cams, cylinders, and rings rusted? How about other components that might have been chewed by mice, or gaskets and seals that have dried out?

You might have a gem here, or you might have a 2-wheeled money pit. Either way, I'd keep looking. For a little more cash, you can have something that's a lot newer. Check Craigslist for your area to see what's out there.

One other recommendation - get the best helmet you can afford. The rule of thumb is that a $10 helmet is good only for at $10 head. What's your head worth to you?
 
That price is too high but the bike sounds excellent for a beginner.
I wouldn't give more than $900 assuming the bike is totally street legal.
 
Well the oil leak is not good... may be dificult to get a safety (certification) with that + the dent. Check the oil, is there a scent of gas in the oil? How long has the bike been sitting... also for a beginer if you get a 400cc (I know it sounds dmall) but it'll easily do 75mph (120/130km) with one person and the insurance will be less. Foot peg is not a big issue, installation is diffidult to say without seeing it but it should not be a weld, should be bolt (unless I'm wrong)

Price is a little high for this bike in this condition (you can find a better one)
 
Well the oil leak is not good... may be dificult to get a safety (certification) with that + the dent. Check the oil, is there a scent of gas in the oil? How long has the bike been sitting... also for a beginer if you get a 400cc (I know it sounds dmall) but it'll easily do 75mph (120/130km) with one person and the insurance will be less. Foot peg is not a big issue, installation is diffidult to say without seeing it but it should not be a weld, should be bolt (unless I'm wrong)

Price is a little high for this bike in this condition (you can find a better one)
 
i just sold a 86 GS-550 for $600.00 with nothing wrong.the price is to high.the guy knows you know nothing about bikes and want to over charge you for something thats not worth it.keep looking you will find a better deal.good luck and safe riding.
 
This would be a good beginner bike, but that price is outrageous for something that old in that condition. You can get something in the 90's or even 2000's for that money. every year people are trying to unload their bikes so they can get new ones. I would keep looking if I were you. Good to see you're looking at something like a 550, not an 1100! Good luck :)
 
This would be a good beginner bike, but that price is outrageous for something that old in that condition. You can get something in the 90's or even 2000's for that money. every year people are trying to unload their bikes so they can get new ones. I would keep looking if I were you. Good to see you're looking at something like a 550, not an 1100! Good luck :)
 
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