GS 550 E

1978 Suzuki GS 550 E Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1978 Suzuki GS 550 E sport touring motorcycle, Suzuki utilizes a 549 cc (33.5 cu in) air-cooled in-line four, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 49 HP (35.8 kW) at 9,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 89.3 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the GS 550 E measures 218 kg (481 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.22 HP/kg (4.45 kg per horsepower). The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 184 km/h (114 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Suzuki archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 1978 to 1981, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.