GS 550 L

1981 Suzuki GS 550 L Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Suzuki's custom - cruiser motorcycle lineup, the 1981 Suzuki GS 550 L features a 549 cc (33.5 cu in) air-cooled in-line four, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 48 HP (35 kW) at 9,200 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 87.4 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 L measures 223 kg (492 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.22 HP/kg (4.65 kg per horsepower). The 13-liter (3.4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 158 km/h (98 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Suzuki archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 1979 to 1986, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.