Suzuki GS 550 E (1978–1981) — Specs
Identity
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Model: GS 550 E
Category: Motorcycle
Type: Motorcycle
Years: 1978 → 1981
Engine
Displacement (cc): 549
Cylinders: 4
Power (hp): 49
Power (kW): 37
Torque (Nm): 42
Dimensions
Overall length: 2150 mm
Overall width: 810 mm
Overall height: 1180 mm
Wheelbase: 1450 mm
Ground clearance: 155 mm
Weight (kg): 225
Tank (L): 17
Tires
Front tire: 3.00-19
Rear tire: 4.00-18
Front pressure (bar): 1.9
Rear pressure (bar): 2
Drivetrain
Drive chain: 520 chain, 110 links
Sprockets (front / rear): 15 / 50
Ignition
Spark plug: NGK B8ES
Plug gap: 0.7 mm
Fluids & Filters
Engine oil: SAE10W-40, API SE
Engine oil (with filter, L): 2.9
Engine oil (without filter, L): 2.4
Oil filter: Hiflofiltro HF133
Air filter: Hiflofiltro HFA3602
Brake fluid: DOT 3
Fuel consumption
Estimated range: ~354 km on a full tank (17.0 L)
Service
Battery: OEM battery specification
Service interval (km): 6000
Service interval (months): 12
Valve check (km): 24000
Parts and consumables for this motorcycle
Data is gathered with care, but without guarantee. Always confirm critical information with your dealer or workshop.
Service notes
Service interval: every 6,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Valve clearance check every 24,000 km. Valve clearance — intake cold 0.03-0.08 mm, exhaust cold 0.03-0.08 mm. Engine oil: oil grade SAE10W-40, API SE, 2.9 L with filter change, 2.4 L without filter change. Spark plug: NGK B8ES (gap 0.7 mm). Brake fluid: DOT 3. Chain: 110 links, sprockets 15/50 teeth. Tire pressure: front 1.9 bar, rear 2 bar (cold). Tire size: front 3.00-19, rear 4.00-18. Always confirm critical values with the workshop manual or an authorised dealer.
OEM and quality aftermarket parts that fit this bike. Always confirm with your dealer before ordering.
Engine oil
Spec: SAE10W-40, API SE, 2.9 L (with filter), 2.4 L (without filter)
- OEM OEM recommended engine oil (SAE 10W-40)
- Premium Motul 7100 4T (100% Synthetic, Ester)
- Premium Motul 5100 4T Technosynthese (Semi-Synthetic)
Which Motul for this bike?
| Motul 7100 4T ✓ | Motul 5100 4T | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Motul 7100 4T — 100% fully synthetic | Motul 5100 4T — semi-synthetic |
| Best for | Sport, Naked, Adventure (600cc+), track | Standard, Cruiser, Scooter, daily use |
| RPM protection | Excellent — ester base, stable under load | Good — for normal riding conditions |
- Standard Repsol Moto Racing 4T (Synthetic)
- Standard Elf Moto 4 Tech (Semi-Synthetic)
Fully Synthetic vs Semi-Synthetic
| Fully Synthetic | Semi-Synthetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Base oil | 100% chemical synthesis (ester or PAO) | Mineral oil + synthetic additives |
| Heat resistance | Excellent — stable at extreme heat & RPM | Good — suitable for normal temperatures |
| Cold start | Better — reaches engine faster when cold | Good — adequate for normal climates |
| Change interval | Longer (up to 10,000 km) | Shorter (5,000–7,000 km typical) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Oil filter
Spec: Hiflofiltro HF133
- OEM OEM oil filter
- Premium Hiflofiltro HF133
- Premium K&N KN-133
- Standard Champion COF
- Standard Vesrah SF
Air filter
Spec: Hiflofiltro HFA3602
- OEM OEM air filter
- Premium K&N Replacement Air Filter
- Premium DNA High Performance
- Standard Hiflofiltro HFA3602
- Standard Champion CAF
Spark plug
Spec: NGK B8ES, gap 0.7 mm
- OEM NGK B8ES
- Premium NGK BR8EIX
- Premium Denso Iridium Power
- Standard NGK B8ES
- Standard Denso Standard
Front brake pads
Spec: EBC FA038
- OEM OEM front brake pads
- Premium Brembo Z04 / SC
- Premium EBC FA038
- Standard Ferodo Platinum
- Standard TRW Lucas Sintered
Rear brake pads
Spec: EBC FA038
- OEM OEM rear brake pads
- Premium Brembo SP
- Premium EBC FA038
- Standard Ferodo Platinum
- Standard TRW Lucas
Drive chain
Spec: 110 links | Sprockets 15/50 teeth / 110 links
- OEM OEM chain (pitch 520)
- Premium DID VX3 X-Ring
- Premium DID ZVM-X Pro
- Standard JT Sprockets HDR
- Standard AFAM A5
Front tire
Spec: 3.00-19, 1.9 bar
- OEM OEM 3.00-19
- Premium Michelin Road / Power
- Premium Pirelli Diablo / Angel
- Standard Metzeler Roadtec / Tourance
- Standard Dunlop Sportmax / Trailmax
Rear tire
Spec: 4.00-18, 2.0 bar
- OEM OEM 4.00-18
- Premium Michelin Road / Power
- Premium Pirelli Diablo / Angel
- Standard Metzeler Roadtec / Tourance
- Standard Dunlop Sportmax / Trailmax
Battery
- OEM OEM battery specification
- Premium Yuasa YTX12-BS or YTZ10S (typical 500-750cc)
- Premium Motobatt Quadflex
- Standard Exide AGM
- Standard Varta Powersports
Brake fluid
Spec: DOT 3
- OEM OEM recommended brake fluid (DOT 3)
- Premium Motul RBF 600 / 660
- Premium Castrol React SRF
- Standard TotalEnergies HBF4
- Standard Elf BRAKE FLUID DOT 4
Coolant
- OEM OEM recommended coolant
- Premium Motul Motocool Factory Line
- Premium Engine Ice
- Standard TotalEnergies Coolelf
- Standard Elf Coolelf Auto Supra
Service interval
Spec: 6 000 km / 12 months
- OEM Engine oil + oil filter change
- OEM Air filter inspection
- OEM Spark plug check
- OEM Brake fluid replacement: every 2 years
Valve check
Spec: 24 000 km
- OEM Intake clearance: cold 0.03-0.08 mm
- OEM Exhaust clearance: cold 0.03-0.08 mm
Suspension
Spec: 35 mm telescopic fork / 165 ml SAE 15W
- OEM Fork: 35 mm telescopic fork
- OEM Fork oil grade: 165 ml SAE 15W
