Licks Cycles: Suzuki GS550 Resto-Customs

Magic Middleweights: Two Suzuki GS550s from Poland…

In 1977, Suzuki launched the GS550, a smaller sibling to the GS750, which Cycle World referred to as “a lithe and hot-blooded tiger that’s our choose for Better of Breed, 750 cc, and a stable contender for Better of Present, 1977.” That’s a tricky act to comply with for a bit brother, however the GS550 quickly proved its personal mettle as a succesful, enjoyable, rock-ribbed middleweight contender:

“Suzuki’s 550 4 goes quick, seems to be terrific, and stops exhausting.” –Cycle, 1977

Whereas the GS550 didn’t have the flash and outright intercourse attraction of the high-powered two-strokes or four-cylinder literbikes of the period, it ran quicker quarter-miles than each the Honda CB550 and Suzuki’s personal two-stroke GT550. All in all, it’s a kind of well-rounded, beautifully balanced classic fours that homeowners and riders have come to like.

“Straightforward to trip and loads of enjoyable, will do a tadge over a 100 mph when you’ve got a dying want, and you’ll raise the entrance pretty simply.” –Bike Chat

Just lately, we heard from Maciek of Poland’s Marfil Moto, who has a small workshop the place he works on the facet giving classic bikes a second life. When a consumer and pal introduced him a pair of GS550’s for refurbishment, Maciek satisfied his pal to green-light a couple of customized modifications whereas preserving the strains, silhouette, and attraction of the unique machines.

Maciek did the entire work himself. The engines had been absolutely serviced, glazed, and polished, whereas the frames had been powder-coated a slick piano black.

The bodywork has been repainted in sweet blue-green and grey / black colorways, and Maciek modified the form of the seats, reupholstering the froth in black suede and classic leather-based.

He upgraded the suspension with progressive springs and re-laced the wheels with new stainless spokes, wrapping the edges in trendy Metzeler rubber. He minimized the wiring loom and outfitted the bikes with hand-bent manifolds and a stainless exhaust.

General, these are two beautiful Suzuki 550s that seem like they only rolled off the showroom ground, decked with considerate upgrades and colours like restricted version specials straight out of the late 70s. Then there’s the using expertise:

“The expertise of using a restored bike that’s over 40 years outdated is sort of a time journey to the years of our first bike adventures.”

Under, we interview Maciek for the total particulars and backstory on these beautiful GS550s.

Suzuki GS550: Builder Interview

• Please inform us a bit about your self, your historical past with bikes, and your workshop.

Hello, I’m Maciek. I come from Poland the place I work within the well being business each day. In my free time, I like outdated bikes, which prompted me to arrange my small workshop the place I give them a second life.

• What’s the make, mannequin, and 12 months of the donor bike?

Suzuki GS550, 1978.

• Why was this bike constructed and what the design idea?

Someday, my consumer, who’s a pal of mine introduced two outdated GS550s to the workshop. He requested if I may refurbish his bike, preserving the unique strains, however at my urging he gave the inexperienced gentle to make some customized adjustments to the bikes.

• What customized work was executed?

The engine has been absolutely serviced, glazed and polished, refreshed together with the carburetors and all sealants.

The body was powder-coated in its unique situation with black piano color.

Andrew selected a sweet blue inexperienced paint shade with a touch of black on the tank and rear tail. The second bike was painted black with a contact of grey. I modified the profile of the froth within the seat and it was upholstered with classic black leather-based and black suede.