550 V's 380

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1250Bandit
Posts: 44
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:13 pm

550 V's 380

Post by 1250Bandit »

Now I've got both I'm a bit disappointed in the 550.

550 a lot heavier and feels like a huge bike compared to the 380
Power to weight the 380 is better (just) but my 380 is a shed never restored and looks a mess, its running Accent ignition but what transformed it was fitting Higgspeeds must have been 40+ years of gunk in the old pipes that was restricting the flow, it now has a small power band but the 550 is flat through the revs.

550 running Newtronic the rest is stock but the 380 will leave it standing off the mark, but lose out on top end
As for fuel consumption filled the 550 up and normal ride to Hastings and Rye/ home about 100 miles the 550 was on reserve after 88 miles but the 380 would make it unless 2's up.
I know the GT range are a true grand touring bike but should the 550 have a bit more get up & go compared to the 380 ?
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barney01
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Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Prestatyn.Wales

Re: 550 V's 380

Post by barney01 »

Hi
Sounds to me your 550 isn't running right. 88 mlies to a tank of fuel I get 110 to 120 from mine. Perhaps your running too rich which would account for the performance lack lustre. These bikes will never be economical because they were made when fuel was cheap .
NO SMOKE .......NO POKE
1250Bandit
Posts: 44
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:13 pm

Re: 550 V's 380

Post by 1250Bandit »

Plugs don't look to bad,a bit rich
Going for the same ride today and will make sure its filled to the top.
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Alan H
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Re: 550 V's 380

Post by Alan H »

550s are better than the 380. They have more go and also brake and 'go' better. I rode all 3 back in the day and eventually bought a 550 in 1972, and have several 550s now. 40mpg is easily do-able even two up unless you'e running very quick. The 380 is still nice though but tbey should have put a lekky start on and shared the 6 speed 'box with it's bigger brother.
I reckon your 550 is tired and needs some tlc. Check pistons, rings & bore at least and give them a smarten up. Baz does a good job on carb refurb too.
Nothing particularly 'wrong' with the 380, but overall I prefer the 550 to the other triples.
Check the fuel tap too. The reserve on 550 and 380 is the same as they have the same tank. Make sure the tap has similar stacks inside as that affects the reserve.
Proof that four strokes are over complicated
barney01
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Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Prestatyn.Wales

Re: 550 V's 380

Post by barney01 »

Those plugs do look okay but it's worth checking the exhaust's like you did with the 380. Clean all the baffles and get as much soot and crap out of the pipes as you can. Pay particular attention to the section where the downpipe meets the chamber as this can be severely restricted reducing power output.
NO SMOKE .......NO POKE
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PaulD738
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Re: 550 V's 380

Post by PaulD738 »

Sell the 550 and get an early H1 Kawasaki, the best three cylinder two stroke on the planet 8-)
One of these days in gonna get myself one :tw
They're rubbish them Jap bikes lad they won't last five minutes! you want to get yourself a nice Royal Enfield!
A quote from my old dad 8-)

I started out with nothing and I’ve got most of it left!
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Alan H
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Re: 550 V's 380

Post by Alan H »

PaulD738 wrote:Sell the 550 and get an early H1 Kawasaki.
And shares in NGK, BP, Reynolds and Delsey toilet rolls.......

You'll not be doing long distance touring on it for certain.
Proof that four strokes are over complicated
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PaulD738
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Re: 550 V's 380

Post by PaulD738 »

Alan H wrote:
PaulD738 wrote:Sell the 550 and get an early H1 Kawasaki.
And shares in NGK, BP, Reynolds and Delsey toilet rolls.......
And that my little flower, is exactly why I want one 8-)
They're rubbish them Jap bikes lad they won't last five minutes! you want to get yourself a nice Royal Enfield!
A quote from my old dad 8-)

I started out with nothing and I’ve got most of it left!
Roger Ackery
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Location: Sydney NSW Australia

Re: 550 V's 380

Post by Roger Ackery »

PaulD738 wrote:
Alan H wrote:
PaulD738 wrote:Sell the 550 and get an early H1 Kawasaki.
And shares in NGK, BP, Reynolds and Delsey toilet rolls.......
And that my little flower, is exactly why I want one 8-)
YES,I have to agree with Paul, I remember vividly riding the first H1,the white one with the blue flash on the tank, my God what an exciting machine at the time, tacho spun round to 5,500rpm & the World became a blur..I agree with Alan's comment about toilet roles :lol: :lol: :lol:
Cheers.
Roger
GT750A.
teazer
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Re: 550 V's 380

Post by teazer »

A fresh set of pistons and porting as per Mr Stan Stevens in Classic Mechanics a couple of months back + new (light) expansion chambers and you will not recognize it. :shock: Stan the man's porting data was fairly mild and also reasonably easy to do without expensive porting tools.
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