Buying a GT550J

[simonz1red]

I'm looking to buy a GT550J with a drum front brake. Can anyone give me some useful tips on what to look out for and what common problems this model has? Cheers, Simon

[itsnotateapot]

Hi Simon welcome to the forum i am sure our resident 550 expert will be on soon, but in the meantime its nice to do a little intro about yourself, ie where you are from and your biking past.
Richard.

[simonz1red]

Hi Richard. Thanks for welcoming me warmly to the forum. I live in Bournemouth and have loved Japanese two strokes ever since I owned my first bike when I was 16, a Yamaha YG1. I've had numerous two and four strokes over the 50 years I've been on the road (yes, I'm that old) and the Suzukis I have had include a T200, a T250R and a T350R. I currently have another T350R (see photo) that needs some work doing to it but I will be selling it on as I want an up together GT550 hence this post. I'm looking forward to hearing from you all and I will let you know how I get on after looking at the GT550 that I have my eye on. Simon

[barney01]

Hi Simon and welcome to the forum i have a 550J and can help if you spy a bike you are interested in. There are really not too many things to watch out for. The J/K model was quite different to the later models so if it is important to you that it is correct post a picture before you go and we can give you the heads up. Meanwhile this is a useful link with lots of info
https://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/mraxl_ ... /index.php

[Alan H]

If you want one, buy one. Later models are easier to maintain carbwise especially. But they are all nice.

[BAZ]

Welcome to the forum Simon.

[simonz1red]

Thanks for all the advice to date. Here is the Gumtree link to the bike:-

https://www.gumtree.com/p/suzuki-motorb ... 1387522115

Does anything leap out to anyone as being wrong? I'm looking at the bike Saturday morning.

[simonz1red]

Looked at the 550J this morning. Wasn't as good cosmetically in the "flesh" as it looked in the photos. I was looking for one in a better condition (although it wasn't bad) and where I could be pretty sure the crank seals would be OK. I'll keep looking but I'm in no hurry as I can't get around the country to see examples until I retire next Spring, the GT550J is on my doorstep. I won't exclude the GT380 from my list.

[barney01]

The bike seems intact and appears to have all the right parts on it.
The thing to factor in is the cost of crank seal replacement. If you are capable of stripping the engine down it will still cost you the thick end of £600 to replace them.
Remember the bike will start and run when the seals are shot. Just bear that in mind.
Good luck with your search

[simonz1red]

Thanks Barney. I really want a bike that is totally up together, I want to just ride it and enjoy it. I'll keep looking.