A Field Guide to the Suzuki GT550
Model Year 1974 (L)
Please refer to the Country Specific Versions section for additional information about machines sold into your market.
Changes:
- Cam operated, ganged carburettors (carburettor designation 34110 which changed to 34111 ) now with one push and one pull cable only.
- 'L' jetting was standard in most countries having #97.5 left and right carburettor main jets, with a #95 centre main jet, and a #25 pilot jet
- Throttle slides were 'handed' with the locator pin for the right side carburettor being on the opposite side to the middle and left carburettors
- Note The 'L', per the parts manual at least, seems unique as only one carburettor version was fitted for both EU and non-EU markets
- Choke lever now attached directly to the carburettor assembly.
- Note that only the left and centre carburettors had choke/enricher plungers. The casting of the right hand carburettor was blanked off where the choke/enricher would normally have been found, and the enriched fuel/air mix was obtained from the centre carburettor via a rubber hose connected to the body of the right side carburettor.
- Modified (smooth-surfaced) shorter RAM AIR cylinder head cover assembly. The RAM AIR SYSTEM logo is secured via push pins
- The finning on the back edge of the cylinders reduced in depth, and the fuelcock moved forward somewhat on the underside of the fuel tank.
- The casting covering the drive sprocket changed to now include the gear shift pattern, as well as being a different shape on the inside to allow for the gear selector position switch housing for the digital gear display.
Totally revised instrument cluster with one piece semi-matte black plastic housing containing new style speedometer and tachometer. In between the speedometer and tachometer is a panel containing the following indicators:
- Neutral light
- High beam light
- Single turn signal light
- Digital gear display with red LED numbers 1 through 5
All indicators have the appropriate legend associated with each one and each legend is picked out with gloss white paint. See the attached photo for actual instrument cluster layout.
- Ignition, starter motor, alternator and regulator by 'Nippon Denso' - 'Kokusan' components were no longer fitted on E1 exports, but see the Electrical section for additional detail as they may have continued to be fitted in some countries.
- The seat now has a keyed lock and the seat cover has a new “oval” type pattern embossed on it, and the stainless steel trim was in two pieces due to the position of the seat lock.
- A new air box with updated filters (two small air filters instead of one large one, and which were accessible from both sides) and smaller smooth chromed plastic side covers. The tool kit was still located under the airbox.
- New frame side covers to integrate with the new air box mentioned above. The covers are secured with screws or a black plastic headed thumb screw having the Suzuki 'S' in the middle, and had 'Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd' in white gloss on clear Mylar tape below the 'GT550' logos. The right side cover also had a 'CCI' label.
- A 'racetrack shaped' opening is moulded into the right side frame cover for injection oil level check. A rubber insert with a round hole was fitted into the moulded opening in the frame cover.
- Modified rear frame with separate mounting of exhaust system and passenger foot pegs
- Taillight/brake light assembly is new, now with a single bulb and revised lens.
- Chrome-plated fork ears and a chrome-plated headlight bucket and headlight trim ring
- Chromed dust caps with rubber inserts instead of rubber gaiters. Fork stanchions are now uncovered giving the forks a “cleaner” appearance.
- 8mm threaded mirror stems, with a Suzuki 'S' embossed on the back of the mirror.
- Note: the vibration dampers found on the GT750 (56700-31001) mirror stems were not used on the GT550
- Wrap-around chrome bar behind the seat (passenger grab handrail)
- Transparent plastic brake fluid reservoir (due to U.S. DOT regulations)
- Recessed frosted "SUZUKI" logo on the fuel tank
- Chromed steel chain guard.
- New Tokico front brake calliper with rubber brake hoses in both upper and lower positions replacing the metal brake line used in 1973.
- A modified fuelcock was introduced at frame number 39304 to address fuel starvation problems. It may be viewed in USA service bulletin GT-21 at this link.
Final drive ratios were unchanged from the previous year.
Painted parts: Tank, side covers
Colours (varied by market):
- Candy Turquoise/Hawaii Green (Suzuki paint code 215)
- Marble Scarlet/Laredo Red (Suzuki paint code 293)
- Stardust Silver Metallic (Suzuki paint code 737)