Naked Motorcycles
1981Suzuki GS 550 M Katana
19 fields on record
The 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana is an all-around middleweight suited for riders seeking accessible performance and everyday practicality. Its air-cooled 549cc four-cylinder engine delivers smooth power with manageable handling, making it ideal for commuting and weekend riding. The bike is best known for its distinctive angular Katana styling that influenced motorcycle design throughout the 1980s.
- Capacity
- 549.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 222.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9400 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Best suited as a stylish naked roadster for weekend rides, café-racer styling enjoyment, and light commuting rather than serious performance riding.
- Built for
- This bike has a distinctive early-80s Katana-styled character, blending retro sportbike looks with relaxed inline-four air-cooled performance.
- Not ideal for
- Not suited for riders seeking modern sportbike acceleration, long-distance touring comfort, or any form of off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 549.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9400 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2252 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 56.0 x 55.8 mm
- Compression
- 8.6:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 177.0 km/h (110.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 4.00-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1981 | 1982 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 549.00 ccm (33.50 cubic inches) | 549.00 ccm (33.50 cubic inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 23.00 litres (6.08 gallons) | 23.00 litres (6.08 gallons) |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Suzuki GS 550 M Katana?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana has a Capacity of 549.0 ccm (33.50 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Suzuki GS 550 M Katana have?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9400 RPM.
How many gears does the Suzuki GS 550 M Katana have?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Suzuki GS 550 M Katana weigh?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana has a Wet weight of 222.0 kg (489.4 pounds).
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