43,669 bikes · 493 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Naked Motorcycles

1985Suzuki GS 550 L

Rate this bike
Click to vote

35 fields on record

The 1985 Suzuki GS 550 L is the custom-styled version of Suzuki's mid-size GS four. Its air-cooled 549cc inline four makes 49 hp at 9,000 rpm and 42 Nm through a six-speed gearbox and chain. A low 745 mm seat and 186 kg dry weight make it a relaxed, easy ride.

Capacity
549.0 ccm
Engine
In-line four
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
186.0 kg
Seat height
745 mm
Power
49.0 HP (35.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1985 Suzuki GS 550 L

vs the 1984
Spec19841985
Engine capacity 572.0 ccm (34.91 cubic inches) 549.0 ccm (33.50 cubic inches)
Power 62.9 HP (46.3 kW) 49.0 HP (35.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Torque — 42.0 Nm (4.3 kgf-m or 31.0 ft.lbs)
Wet weight 223.0 kg (491.6 pounds) not listed
Seat height — 745 mm (29.3 inches)
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 54Agility 61Comfort 58Off-road 15Touring 55Road manners 68
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering60%
City riding60%
Daily riding62%
Touring55%
Two-up45%
Track35%
Best for
It's a classic sport-touring middleweight best suited to spirited backroad rides and moderate-distance trips rather than outright speed or long-haul touring comfort.
Built for
Smooth, revvy inline-four charm with a classic 1980s Japanese UJM feel, rewarding riders who enjoy mechanical simplicity and analog engagement over modern refinement.
Not ideal for
It's not the right choice for riders seeking off-road capability, high-speed touring comfort, or modern braking and suspension performance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 745mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1985 Suzuki GS 550 L, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
549.0 ccm
Power
49.0 HP (35.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Torque
42.0 Nm (4.3 kgf-m)
Engine type
In-line four
Power/weight ratio
0.2634 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
60.0 x 50.6 mm
Compression
9.8:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Ignition
Electronic
Valves per cylinder
4
Lubrication system
Wet Sumo
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet multi-plate type
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Overall length
2085 mm
Overall width
825 mm
Overall height
1115 mm
Seat height
745 mm
Dry weight
186.0 kg
Fuel capacity
9.10 litres
Ground clearance
145 mm
Chassis & suspension
Front suspension
Telescopic, pneumatic/ coil spring, oil dampened
Rear suspension
Full- floating suspension system
Front wheel travel
160 mm
Rear wheel travel
100 mm
Trail
111 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake (drum brake)
Front tyre
100/90-16
Rear tyre
130/90-16

Specs last verified against published sources: .

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 19801982198319851986
Capacity 549 cc 549 cc 572 cc 549 cc 572 cc
Dry weight — 186 kg 186 kg 186 kg 186 kg
Seat height — — — 745 mm —
Fuel capacity 13 L 13 L 9.1 L 9.1 L 9.1 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

—
☆☆☆☆☆
Be the first to rate

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Suzuki GS 550 L?

The 1985 Suzuki GS 550 L has a Capacity of 549.0 ccm (33.50 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Suzuki GS 550 L have?

The 1985 Suzuki GS 550 L has a Power of 49.0 HP (35.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM.

How many gears does the Suzuki GS 550 L have?

The 1985 Suzuki GS 550 L has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Suzuki GS 550 L?

The 1985 Suzuki GS 550 L has a Torque of 42.0 Nm (4.3 kgf-m or 31.0 ft.lbs).

How much does the Suzuki GS 550 L weigh?

The 1985 Suzuki GS 550 L has a Dry weight of 186.0 kg (410.1 pounds).

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More Suzuki Motorcycles