Suzuki GT550 exhaust configuration

[capazzo22]

Hello everyone.
So I have a question about the differences in exhaust configuration on the Suzuki GT550. I see replacement parts online and see a lot of images that show 4 mufflers, all branching from a single center exhaust. However, my Indy has three separate exhaust tubes that don't link up with each other at all. Is that how most are configured? I think mine is a model M, but I'm not entirely sure as I'm not sure where to look for VIN lookups to determine exact model.
Alsofor sale online I see a lot of rubber and even metal exhaust gaskets but my bike didn't have any gaskets when I took the exhaust off. Just two bolts holding each exhaust onto the engine. Again, my repair manual has little info and zero pictures so I'm at a loss. I can post pictures of what I'm talking about if needed.

Anyway, I'm sure this is a simple question but I just couldn't really find info online very easily. Even my repair manual has very little info regarding this.

[yeadon_m]

Left and right outer pipes are conventional, single pipes from downpipe to tail.
Centre pipe has one part that is a Y-shape, going to the exhaust manifold and branching right under the motor. On each arm of the Y, a smaller, centre pipe is fitted, via a collar (metal outer clamp with two screws to hold the Y and the pipe and a red rubber inner that seals the joint)
Each header is attached by two bolts to the cylinder
At the rear, the left pair and the right pair are each attached via one long bolt that goes through both hangers and the frame extension
Some GT550s have linked header pipes, comprising two short joining pieces between L and C and between C and R. Those pipe sets are completely different of course as all downpipes then have a stub tube to accept the joining pieces.
Cheers,
Mike

[GT750Battleship]

Hi,suggest you "google" Field Guide for GT550 very good reference site for the Suzuki GT550 +1 what Mike said
Cheers,
Roger

[Coyote]

Your model HAS to be European. In Europe, the cross over pipes were omitted in around 74. In the states, the cross overs remained throughout all production years.
Double check your exhaust ports. Those gaskets crush, turn black and are hard to see. Usually need pried out with a screwdriver. I'm betting they are there. You can tell by checking the port depth, however I don't have a cylinder handy to give you that depth. Someone else will have to chime in, but it's about 3/4 with gaskets removed. You can't reuse them but most gasket sets include them.
The rubber and metal clamps are used together where the 2 smaller exhaust meet the center down pipe Y under the motor. Note those 2 smaller / inner pipes pass through the center stand.
To find your VIN, turn your handlebars all the way left. then look on the right side of the frame's steering neck. All had a plate there when new, but are usually lost in a re-paint or powder coat, but that really doesn't matter as the VIN is also stamped on the right side steering neck as well. It will be GT550-xxxxx. X being the actual 5 numbers. You may need a flashlight to see them, but they are there.
The engine number is found on a boss behind the exhaust down pipes. It's just above where the forward upper motor mount bolt passes through. The frame VIN and the motor number do not match on these models. The only similarity is both have 5 digits.

frame number


Exhausr couple small pipes


Engine number

[ConnerVT]

So I have a question about the differences in exhaust configuration on the Suzuki GT550. I see replacement parts online and see a lot of images that show 4 mufflers, all branching from a single center exhaust. However, my Indy has three separate exhaust tubes that don't link up with each other at all.

If I only read this, I would think that instead of stock exhaust, he has aftermarket 3 into 3 expansion chambers.

[Coyote]

Ahh - the logic Need pics. Are there two pipes on the right side and one pipe on the left? Is the center stand gone?