As a long-time 550 owner, I can attest to the smoothness of the 3 cylinder setup compared to the 500's two cylinders. However......the 550 is in my experience quite a thirsty brute, especially around town....and with its smallish tank (intended for the 380), it is pretty "short in the legs" on any kind of a trip. 90 miles or so at highway speeds with the stock gearing and you're on reserve......and that reserve gets mighty small mighty quick. If you're not doing road trips though, this won't be a problem.
It's been quite awhile since I threw a leg over a 500 but, IIRC, they're somewhat more stable at speed because of their slightly longer wheelbase. They are also somewhat lighter.
The 550, OTOH, is a little skittish at higher speeds (80+ MPH) even if it does weigh in at a porky 440 pounds dry.....but that weight, at least, is down low so it's a pretty good cornering bike.....until the weight starts working on the suspension and you drag a pipe or the centrestand.
This is NOT a bike you'd want to do distance on IMO....unless you're under 40.
At the end of all this blather, I'm not about to trade my 550 (with all its drawbacks) in on a 500 anytime soon.
Whatever you choose, I hope it works out for you, JM.
GT500 or GT550
Moderators: oldjapanesebikes, H2RICK, diamondj, Suzsmokeyallan
- H2RICK
- AMA Superbike
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- Suzuki 2-Strokes: GT550A, GSF1200SK6 currently
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Re: GT500 or GT550
GT550A Mint & Original
H2A Semi-Hot Rod Built From A Basket Case
KZ650C2 Mint & Original...mostly
GSF1200SK6 Bandit...My LD Ride
Additional H2 projects In Boxes.....
MBD Sufferer
H2A Semi-Hot Rod Built From A Basket Case
KZ650C2 Mint & Original...mostly
GSF1200SK6 Bandit...My LD Ride
Additional H2 projects In Boxes.....
MBD Sufferer
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- Expert racer
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- Location: Manchester, UK
Re: GT500 or GT550
Good luck with the bike, I personally love the feel of the triples, they're a little bit magical when they're dialled in right.
It's a while since I last rode one but the 500 twin is also a really nice ride and (in some ways) quite unlike other 2-strokes with its grunt and the way it goes.
You could always buy both
It's a while since I last rode one but the 500 twin is also a really nice ride and (in some ways) quite unlike other 2-strokes with its grunt and the way it goes.
You could always buy both
1976 GT380 - wounded by me, and sold on
2006 SV650S - killed by a patch of diesel and a kerb in Feb 2019
2017 SV650 AL7 - naked and unashamed
2006 SV650S - killed by a patch of diesel and a kerb in Feb 2019
2017 SV650 AL7 - naked and unashamed
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- Yeah Man, the Interstate
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Re: GT500 or GT550
That is a great idea, GET BOTH!!!!