1975 Suzuki GT550M

 

Model History

Suzuki introduced a trio of three-cylinder two-strokes in 1972: the air-cooled triples GT380 and GT550 and the new flagship, the liquid-cooled GT750. Both of the air-cooled models featured Suzuki new patented Ram Air cooling system that forced cool air under a aluminum shield mounted on the top of the cylinder heads and improve cooling. The system really worked and the GT models didn't suffer from the problems that usually are attached to air-cooled two-strokes: overheating engines and loosing power as a result of it. According to the test rides from those days the GT380 and GT550 delivered the same amount of power even after hard use

The GT380 had six gears but the GT550 with its wider power range worked just fine with its 5-speed gearbox. The GT550 (called Indy in the USA). The model was sold until the introduction of four-stroke GS550 in 1977.

At first the GT550 had drum brakes a disc brake was introduced already during its first model year (see the pictures). The GT550 wasn't as fast as its big brother but it was a perfect compromise between the GT380 and GT750. The low-mounted exhaust pipes decreased the ground clearance significantly in the curves and the suspension was quite soft (as in most Suzukis in the early seventies) but otherwise the GT550 was smooth, fast and durable. The Suzuki engineers had done a fine job with it.

Specifications
Overall Length: 2 195 mm (86.4 in)
Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in)
Overall Height: 1 160 mm (45.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 460 mm (57.7 in)
Weight: 215 kg (477 lbs)
Engine type: Air-cooled 543 cc inline-3, 2-stroke. 50 hp / 6.500 rpm, 5,5 kg-m/ 6,000 rpm.

 

GT550 Links

GT550 Brochures

Suzuki Simon

All The Suzuki Models On One Site (worth a look)

Classic Suzuki Parts (Netherlands)

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