I have, years ago owned a Honda cb 550 and wish I had it back. Thanks for the vid!

An easy fix for the Suzuki carbs is to remove the carb needles and swap the metal and plastic washers around, putting the plastic under the top flange and the metal above. This will raise the needles just enough to help from idle to redline, and should not affect mileage while giving a much nicer performance.

In the early 80s i rode a Suzuki GS550, 2up, around 120 miles to and from a motorcyle show in Peterborough UK.And it was faultless all the way there. Going back home, it was rain rain rain, and the Suziki was still awesome, with no risk of any problems at all. Great bike.

I've had several bikes. A 72 Cb500, 81 Yamaha Maxim 550, and an 06 VTX1800R. VTX was too big. The Maxim was an absolute blast but ergonomically didn't fit me. A 1 hour ride was about the limit. I still have the 72 CB500 with a rebuilt 550 engine now. The straight seat makes it more comfortable to ride with a passenger and carry a conversation. Country roads, riding about 40 mph with nowhere to be is when I have the most fun. Nice video!

I borrowed one of those Honda 550 super sports and drove it all the way from Longview Washington to Riverside California in the rain both ways just to see my two kiddos I haven't seen for six months!! Topspeed 115

I’ve wanted a CB550F since the “Gentleman’s Express” articles in Cycle magazine. I’ve been riding a 78 CB750F for 30 years now, and have a 74 CB350F project. Still looking for the 550F. Thanks for the excellent review.

The 550 comparison brings back memories. My first bike was a “79 Gs550, thanks for the informative comparison.

I had the first CB500/4 in town ! Nice Chestnut brown and a beautiful bike to ride, very smooth but not a neck snapper. Great around town and fun on a run - even two-up. I swapped it out for a CB750/4 - young boy just wanted power. Wold love to have the CB500/4 now.

My first bike bought last year is a 1978 CB550k. Running bike but decided to rebuild into a brat style. Can't wait to get that first ride in.

Good morning, I really enjoyed the ride along. Thanks for putting in the time.

Had a 78 Suzuki GS 550E was a very nice bike . Very smooth shifting bike and great feeling racier looking bike . Just sounds great .

WowI I had a Honda CB550 SuperSport that I bought in 1979 exact on my 18th birthday in germany. So it was my very first "big" bike. It was one of the last new to buy of this bikes in europe that time and I got her as a "RE-Import" from England to Germany. So she was very cheap too at that time. She was coloured in blue metallic with golden stripes that I even like more than the "simple" blue one from your review. I loved the bike and I wish I had a bike out of that time now. But I'm still happy with my Kawasaki Z900RS now... Thank you for the upload!

Those DOHC GS550 engines were practically indestructible with their highly robust roller bearing cranks. Probably the toughest UJM motor ever made. The late 70s GS550E was a great looking bike and so too was the 550 Katana. The Honda is cute but you'll never have cam chain issues on the GS that the Honda could suffer with...

This is a good comparison. The dry weight of these two bikes are identical. Again, the power delivery for both is really smooth. The GS should achieve better mpg due to the silky six speed gearbox. HP is around 50 for both bikes. 0 - 60 mph comes in just under 6 seconds for the pair. The Suzuki has a slightly faster top end speed, again, due to that sixth gear overdrive which also returns better mpg. The handling is equally good for both. The Honda definitely sounds beefier with a standard exhaust tone compared to GS standard exhaust. Back in the day I chose the Honda but, honestly...I doubt you could go wrong with either!

Hello. I have a Suzuki GS550L 1980. Works very well for its age.

I have GS 550 T, surprisingly modern bike. Was obviously thinking of cutting it to cafe racer, but it is so beautiful that I decided to renovate it as it is. Except! Switched the wheels from '79 due to spokes. I lost the rear brake so it’s less efdicient. I can send the pics or record video in a fee weeks when it geta back from paint work. So nice you made this comparison! Thank uou, classy propper pile of data.

Great Bikes & Years 👍😊

This was an interesting and entertaining comparison that brought back memories. I used to own a 1978 GS550E back in the days. It was 10 years and 50,000 miles old when I bought it. It had triple disc brakes, which all the Suzuki inline four E-versions had here in Europe, and cast wheels. It also had the 18in rear wheel of the standard version, while the T has a 17in wheel and the L a 16in. The earlier models came with mechanically operated carb sliders. What I remember the most from my GS550, other than all the memorable trips I took on it, was how harshly it vibrated. The vibrations were at their worst in the 5000-5500 range, the range used the most. The whole bike was buzzing then, and the mirrors were useless from 3000 rpm all the way to the redline and beyond. The engine was incredibly peaky, power could only be found between 7000 and 10000 rpm. Redline was 9000 rpm, but the engine did not seem to suffer me constantly wringing it to 10 grand. And even doing that, it fell below the powerband when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear! My friend had a 1981 Yamaha RD350 L/C at the time, a peaky two-stroke with a claimed 47 hp (compared to 50 for my GS), but the RD was a massive 120 lbs lighter! Yet the little RD beat my GS in every kind of roll-on competition, in any gear - but during full acceleration, they stayed dead even! That should tell you a little how peaky my GS was - maybe someone had messed with cam timing, I wouldn't know - because the RD itself was peaky enough that it would power-wheelie in the lower gears once it hit 6500 rpm. The other thing(s) I remember well is the handling. Suspension was pretty worn, and I was too young (and poor) to know (or care), but the bike was very stable under every situation. It also took a lot of effort to change directions, although it would change directions quickly if given a stern enough message to do so. Cornering clearance was limited, as I found - and often still find today - most bikes to suffer from. It was especially bad on the GS550, since the pegs did not fold. The center stand (I removed the side stand because it was always dragging), the exhaust heat shields, the pegs and also the alternator cover was scraping around most bends. This was a problem with the whole GS-series; they had the best handling of the Japanese bikes, but typically also the least cornering clearance. If you look at old Suzuki bikes used for racing, they usually had longer shocks, lengthened forks - and the alternator and its cover removed. Just to get enough cornering clearance. I have never ridden a Honda CB550, but I did own a CB350 Four, and its engine was so smooth you had to look at the rev counter to know it was running.

Just based on curb appeal I'd go cb550, that blue is awesome.

Fun video... My first street bike was a 1975 Honda 550 bought in 1982.. It was a good machine... After a few years I bought a 1980 Honda 750K which I liked better.

The 79 Honda DOHC 4 valve motors had a completely new design team. The earlier design teams had been moved to automotive division so Honda had a few issues with 78/79 bikes. I started in Honda/Yamaha /Triumph dealers in 78 then moved to Suzuki/BMW/Vespa dealers in 1980 so very familiar with both models (plus still have CB550 I bought new in 1977)

Nice video 👍🏼 I've had my '76 CB550f for 9 years now. It's modified (don't come after me, purists 😅) and I love it. It gives me problems, as any classics do, but you've just got to keep on top of its care 😌. I might convert to dual front disc one day.

Those headers on the Honda will probably become really nice by using phosphoric acid and a brush and a bit of time. It will also protect against new rust.

Nice Review on the 550cc . If you ever get a chance to review the 1983 Yamaha 550 Vision. Love to hear your review of it. It was only made one year.

I just picked up a 550f cb 1977.(super sport) . I chose it for its reliability and definitely that 70's styling. Those 4 into 1 does sound sweet 😎

Jon.. these engines are so different..suzuki went w/ a roller bearing crank,geared primary drive,and shim over bucket dual cam.The Honda went w/a hi-vo chain primary,plain bearing crank and simple to adjust nut/screw adjusters on its single cam.Big thanks for posting these vids,brings back the memories..!

Suzuki didn't have any four strokes until 1977 where the Honda was developed from CB500f from 1971~73. Suzuki had way more potential for tuning but electrical system was pretty awful, regulator/rectifiers often burned out taking out alternator stator, but, once rebuilt with better parts they were almost bulletproof That Honda needs a carb sync, even on video you can hear it's way off. Even later at 3~4,000rpm you can hear it running as a 3+1 and not a four. Oil pressure warning is pretty worthless, it activates at 4psi and is mounted on top of pump. If it comes on, motor is already toast. Single front disc just isn't up to it dual disc is a very easy conversion though GS needs carb work as well plus sounds like cam chain tensioner is sticking? Neither should rattle like that at low rpm although the major 'clunk' going into second is about normal Your totally correct about EPA jetting, a California bike would be pretty horrible by comparison (until it got hot)

Just found a 100% original 1976 Honda CB550F Supersport. Looks exactly like this one and for a great price! My dilemma is, I’m currently riding a Honda GL1500 Goldwing and I’m really loving it!

De esa generación Suzuki GS 550 hermosa , acá en Uruguay 🇺🇾 todavía se ven , sonido maravilloso

I would have the Honda every time. Great video John.

Sir, I have just found your site, being stormed indoors, now I`m pacing the floor all jacked up about getting more done on my collection. I love your enthusiam and apperication of many of the bikes I have & agree with about 99% of everything you say. My questions are do you have web site, or possably a email address where we could respectfully ask you questions, or possably interest you in vintage bikes? I suspect it would be overwhelming and time consuming on your end. Anyway keep up the great work! Please concider doing a review of a Honda cb900f ( I have 3) and cx500 (I had 2) THANK YOU!

Great video, the only thing would make it better would be if the Suzuki was a GS550E with twin disk and not the T. The E model came out 1978-79 would be a little closer to each other in year. But on saying that great video.

Back around 1987 I used to commute to Simon Fraser University on '78-ish Honda CB550. I rode down Burnaby mountain on Galardi Way. There was a big sweeper at the bottom of the hill, that I used to take at 80 mph, with the handlebars slowly wagging back and forth - completely relaxed, and completely under control. Was that the frame design or was I riding on worn out tires. I left it behind when I moved to Ontario to go to graduate school. I don't think that four into one system is stock.

I rode my Suzuki 550 gsl coast to coast one summer without a hitch .

I know Honda makes a great machine but I’m all in on the Suzuki I had a 77 GS550 and damn that bike and I were amazing together should have never let her go and I agree with calling it a hot Rod I always felt that way with mine cool

Jon, as a fairly new rider 40+ years ago, I was in my glory on my '80 GS550E. With a Shoei FM-2 fairing and blue paint job similar to your CB550 test bike, I was convinced the UJM was king. It was a great bike but I soon fell in love with British and other European classics, and I put the UJM in my rear-view mirror. While I currently own (and love) a BMW R75/6 and a Trident T160, a funny thing happened a few years ago- I fell back in love with the UJM. I'm out of room in the garage, so I'll have to make do just watching your videos. I really like the T model- it seems to perfectly bridge the gap styling-wise between the standard E and the cruiser L. There was a 550T for sale a few months ago here in SE PA, was it this particular bike? If so, I envy the new owner. This is an awesome YT channel, keep it going!

It seems odd to me that Suzuki sold the GS550 in the US market with a single front disc, because all the UK models I've seen (including my 1980 GS550L) have dual front discs. There are quite a lot of US models that have been imported here in recent years, and they all have single front disc.

Hi Jon. really enjoyed you comparison between these two bikes, as well as the 750K compare. I remember at the time liking the look of the blue Honda. A few years later my friend bought a beautiful new sporty looking 1980 GS550E, I remember going pillion and thinking how smooth and powerful it was. Not really a fan of the custom version you have, or the swept back handlebars - sorry! Your GS looks like the speedo only goes to 80mph, is this right, as the E version's speedo goes to 120mph? Finally, living in the UK, I am very jealous of your fabulous empty roads and your beautiful countryside, where in the US are you?

it's a shame Honda didn't put out just a little more effort.

i had both of these bikes but id pick the suzie first.

it seems to meet price points honda cheaped out on rear brakes & instrumentation more so then suzuki.both fine bikes though.i sure do wish it was that warm again.looks like its going to be miserable in pa by friday.thanks jon, allways appreciate your videos.

Had a couple 550es when I was a kid. If you don't care about HP it's a great bike. The Honda is a great bike but never been a Honda fan.

the body lines on the honda though

Did I see the Suzuki on facebook for sale recently?

Honda is already a classic that the Suzuki contender will never be. So, just because of that, for me is Honda all the way. Happy Christmas and a great riding new year, Jon. All the best from Brazil. ✌

what are the 550 and 650 suzuki selling for in great shape..i quit ridding 10yrs ago.my 1700 yamaha was to much for me..

Suzuki also had the GS 650 which was almost idenical to the Gs 550

I've riding since 1976 and I don't get the love for 6 speed motorcycles. 🤔 None of my 5 speeds have ever felt like they were over revving on the interstate.

I thought that all of the supersports were 6 speeds? 400f, 550f and 750f, back in '75

Wow Jon, I thought that the CB550 was a 6 speed, as is my '75 CB400F.

Disc brakes are ONLY "an advantage" because the discs are easier to replace than an entire wheel, but drum brakes tend to have less problems and last pretty well. "Constant velocity" carburetors don't allow you to drain the fuel out of the carbs for the Winter without taking stuff apart. The Suzuki doesn't have a kick start option, so it is not for me. It seems that just about every street bike made after the 1970s is missing the kick starter, and that is very stupid because a bike without a kick starter is absolutely garbage even when it is new. There is no comparison really between the two bikes in this video... the Suzuki leaves too much to be desired, and the Honda covers all the bases pretty well.

Yeah, it's got that SOHC sound..... almost like a RACE CAR!

A 1975 vs. 1981 is an unfair comparison. The Honda has a header and the Guk is puffing through a stock set of pipes among other differences that can't easily be seen.. At any rate... 6 years difference at that point in time is a lifetime in other eras.

Suzuki is far better looking i think

Die Suzuki sieht nicht halb so schön aus wie die Four. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Wow I've got a 74 Honda 550 supersport runs like a beast, I like it faster than most, anyway I've been commuting on it, it deserves someone to preserve it so I'll be willing to sell if anyone wants the best cafe racer.

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