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Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:31 am Post subject: GT500 or GT550
I have the opportunity to buy either a 1976 GT500 or a 1974 GT550. The prices aren't all that much different on the two bikes, one (the GT500) is about $150 less than the other but it has a tattered seat and more pitting on the chrome. Both bikes have fogged up lenses on the gauges, but the GT550 has had a more recent "renovation" at least cosmetically. I used to have a GT185 twin, and I liked the bike, but it vibrated very badly at speed. I don't know if the triples remedied this at all, but I thought I'd ask.
Question is, oh experts here on VJMOG, which of these two bikes is better suited for a "running" restoration and use as a semi regular driver around town and commutes of less than 20 miles (less than 60 mph)? Is there a major difference in the collectability of the bikes, is one more valuable when restored?
Joined: Oct 03, 2005 Posts: 1595 Location: Marshall, MI
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 6:51 am Post subject:
Good legitimate question. In my opnion of 35+ years with Jap bikes, the GT550 is a triple and is smoother. It is a little newer technology which is always good. The GT500 (T-500) is a big twin and was made from 1968 on.. Old technology. So for a rideable bike, I would go with the GT550. Collectible, of course the T-500's are always collectible but the GT550's are starting to come of their own. Maybe $200 more desirable is the T-500. All this is IMHO mind you. _________________ You only go around once in life, but if you do it right, once is enough!
Joined: Feb 23, 2007 Posts: 1044 Location: Orlando, FL
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:02 am Post subject:
The 550's were very fine motorcycles - smooth, reliable, powerful enough for a middleweight. I remember Cycle Magazine doing a 'middleweight' shootout including Honda CB550, the GT550 and GT380, Yamaha RD400 and the GT550 walked away as the overall winner. I've always been impressed by that, having owned 3 Honda CB550s.
The GT500 (and the T500 before it) were old technology. Thirsty, vibrating, uninspired. The only thing it had going for it was it was pretty big displacement-wise when it was introduced. And Suzuki had success racing it, IIRC. By 1976, though, it was loonnnng in the tooth - kinda like Honda's own CB500T twin. Inspired when it was first introduced. Just plain old by the end of the model run.
Collectibility? IMO, the EARLIER T500 would be more collectible. A '76, though? Hmm... I'm thinking not, as that had to be about the last year. I'd say it'd be a wash between the two candidates you mention, and I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor.
I'd go for the 550, especially for a rider, not a show-queen.
The 550 is very close to being a rider right now. It has some sort of gremlin that has caused it to not run/stop running. That being said it has good tires and nicer chrome.
I was really only looking at the 500 for the simplicity of the carburetors and motor. I have had a bear of a time synchronizing the carbs on my Honda 4's....
Joined: Oct 30, 2009 Posts: 611 Location: Parker, CO
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:26 am Post subject:
The GT550 would be my choice of the two. The GT550 is a very smooth riding bike with plenty power. I rode a '73 all over the country with no problems back in the mid 70's. However the 75' that I know have is giving me fits trying to keep it running good. You mentioned gremlins in the one you looked at. If that's the case be prepared for worst case of splitting cases and repairing crank seals. As I've mentioned in an earlier post old two-stroke twins or triples can drive you crazy with gremlins, especially if they've been in storage for long periods. I'd suggest finding a 4-stroke vintage bike.
Also not sure what was wrong with your GT185. The one I have is the smoothest running twin I own and a favorite of mine to ride. Great commuter if your not needing to maintain over 55-60 for long stretches.
I've owned both bikes and driven both extensively. The GT550 is by far the better of the two when it comes to performance and just plain riding either short or long distance. The GT550 is reliable and easy to maintain if the bike is in good condition to start with. Any bike that is 35 years old can have gremlins. The GT550 isn't prone to having problems. I loved my GT550. It was one of the best bikes I ever had. The sound of a GT550 is wonderful as is the sound of a GT380. The sound of a 2-stroke triple is awesome.
The T500 and GT500 are older technology. Suzuki kept the GT500 going a little too long but it was a low price bike for a 500 and it was a dependable bike. There was a small market for that. I drove a T500 from Arkansas to Daytona, Florida years ago. The bike did ok but it wasn't as comfortable as a GT550 or larger bikes. The GT500 and it's predecessor the T500 were ground breaking technology in the late 60s and I dreamed of having one for years. I loved that orange and gold colored one that came out about '73. Beautiful. Would love to have one. The T500 was a more beautiful bike than the GT550 for sure. The sound of the early T500s was awesome as well because they had that incredible throaty carb sound. Later models got toned down with quieter air filter boxes.
Joined: Mar 27, 2010 Posts: 120 Location: Robbinsville, NC
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 1:40 am Post subject:
Never having owned the GT550 but the proud owner of a 1972 T-500 (currently being restored from the crankshaft up), my vote (predictably) is for the T-500 for one major reason: mechanical simplicity. The T-500 has style, classic looks, collectability, performance, the "wow" factor, etc., etc., but it is also mechanically simply (based on my most recent experience of tearing it down to the crankshaft). Plus it is designed in a manner such that you probably can't put it back together unless you do it right.
My personal experience with keeping things this old alive is that less is more.........especially when it comes to dealing with two cylinders vs three; i.e.,, gaskets, pistons, carbs, electrical, etc., etc. IMO with a little help from your friends at this site, you can keep a T-500 running for a long long time if you do the resto right the first time.
Regardless, good luck with whatever you do. I sure have enjoyed my T-500 although I've ridden it probably less than 25 miles.
CaptCatFish _________________ Old and ugly (but say it ain´t so)
Joined: Nov 02, 2008 Posts: 1085 Location: New Zealand
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 1:58 am Post subject:
I owned 2 T500's,a GT500 and a GT380, and also rode friend's GT550's extensively. Both the big drum braked front early one and a later J model with the disc.For mechanical simplicity the T500 and GT500 are miles ahead and in terms of meaningful icons of motorcycle history the T500 surely has all the brownie points. However if you are into spirited riding the GT550 is an absolute revelation if you ditch the centre-stand and run the rear shocks on stiffest pre-load. The GT380 could surprise too with the same deference to limited left side clearance.As something to excite the wannabee racer in us all the GT550 had it in spades.
The only issues I have with the GT500 that I'm looking at are that it's been off the road for years, needs new tires, and really needs a new seat.
I have had a tough time finding anywhere in auction or on sale sites that have the seat for a GT500....GT550 and T500 seats are plentiful, but since they only made that GT500 for 2 years, they seem to be tougher to source.
If both bikes were in exactly the same shape, I might go with the GT500 for simplicity alone.
Joined: Jan 08, 2008 Posts: 102 Location: Bellflower, IL
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 6:02 am Post subject:
Since you say the price is close, I would get the one that is in the best shape and the closest to being road ready. Oh yea, and the one with a clear title. BUT, coming from a 1970 T-500 owner, I have to say....
They both have clear titles. I can probably get the GT500 for about $200 less than the 550....but it won't be on the road for a while due to bad tires and a messed up seat.
Joined: Mar 27, 2010 Posts: 120 Location: Robbinsville, NC
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:27 am Post subject:
Don't know how messed up the seat might be but my local upholstery guy gave me a quote to completely recover my old seat for $75. You might want to check around your local shops to see what kind of estimate they give you to recover it. They might surprise you.............
Regarding tires, there are some relatively cheap ones out there (roughly $50 each). They don't last long mileage-wise and aren't advisable for really pushing the bike but they'll get you ridin'.
Just some ealy morning musing for your personal consideration............
CaptCatFish _________________ Old and ugly (but say it ain´t so)
Joined: Mar 27, 2010 Posts: 120 Location: Robbinsville, NC
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 12:55 pm Post subject:
Having talked myself into and out of dozens of similar decisions, what do you REALLY want to do? You'll never be happy with anything less, especially if you're always apologizing for your decision, i.e., "I could have done X but decided to do Y" because...............
You only go around once. Do it right.
CaptCatFish _________________ Old and ugly (but say it ain´t so)
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