The scope of work is as follows:
Make a budget friendly sporty GS. I wish to clean and touch up rather than restore to keep the crusty character of the old girl. I need a reliable daily of the girl.
Gs550l wire wheel $300
Gs650e parts bike $300
The 550 just don't have enough power and buzzes way too much.
I am attempting to get max bang with minimal change.
I'm a big guy and know the limitations of the 550 engine. It need more torque and hp.
I wish to keep as many 550 parts as possible to simplify install, unless there is more performance to be had for cheap.
I have been robbing 650e parts and buying reliability parts to upgrade the 550. Complete front forks, dual discs, dyna ignition system, cleaned and rejetted carbs, coil relay mod, sonic springs, all new fluids and preload set to my size.
So I have been running through mod paths.
1... put 650 topend on 550 bottom. Keep the 6th gear, 25 pounds lighter.
2... install complete 650e engine. Simpler. No gaskets or other costs
I am looking at the following for power and ease of install:
which exhaust would be best?
Which cams? 650 intake, 550 exhaust?
What final drive? 650 for lower rpm or 550 for more torque?
Which carbs? Do the CVs really gain that much? Do I need more carb if running stock airbox? Should I snag a set of 26s for a 750 and install on 550 racks?
Thanks
Rich