scott-s Posted July 6, 2018 Share Posted July 6, 2018 I have a 1980 GS550E and I'm transplanting late model GSX750F engine, suspension, etc., into it. That left me with the stock GS550 engine, suspension, wheels, etc. OK, I'll get online and find a titled frame and build a bike from the leftovers! Searched Eblag for a while, being careful to not get an L frame. I knew the rear tank mounts were different, the seat frame area was different, etc. I came across a "1980 GS550E frame" and it appeared to have the correct rear tank mount in the pics. Bought it and, later on, when trying to fit a tank, noticed that something wasn't right. At first, I thought I was sent a 750 tank by mistake. But the more I look at it, I notice that the tank mounting points are different. Both frames have a "GS550E-XXXXX" VIN number, with matching titles. Both are 1980 build dates. Look at the pics below. What do I have and what is the correct tank for the "cafe" frame? Forward mount of the standard 550E frame. I bought this as a complete bike with bodywork, etc. Forward mount of the Eblag "cafe" frame. The nipples for the tank grommets are higher and further back. Rear tank mount of the "stock" frame. Rear tank mount of the Eblag frame. See how it sits higher and further forward? Overall comparison of the two. Another pic of the forward tank mounts The coil mounts are different, too. Quote Link to comment
gs7_11 Posted July 6, 2018 Share Posted July 6, 2018 If it's not an L, is it possible it's an 81-82 EX or similar, which had significant differences to the earlier bikes? Quote Link to comment
scott-s Posted July 6, 2018 Author Share Posted July 6, 2018 Someone said that by '80 the L bikes used a 550E VIN number. Looks like I have an L frame after all.....crap. I think I can make it work. The rear has already been hacked off for a cafe seat and an electronics tray installed. It's gonna be a custom anyway. Quote Link to comment
micktodd Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 They are so different from one to the other I bought gs 550 tank and don't fit my 550,750,or 850 frame don't think your frame is 750 as it's braced where the last coil mount fits here is my 750 frame similar to yours Quote Link to comment
micktodd Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Ill look at my 550 frame which is an L on frame its stamped gs550E apparently there where a few variants E, L, T, M Katana Quote Link to comment
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