1972 Suzuki GT 550 Restoration Project

Documentation and tracking for my 1972 Suzuki GT 550 "Indy" two-stroke triple restoration.

Restoration Status

Status: 80% Complete

Project Investment

Item	Amount
Purchase price	250,000 ISK
Parts and labour	~2,000,000 ISK
Total	~2,250,000 ISK
Hours invested	TBD

About the Bike

The 1972 Suzuki GT 550 "Indy" is a two-stroke, three-cylinder motorcycle produced by Suzuki from 1972 to 1977. Named after the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it was the middle sibling in Suzuki's GT triple lineup, sitting between the GT 380 and the flagship GT 750 "Water Buffalo." Unlike its water-cooled bigger brother, the GT 550 featured air cooling and RAM Air induction.

Vehicle Identity

Field	Value
VIN / Frame	TBD
Registration	TBD
First registered	TBD
Odometer	TBD
Previous owners	TBD
Category	TBD

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Model History

The Suzuki GT550 was produced from 1972-1977, spanning 6 years with several updates.

1972 (J Model) - This bike

The original GT550 design featuring:

• 543cc air-cooled two-stroke triple with RAM Air induction
• CCI (Cylinder Crankcase Injection) oil system - no pre-mixing required
• Posi-Force lubrication with separate oil tank
• Front disc brake (single) - advanced for the era
• Rear drum brake
• 5-speed transmission

1973-1974 (K/L Models)

Minor refinements:

• Updated styling and graphics
• Improved charging system
• Minor carburetor changes

1975-1977 (M/A/B Models)

Final production years:

• Dual front disc brakes (from 1975)
• Updated instruments
• Revised exhaust system
• Production ended as emissions regulations tightened globally

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Technical Specifications

Engine

Specification	Value
Engine type	Air-cooled, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder inline
Induction	RAM Air with CCI oil injection
Displacement	543 cc
Bore x Stroke	61.0 mm x 62.0 mm
Compression ratio	6.7:1
Carburetor	3x Mikuni VM28SC
Power	53 HP (39.5 kW) @ 6,500 RPM
Torque	54.9 Nm (40.5 lb-ft) @ 5,500 RPM
Ignition	Points (battery/coil)
Starting	Electric & Kick
Lubrication	CCI (Cylinder Crankcase Injection) separate oil
Oil tank capacity	1.8L
Recommended oil	2-stroke oil (CCI system)
Transmission	5-speed manual
Final drive	Chain (530)

Chassis & Suspension

Specification	Value
Frame	Double cradle, steel tube
Front suspension	Telescopic fork, 130mm travel
Rear suspension	Twin shock absorbers, 5-way adjustable preload
Front brake	295mm hydraulic disc, single piston (1972)
Rear brake	Drum, 180mm
Front tire	3.25-19
Rear tire	4.00-18
Front wheel	19"
Rear wheel	18"

Dimensions & Weight

Specification	Value
Overall length	2,160 mm (85.0 in)
Overall width	865 mm (34.0 in)
Overall height	1,135 mm (44.7 in)
Wheelbase	1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Seat height	800 mm (31.5 in)
Ground clearance	150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry weight	193 kg (425 lbs)
Wet weight	215 kg (474 lbs)
Fuel capacity	17 L (4.5 US gal)

Performance

Specification	Value
Top speed	~175 km/h (109 mph)
0-60 mph	~5.5 seconds
Standing 1/4 mile	~13.5 seconds
Fuel consumption	~7-9 L/100km (26-33 mpg)

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Colors

Part	Color	Code
Frame	TBD	TBD
Tank	TBD	TBD
Side covers	TBD	TBD

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Documentation

Document	Description
RESTORATION.md	Work completed - what was fixed and replaced
COSTS.md	Parts and labour cost tracking
TODO.md	Remaining work and future plans
HISTORY.md	Previous owners and bike history
TECHNICAL.md	Schematics, parts lists, technical reference
SUPPLIERS.md	Parts suppliers and manufacturers

Repository Contents

/docs             - Project documentation
/photos
  /before         - Photos of the bike before restoration
  /restoration    - Photos during the restoration process
  /after          - Photos of the completed restoration
/manuals          - Service manuals and PDF documentation
/parts            - Parts lists and sourcing information
/maintenance      - Maintenance records and schedules

Reference Sources

• Motorcycle Specs ZA - Technical specifications
• CMS Parts Catalog - OEM parts reference

Future Plans

This project will eventually be connected to the Exodus motorcycles module for centralized tracking of all motorcycle projects.