The 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary from Japan was powered by a 497cc Wankel rotary producing 62hp at 6500rpm. Weighing 230.0kg (507 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at touring riders.
The 1979 Suzuki GS550 by contrast offered 549cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 50hp at 8500rpm. Tipping the scales at 202.0kg (445 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
Specifications Comparison
| 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary | 1979 Suzuki GS550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 497 cc | 549 cc |
| Power | 62 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 75.0 Nm | 44.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 230.0 kg | 202.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 250.0 kg | 218.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 800 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1485 mm | 1410 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.0 L | 15.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Suzuki machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary laid the groundwork with 62hp, while the later 1979 Suzuki GS550 pushed output to 50hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary holds the edge with a 9/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Suzuki collection. Parts availability is very difficult for the 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary and good for the 1979 Suzuki GS550 — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary
Introduced in 1975, the 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary features a 497cc Wankel rotary engine producing 62hp, establishing itself as a notable touring motorcycle.
Full 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary Profile →About the 1979 Suzuki GS550
Introduced in 1979, the 1979 Suzuki GS550 features a 549cc DOHC inline-4 engine producing 50hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Full 1979 Suzuki GS550 Profile →