Highlights
- Beautifully presented early ‘J’ series Indy
- 2023 respray in original Candy Gold and Black by Dream Machine
- New seat professionally made by P & K Clark "Seat Specialists"
- Retains its definitive four leading shoe front drum brake
- Original exhaust system intact
- Recent work including crankshaft restored and clutch system stripped and cleaned
The Appeal
The Suzuki GT550 is a two-stroke triple from the golden era of Japanese motorcycles. Known for its smooth power delivery and distinctive exhaust note, it was part of the firm’s ‘Grand Touring’ range and gave North American buyers an excellent balance of performance and handling.
This example is one of the first ‘J’ series bikes, built in 1972. It spent its life in North America before being imported to the UK a few years ago and first registered here in January 2024. The vendor acquired it in March 2025.
It is a magnificent example, finished in Candy Gold with black by noted paintwork specialists Dream Machine, The seat was replaced with a fully rebuilt and retrimmed item from P&K Clark. The gleaming chromework and array of original features such as the exhaust and the clever front brake system put this bike in the collector category.
Recent work is extensive and includes crankshaft restoration, clutch system strip down and clean, new fork seal and new exhaust clamp kit. It was fully serviced by the previous keeper following its arrival in the UK. We are told that it is factory standard.
The vendor is only reluctantly selling, giving the buyer an opportunity to grab a great bike with lots of recent work completed.
The vendor says:
“I have only ridden the bike back from the mechanics’ garage, a total distance of around seven miles. The only reason I’m selling it is that I find it a little too high for my short legs.
“The bike looks wonderful and has tremendous character – the smell and sound of the exhaust is an absolute joy. It needs to be ridden and enjoyed by a new owner… and maybe shown off a little!”
History and Paperwork
- Imported into UK from the USA in late 2022/early 2023
- UK registered January 23, 2024
- Two UK keepers
- Current keeper since March 2025
- Current owner has only ridden it approximately seven miles
- Indicated mileage is 15,015 miles but this is not verified
- Repainted by Dream Machine following arrival in UK
- Seat retrimmd by P& K Clark recently
- Early ‘J’ Series Indy
The Condition
- Respray in original Candy Gold and Black by Dream Machine of Long Eaton (February 2023)
- Repaint appears in smart condition for its age
- New seat made by P & K Clark of Cannock including complete new seat, not just a re-cover
- The vendor states that the seat enhances the bike's aesthetic
- All brightwork appears to be original and presents very well as shown
- Almost new Bridgestone Battlax BT46 tyres
- Only a few chromed fasteners show minor surface oxidation
The Mechanics
- 543cc two-stroke triple cylinder engine
- 5spd chain drive
- Factory standard bike according to seller
- Retains sought-after four leading shoe front drum brake
- Original exhaust system intact
- Recent work summarised below
Recent work since arriving in UK by current and previous keepers:
- New exhaust clamp kit
- New fork seal
- Clutch stripped and cleaned
- Crank shaft restored
- Serviced by previous keeper
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