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Is the GS850G up to this?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shirazdrum
  • Start date Start date
shirazdrum said:
Thanks a lot guys for all the information so far. I read the ADVR story of the guy. That was just sad. Animals are unpredictable; you just don?t try to go around them in a two-lane road that fast. I hope he?s doing better.

Well I found a nice bike with 25,000 miles on it. It?s in a prefect shape(so he says) ; no rust anywhere and no dents at all. No oil leak starts right up and it looks very good. (It?s not in my state so I haven?t ridden it). He?s asking $1500 firm.
It?s an 81 GS850L that already has case guards and a luggage rack.

Is it a good deal or should I keep looking? How much is too much?

Regards,
Chris
Click to expand...
Chris,

In addition to what Big-T and BassCliff told you about the "L" models, there are a lot of people who object to them because they are less comfortable than the "standard" models. I owned a 550L for years and was generally comfortable on it, but on longer rides the riding position was not nearly as comfortable as the 1100G I ride now. If you are planning to regularly ride longer distances then don't even consider the "L" models - you'll regret it.

Now, with regard to your lack of experience, may I respectfully suggest that before you take multi-thousand mile trips north or south you try some long weekend get togethers with GSR members? There are excellent weekend rallies that happen all over the country and you could easily rack up hundreds or thousands of miles in less than a week, especially if you ride the bike to and from the rallies. This is the best way to get your feet wet and make sure both you and your bike are up to the ambitious trips you already have in mind.

Welcome aboard! Look forward to hearing about your exploits once you've got the bike!!

Regards,
 
Are you sure that almost all the roads will be well paved? Even off-roads to hotels and restaurants? The GS650G rides almost as well (shaft-drive too) but is considerable lighter. It shares many components with the GS550, but not the cases and shaft drive.

As for the GS850, I think the 79 would have 3 advantages:

1. Kick starter

2. VM carbs. Simple and straightforward, can work with a compromised airbox, and parts can be scavenged from old GS750s, GS1000s, and KZ900/1000s.

3. Points. Replace these with dyna ignition but take the points too!

Cylinders, head and pistons can be swapped from a GS750.

Do you need extra hidden money for "tips" for police and border crossings?
 
:) Off course all roads are not paved :) Just like not all roads are paved in the US. But, you can find excelent hiways to move from one country to the other. If you decide to take back roads you will find plenty of dirt roads, which turn into mud during the rainy season. Then you will need a 4x4, and even these will have problems. :)
 
I say go for it and have fun.

As for the dirt roads down there, I'm an experienced dirt rider and I wouldn't take either of my bikes (XR650R or CR250) on them in the rainy season. I've seen 4x4's stuck in that mud and deep mud ain't no fun on ANY motorcycle.

Just plan ahead and use the brain God gave ya'. You'll do fine.
 
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