Is there a better or best GS850 year

[Nessism]

The early 850's had that wonderful saddle. The '82+ saddle is also pretty good but not as nice as the early version. Just splitting hairs...

 

[RichDesmond]

Different strokes, Rich. :encouragement:

We just happen to enjoy the 850s around here. At one time, there were four in the stable. Had a fifth one on the line, let one of the others go before reeling it in, then let another one go, too. We have settled on two keepers.

I admit they are far from the "best" bike available. There are others that are more powerful, more comfortable, better-handling, more fuel efficient, lighter, just about any other adjective you wish to use, but the 850s are just a real decent performer in ALL those areas, not just one.

It's also rather amazing to go to a larger bike gathering and hear "I used to have one of those" or "my dad had one of those". Seems that a rather large number of motorcycle enthusiasts have fond memories of them.

.

No arguments here. Knowing how the other responses to the thread would go, I just figured I'd give him a little different perspective.
Seriously, I've bought bikes that I thought I'd love, and had wanted for a long time, only to find out that they just didn't suit me at all.

 

[bwringer]

I would say that a GS850 with properly set up suspension and reasonable handlebars handles far, far better than it has any right to.

But I'll also freely admit its limitations -- it weighs more than it should is the biggest. IIRC, the GS1000G and GS1100G are actually a little lighter. Well, "slightly less heavy" would probably be more accurate. And like all '70s-'80s bikes, the frame is a lot more flexible when pushed hard than modern bikes. But Suzuki pretty much nailed the geometry on these.

Ergonomics are identical between theGS850G and a GS1000G or GS1100G of the same year -- the frames have the same part number, and the larger displacement engines actually weigh a bit less. Personally, I think the GS850's powerband is a little more entertaining -- there's a neat rush at 6,000 rpm to redline that's pretty enjoyable. You have to keep the engine spinning to make rapid progress, and the real secret to cornering speed is the engine's buttery smoothness when picking up the power down low in a corner.

One thing not a lot of people know: the GL models handle pretty much identically. Again, you have to change the handlebars to something reasonable and do the same suspension upgrades, but other than the fact you're sitting down in the bike a tiny bit lower (which can be good or bad for ergonomics, depending on your inseam situation) they handle exactly the same. I've ridden Gs and GLs hard back to back several times, and Suzuki did a great job with these -- yeah, the head angle is different on the GL, but the leading axle means you pretty much end up in exactly the same place.

I've also ridden my 1983 GS850G back to back with a well set up 1983 GS1100E. The 1100E is a Mack truck -- long, heavy, and designed to go in a straight line. You can make an 1100E handle, but it's always going to be a lot longer and and less nimble. The 1100E is a great drag racer, but there's little if any roadracing DNA in the frame. The 850 derives directly from the GS750.

When George and I traded back, he said "Dammit, this thing handles so much lighter and better than my bike... you've ruined it for me. My 1100E feels like a real pig now."

 

[Wingsconsin]

I can chime in with some GS850 LOVE - I have the dreaded L model from 1983

I have invested way more money than it's worth over the years making it MINE and great-
However I can choose between a 2002 GL1800 Goldwing and my 1983 GS850GL every day to commute to work -
The 850 is in the parking lot right now

It is plenty quick (at higher RPMs) and pulls hard at low speeds in higher gears - a little like a tractor
It delivers 39-44 MPG commuting 20 miles each way every day -
Starts with a mean look at the starter button - and idles easily at 1100 -

YES - I have sorted out the electrics- New R&R, Stator, plugs, coils, wires, caps - and other weird connecting points.
YES- I have purchased a NEW SEAT (Custom made by Diamond Seats for ME)
YES- it has a smaller fuel tank - I don't think I have the magic 4.5 gallons - I add fuel at 135 miles and put in 3 gallons usually - But that is a good ride and time to stretch anyway
YES- I have added Sonic Springs to the forks and HAGON shocks in the rear -
YES - I also added SHAD removable saddle bags (SH23s) and a SHAD top case (SH37) for more carrying capacity

Mine was a neglected lump I rescued from one of those Previous owners who do so amny bad things to bikes -
but I got it cheap and have some skills so it was not a daunting task - But this forum is sent straight from heaven for us so we have RESOURCES to ask questions and get answers -

If you have a problem - someone online here has the answer - PERIOD -

By the one you like the best - Get the 850 of your dreams - they are as reliable as a hammer once sorted out - and enjoy

 

[wymple]

I have the 81. It's taken out 2 deer, cobbled back together both times. Has no upgrades at all, yet. I did wire the stator straight to the R/R, picked up a volt on the meter. Almost a rat bike of sorts, as I've paid no attention to cosmetics. I killed off the front forks air assist crap, and run tubeless tires. I take it regularly anywhere, anytime. It's been to Kansas 3 years in a row, 1100 mile trips, and to Indiana and Wisconsin. I trust it.

 

[ddaniels]

Being short-legged, or vertically challenged, the L model will give you better reach to the ground, and just might be better for you ergonomically. I personally prefer a G, but I like the looks of either. Handlebars are a non-issue since they can be changed, as has been said. Choosing between the G's, I would prefer the '81 because I like the seat better than the '82. I've ridden some distance on both and the flatter '81 seat is better for distance. Think rolling sofa. By the way, the price for the L is way too high.

 

[Steve]

... -- yeah, the head angle is different on the GL, but the leading axle means you pretty much end up in exactly the same place.

Are you sure about that? :-k

I have not actually put an angle meter on the head, but I have been under the impression that they are the same. However, the triples have a much straighter angle as they pass through the steering axis, which is what pulls the fork tubes back. The leading axle just keeps the wheel where it started.

Now that the fork tubes are back an inch or so, they would hit the tank at full lock, so they shortened the tank by removing some of the front. Rounding it off and tapering the rear gave them the "teardrop" look that completed the "chopper-esque" look that was popular at the time.

With the same head angle and the wheel in the same place, the wheelbase and trail were pretty much the same, so yes, it would handle about the same, assuming you fit on it well enough to reach the controls, or moved the controls to where you could reach.

.

 

[marvinsc]

1980 is the best because I had one! So there,

 

[Guest]

No the '79 is the best, I trying to sell one. Just took it for an 80 mile ride Sunday morning and like what has already been said, keep the rpms up and it's a fun bike to ride. The kick start is butter and nice to have as a back up.

 

[bwringer]

Are you sure about that? :-k

I have not actually put an angle meter on the head, but I have been under the impression that they are the same. However, the triples have a much straighter angle as they pass through the steering axis, which is what pulls the fork tubes back. The leading axle just keeps the wheel where it started.

Now that the fork tubes are back an inch or so, they would hit the tank at full lock, so they shortened the tank by removing some of the front. Rounding it off and tapering the rear gave them the "teardrop" look that completed the "chopper-esque" look that was popular at the time.

With the same head angle and the wheel in the same place, the wheelbase and trail were pretty much the same, so yes, it would handle about the same, assuming you fit on it well enough to reach the controls, or moved the controls to where you could reach.

.

Nope, not sure at all! I have no idea whether the difference is actually the head angle or the triples. Or both...? I seem to recall the frames are different in the headstock area, but I don't know whether that affects the angle. I guess if you get really bored this winter you could go out to the garage and take some measurements.

In any case, the main point is that, contrary to various dark hints and scurrilous rumors, Suzuki got the geometry right so the GLs handle just as well as the Gs. Ergonomics are certainly better for shorter humanoids (and worse for those of more Steve-ish height) on the GL models.

On both models, the stock handlebars are dreadful for most people, but the GL handlebars are much worse; if you find an example with stock handlebars, it will inevitably have very low mileage because it's physically painful to ride. The slightly smaller tank is the only other real disadvantage of the GL models. The GL exhaust has a bit more growl, which most will find pleasant.

And in at least some years of the GS850 (no, I'm not trawling through fiches for exact details) the transmission gearing in fifth gear is one tooth lower on GL models, so they have a bit more giddy-up in top gear, at the expense of slightly higher revs at speed.

 

[Steve]

Nope, not sure at all! I have no idea whether the difference is actually the head angle or the triples. Or both...? I seem to recall the frames are different in the headstock area, but I don't know whether that affects the angle. I guess if you get really bored this winter you could go out to the garage and take some measurements.

A couple of weeks ago would have been the perfect time to do this. Had the front end of her bike apart to change fork seals, everything was wide open, would have been EASY to measure. Will have the fairing off my bike soon, will be easy to measure.

Ergonomics are certainly better for shorter humanoids (and worse for those of more Steve-ish height) on the GL models.

Even though my wife's bike is set up for a shorter person (shorter shocks, fork tubes slid up in the triples, cut-down seat, L-ish bars), it's not all that bad for shorter trips. A few years ago, I rode it to Delaware (oHIo), which is about two hours away. Worked on a bike there, rode the two hours home. It was reasonably tolerable, knowing that it was temporary, but would not want it set up like that for long-term use.

On both models, the stock handlebars are dreadful for most people, but the GL handlebars are much worse; if you find an example with stock handlebars, it will inevitably have very low mileage because it's physically painful to ride. The slightly smaller tank is the only other real disadvantage of the GL models. The GL exhaust has a bit more growl, which most will find pleasant.

I must not fit into the "most people" category, as I prefer the stock G bars. The height of the L bars isn't so bad if you have a windshield, but the weird angle of the handgrips definitely puts them into the "torture device" category.
Not so sure I would call the GL exhaust a 'growl'. I have always thought it had somewhat of a motorboat quality to it. Just changed my wife's exhaust to '79 850G pipes because the baffles were rattling in her L pipes. Nice and quiet now, and also have the added advantage of longer pipes that don't end at the front of the saddlebags. :encouragement:

And in at least some years of the GS850 (no, I'm not trawling through fiches for exact details) the transmission gearing in fifth gear is one tooth lower on GL models, so they have a bit more giddy-up in top gear, at the expense of slightly higher revs at speed.

Gonna have to disagree with you a bit, Brian. :-k Yes, it might have been one tooth different, but it was in the other direction. The fifth gear ratio on the '80 850L was the same as all years of the 850G, because it had a 17-inch rear wheel. The '81-'83 850Ls had a 16-inch wheel and the fifth gear ratio changed from 0.961 to 0.923 to keep the engine revs about the same as the G. According to the chart I got off the forum some time back, the revs at 70 mph for the '80 L and all the Gs were 5021, the '81-'83 Ls were 5016, so I think they nailed that one.

.

 

[850 Combat]

As to the 6000 RPM "Rush" on a GS850, to me that feels like a terrible lack of low and mid range power. I've owned GS850s from a '79 to an '83. I will take any pre 1982 over any 1982 or newer. I will also take a 1000G over any 850G. The 1000 fills in the missing low and mid range power of the 850 pretty nicely. It is stronger everywhere, but especially from 2000 to 5000 RPM. Geared taller too. I find the handling of any of them to be pretty OK. Better than the Concours 1000 I had. The 28 degree rake and neutral steering is close to the British bikes I grew up with, so except for being 50% heavier than a Commando, the steering feel is still similar.

I also like the stock handlebars, but I also generally ride at 70 mph and below. Too much faster, and I would want something else.

 

[Burque73]

Here's an interesting comparison. I think the bars have been swapped on this G from the stock configuration to give more forward lean to the rider. May be a useful comparison though.

Just plug in your height and inseam and see what your projected riding position would be.
http://cycle-ergo.com/

I did my bikes and an L model for comparison. In my experience, the 83 850G riding position is very similar to my KLR. I have low back pain if I slouch, and my wrists hurt/ hands go numb if the forward lean is too far. For some reason the only time my wrists or hands give me issues is while riding two up on the 850G.

 

[ddaniels]

Here's an interesting comparison. I think the bars have been swapped on this G from the stock configuration to give more forward lean to the rider. May be a useful comparison though.

Just plug in your height and inseam and see what your projected riding position would be.
http://cycle-ergo.com/

I did my bikes and an L model for comparison. In my experience, the 83 850G riding position is very similar to my KLR. I have low back pain if I slouch, and my wrists hurt/ hands go numb if the forward lean is too far. For some reason the only time my wrists or hands give me issues is while riding two up on the 850G.

Doesn't look like an'82 seat.

 

[Burque73]

Doesn't look like an'82 seat.

Yeah, it's more of an 81 or earlier pictured but their options are limited when choosing the specific bike. They didn't have an 850 L either, just a 650. Still a neat tool to play with.

 

[bwringer]

Gonna have to disagree with you a bit, Brian. :-k Yes, it might have been one tooth different, but it was in the other direction. The fifth gear ratio on the '80 850L was the same as all years of the 850G, because it had a 17-inch rear wheel. The '81-'83 850Ls had a 16-inch wheel and the fifth gear ratio changed from 0.961 to 0.923 to keep the engine revs about the same as the G. According to the chart I got off the forum some time back, the revs at 70 mph for the '80 L and all the Gs were 5021, the '81-'83 Ls were 5016, so I think they nailed that one.

Dingbust it, I think I'm going to officially retire from posting obscure GS850 trivia without fact-checking first. Turns out the sludgy contents of my cranial cavity misfile the occasional item...

 

[Burque73]

I'm new to the forum and there are 3 Gs850 bikes I'm thinking of looking at. All three have about 23000 miles, excellent condition as far as paint and chrome. All are around $1800.
The 1979 is red and has vetter faring. The 1981 is the original owner but has recently be repainted the original gray he says. The 1982 is blue.
So, is there anything better or special that would make me lean towards one bike over the other?
The background story is that in 1981 I looked at a new Suzuki GS850 but family life wouldnt allow me a treat for myself. I'm 71 now and think I've earned the treat.
I just got back to bikes last year and bought a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Special.
thanks in advance for the help.
tony

Did you decide on a bike? There seemed to be several 850's up for sale right around the time you posted this.

 

[limeex2]

Just an opinion. 850's are good solid bikes, its just that the 1000/1100 versions are good solid bikes also and don't cost any more and Imo better. That being said, underneath the Vetter bike savers is a beautiful unmolested 850...