Is there a better or best GS850 year

[Metalman22]

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

 

[Metalman22]

Here is the red 1979bike

 

[Burque73]

Hey Metalman, welcome aboard!

Some pros and cons;

79 has a kick start which they stopped in that year. I think it would be cool to have one.
VM carbs in 79 as opposed to the 80 and newer with CV carbs which are self adjusting for altitude. Some like VM carbs for performance but this is an 850, not a real racer anyway.
Points ignition in 79 newer have electronic ignition. There's probably no headlight under that fairing so if you ever remove it you'll have to source one, and some blinkers.

81 is my least favorite year style wise. Just a personal opinion. It does have CV carbs, electronic ignition though. Your red bike pictured looks sharp with matching bags and fairing. The lowers on the windjammer would be nice to have I think.

82 and 83 have similar styles. 82 had at some point a weak drive spline which was I believe a brass color and stripped out rather quickly. I like the choke location in these two which is under the left hand grip. The stock seat was higher in the back which some don't like but it works great for me. Your 82 pictured has an aftermarket seat so not an issue. This one in the pic has braided stainless steel brake lines which really helps eliminate spongy brakes. This one also has the headlight and front blinkers which I wish I had.

All of them may need careful attention to the charging system. If you choose the 82 that drive spline can be changed out, or it may already have been done. I have owned a few 850's. An 81 when I was just out of high school and another 81 that I recently parted out. The current 83 850G I ride had 27k miles on it when I picked it up 7/16 now it has 43k miles and runs like a top.

Good luck making your decision.

 

[Steve]

I currently have an '80, have had a couple of '81s. My younger son had an '81. My wife currently has an '82 L. Basically no problems with any of them.

To choose among the three you present:
The '79 pros:
- It is fully-dressed and nicely color-matched.
- It has a kick starter (some like it, I don't really care)
The '79 cons:
- It has a kick starter (extra weight that you will likely never use)
- Points in the ignition
- A unique (thank goodness) auto-cancel turn signal system that is prone to failure
- Older-style brakes and non-drilled disks
- Stock bike had sealed beam headlight, no telling what might be in the fairing
- Older-style VM carbs

The '81 pros:
- Electronic ignition
- H4 halogen headlight
- BS series carbs (CV-style)
- One owner
- More likely to have wheels that are tubless certified
- Updated brake calipers with drilled disks
The '81 cons:
- Repainted

The '82 pros:
- Updated styling of wheels, tank, sidecovers
- Nice-sized saddlebags (but they might be installed on wrong sides)
- Nice windshield
- Possibly updated brake lines
The '82 cons:
- Potential weak spline in rear wheel (easily changed)


If it was up to me to select, I would go for the '82 first, then the '81, finally the '79.

.

 

[Burque73]

The Vetter side bags on that red 81 are really nice to have. They pop off with the turn of a key so you can carry them into the house or motel while you're traveling.

A down side to the windjammer is the mounting bracket. A minor issue really but when it's time to check valve clearances (which you should do or at least verify it has been done regularly) you'll have to remove the fairing and at least loosen the mounting bracket to pull the valve cover off. The tedious part for me is getting the bracket bolted/ clamped back on the frame perfectly level so the fairing isn't cock eyed. From a functionality standpoint I do like having a frame mounted fairing. On the other hand I've been tempted to install a SlipStream one I have on hand because it's so much of a cleaner look. Unfortunately the headlight has been removed so I'll have to find one.

I also like the 82 and later gauge setup. Just personal preference, but the single piece unit on the 81 doesn't look as nice as the 82 and later three piece setup, IMO.
Here are links to some online images to see the differences.

81...

82...

 

[bwringer]

Yeah, what Steve said.

I would skip the '79 entirely, and go for the '82 first.

As he mentioned, you'll get tubeless wheels with the '82, and updated all-electronic ignition (no mechanical ignition advancer.)

The windshield and bags are a matter of personal taste; not my cup o' tea at all, but easily removed/sold/swapped.

The handlebar might be the original torture device; might want to consider replacement.

Hard to tell from the postage stamp photo, but it might have updated suspension, or at the least seems to have updated fork springs (original fork springs sit lower when on the kickstand), which is a big plus.

For $1,800 bucks with good to excellent cosmetics, grab it!

Just leave some budget room for new tires (if the tires are more than three years old) and rear shocks and rear wheel driven spline if these haven't already been addressed, and budget some time for the traditional "laying on of hands" needed for any 36 year old bike. Sit down and review/clean/test the electrical connectors, check all the brakes/cables/fasteners, inspect for stupid PO stuff, check the valves, etc.

And of course, if it doesn't start INSTANTLY and run FLAWLESSLY, then you may have some carburetor and airbox issues to address.

 

[Metalman22]

Thanks so much for all the quick replies and great information. I think I'll take a look at the '82 first. I checked the ad and he actually is asking more than the $1800, wants $2500.
One more thing to throw out since this forum is such a wealth of information. There is a GS1100 that i see just came up for sale near me. It's not the original 850 I was so nostalgic about from my younger days but if it is hands down a better bike I would consider it. One additional piece of into. I'm only 5'7" and not what I use to be in my weightlifting days. So bike height and weight are a concern.
here is the ad link.

https://cnj.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1982-suzuki-gs1100l-survivor/6624911375.html

 

[Metalman22]

Thanks! That was important info to know about the faring.
I like the '82 gauges better also.

 

[Metalman22]

Wow! Great comparison spreadsheet. Can't thank you enough.
I just posted a link to a GS1100. Can I get your opinion on that one also. Quite a bit higher asking price too.

 

[Burque73]

Wow! Great comparison spreadsheet. Can't thank you enough.
I just posted a link to a GS1100. Can I get your opinion on that one also. Quite a bit higher asking price too.

That 1100 is an "L" and has very different ergonomics than the "G". The infamous "L" bars and seat put the rider in a position that leave most riders wanting a break in no time. Also a tiny fuel tank...

 

[Metalman22]

Just the kind of thing I needed to know. I'll scratch it from my list. I also noticed another bike and rusty cars in the photos. Warning signs to me.
Thanks ever so much.

 

[Burque73]

You're welcome.

If you get one of these old GS's you'll get hooked! The forum here cultivates a love for these bikes and I've found that a fascination develops to learn more about them.

 

[Metalman22]

I just got a photo from the '81 GS850 that was painted and is being sold by the original owner.

 

[Steve]

That 1100 is an "L" and has very different ergonomics than the "G". The infamous "L" bars and seat put the rider in a position that leave most riders wanting a break in no time. Also a tiny fuel tank...

I agree on the "very different ergonomics", but some people desire, or even need them. The "L" bars can be replaced, but the seat is a bit harder to modify. And, ... the "tiny" tank was increased in '82 from about 3.5 to 4.5 gallons. :encouragement:
My wife has an '82 850L, which is essentially the same bike with a smaller engine. The fuel mileage is about the same, so you should expect to switch to REServe at about 140-150 miles. The G models will go another 30-50 miles before hitting REServe, so it's not all that much different.

.

 

[850 Combat]

I think '79 has an oddball stator too.

On a tour, the harder throttle pull on the slide carbs is tiring compared to the easier pull on the CV carbs. '79 through'81 look alike. The revised frame was introduced in '82 model year. I don't have a problem with points, but OEM points are crazy expensive. Aftermarket ones not too bad. I replaced them on my '79 before I knew there were aftermarket ones.

 

[Burque73]

Thanks for mentioning that Steve. I wasn't aware they used a larger tank in 82.

Surely a lot of folks like the L just fine. Some members like Cyrano, Kerrfunk, Gustovh, Andy Vanice are a few that come to mind, all seem to enjoy that model. Personally I had pain in my wrists from the angle of the handle bars. Like you said, they can be swapped. The 1100 L is actually lighter than the 850 G too. I never figured that out. The seat height is lower as well.

Still, I couldn't wait to get rid of the 82 1100 L I had and find the G I currently ride now.

Metalman, if you go back in to edit your post and right click on your picture and copy it, you can paste it into your post a little larger. It helps to have a larger file though.

Most folks use an image hosting site like Flikr or Imgur or something. Then you can get big bics posted, and more of them.

 

[RichDesmond]

I know that many here will disagree with me (I'm already ducking and covering in anticipation of Steve's missiles ) but I'd avoid the 850s. I've owned a lot of bikes over the years, and ridden many more, and the GS850 is one of my least favorite. Had one for 3-4 years back in the 90's. Heavy, not fast, didn't handle well, just overall awkward feeling, especially at low speeds. If you like the style of the older GS's (and I certainly do), then virtually any other size/model would be a better choice. Just one man's opinion, and all that.

 

[Redman]

If you are going to get a 80s Honda or Kawi or Yammi or Suzuki: THis web site is a good reason to get a Suzuki over the others.

 

[alke46]

I know that many here will disagree with me (I'm already ducking and covering in anticipation of Steve's missiles ) but I'd avoid the 850s. I've owned a lot of bikes over the years, and ridden many more, and the GS850 is one of my least favorite. Had one for 3-4 years back in the 90's. Heavy, not fast, didn't handle well, just overall awkward feeling, especially at low speeds. If you like the style of the older GS's (and I certainly do), then virtually any other size/model would be a better choice. Just one man's opinion, and all that.

You make some valid points here but as far as handling goes, it depends a lot on the rider. I know this all too well having followed close by to Mr. bwringer on his 850G.

 

[Steve]

I know that many here will disagree with me (I'm already ducking and covering in anticipation of Steve's missiles ) but I'd avoid the 850s.

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.

.