Potential GS850 update...

[Trilug]

The bike I was looking at getting is NOT a 83 GS850, it's an 85 GS550L (VIN verified through insurance company). Also, the owner can't find the title to it, and doesn't want to file for lost title due to health problems, and is now wanting to throw it in as a parts bike for a 79 GS850G that he has for sale.

 

[Trilug]

This is the 79 GS850G that the guy has for sale. Someone put pods on, and from the sound of it, they didn't do the jets. She is really boggy until you get the RPMs up a bit.

I can get the pair for a grand, but the 550 would have a bonded title, or would be parts.

Would it be worth getting?

The Kawasaki (OHC400?) in the background is for sale at $100, as is. They couldn't get it started, and the fuel tank has a hole in it (can see daylight through it).

Any thoughts would be helpful. Advantages and disadvantages of each bike, is it worth it, or should I run?

 

[Trilug]

Here's a better pic of the Kawasaki. The previous owner passed, and this one doesn't have a title either, hence it's price.

 

[Brendan W]

The 850 looks good. May be right about the jetting. If it runs with no mechanical noises I would be in there. The drilling of the front discs puts me off a little. Seen a few 78/79 bikes drilled DIY and that one looks a bit severe.
The 400 for a hundred is a steal if you have the time and space to get it back.

 

[Trilug]

Stupid question, would the airbox from the 550 fit the 850? They are different carbs, not sure if the spacing was the same though.

 

[Brendan W]

I don't know for sure but it's most unlikely.

 

[mnferwerda]

The 550 as parts bike for the 850 doesn't make a whole lot sense since not much will switch over. The 850 looks good decent but you should inspect it carefully to see what it will need. I bought a pretty clean '83 GS850 for $250 that had been sitting for 10 years and still put in close to $1600 to get it up snuff ( was missing a title and carbs though).

 

[Trilug]

Honestly I'd rather get the 550 titled, because aside from the 20+ years of maintenance, she seems to run without issue. Might get the Kawasaki titled, and tell my 17 year old that she can have it if SHE figures out what is wrong with it and SHE fixes it. No bringing it to the shop, and no having others help her other than online.

I think It would be awesome to be able to get at least 1 ride in with my dad and my daughter. Dad's last ride was about 30 years ago when he and I went out together before he sold his 77 KZ750LTD.

 

[Steve]

The 550 will be useless as a parts bike for the 850.

About the only parts that you can move from the 550 to the 850 would be the caps on the tire valve stems and the light bulbs.

.

 

[Trilug]

I'm going to have to do some checking now that I know what the brown one actually is. I was told it was an 850, and that they thought they had the title, but found out it was the wrong title. I'm wondering if they have the right title, and just don't realize it because they thought it was a different bike than what it actually is. I really don't want to part out any of the three that I looked at, as they are complete, and I have seen 2 of them running.

The Kawasaki may be another story. It has compression when it is kicked over, but they couldn't get it to turn over with the starter. I have a few ideas of possible culprits, including contacts, bad battery, wiring, and starter.

 

[Steve]

I'm going to have to do some checking now that I know what the brown one actually is.

Which one is "the brown one"? :-k

The bike in the first picture looks to be black and red to me. That one actually looks like an '81 850GL. A 550 would not have dual disks on the front wheel. Does the bike have a chain to the rear wheel or a shaft?

The '79 850G does appear to be a '79 850G.

The Kawasaki appears to be a KZ400. Not sure of the year, but based on the paint pattern, it might be a '75.

.

 

[Trilug]

The bike in the first pic looks brown to me. But I'm partly color blind, it may just be the patina messing with my eyes. It is a shaft drive, like the 79. I'll admit I don't know much about UJM identification. When I called the VIN in to my insurance, they said the VIN came back as an 85 GS550L. I'll be able to stop by later and take some closer pics, just let me know what you want to see.

 

[Nessism]

Unless you enjoy wrenching and fighting with the DMV I'd pass on the lot. The bikes could likely be reformed at a cost but it will require money and a lot of time.

 

[Nessism]

Oh, and here is your original thread. Starting a new thread as an update of the last fragments the discussion and makes it difficult to follow.

 

[Trilug]

Thanks Nessism. I hadn't really thought about that.

 

[Wingsconsin]

What is wrong with making an offer (lower than the $1095 asking) on the GS850G ?
Other than the pods - it IS running and HAS a title ..?
Many here have taken on worse and done just fine.

Pick it up for around 500 and move on .. the gurus here can get it going with you I am sure of it.

IF you are seeking an 850 that is running and ready to go mostly -- See the classifieds here and look for Growlers bike.
Milwaukee isn't that far away and I have seen this bike and heard it run (in MY garage) -
I know it is a good bike looking for a good home. (albeit at a higher price)
Or there is a bike For Sale from Rob & Heidi (I met them at Brown County Rally) -- Looks pretty good (850 or 1000?)

 

[Steve]

Rob and Heidi's bike is an '82 850G. Going at a fair price from what I have heard, and it's in good shape.

Growler's bike is in equally-good condition and is much closer to you. Either one could be ridden home. :encouragement:

.

 

[Wingsconsin]

Robs advertisement on Let Go ..

https://us.letgo.com/en/i/1982-suzuki-gs-850g_2fedb1c6-f135-4063-95c3-5d24d49d6978

 

[Trilug]

I did get the KZ400 today for $50. The tile was signed 14 years ago, but the PO never turned in the portion relinquishing ownership, and the new owner passed away before transferring it. The executor sold it at auction, and the guy that bought it never did anything with it. So I have the title, signed by the current legal owner. DMV doesn't like dealing with these, but it's usually not that big of a hassle. The guy with the 850s wants to go to the DMV with the buyer to ensure transfer of title on the 79. He can file for a duplicate title, and file to transfer title at the same time. If he wants my money, I get both titles. Bikes have been sitting their for a couple months, I'm hoping he will go for it.

 

[Trilug]

I am really confused on this one. The VIN shows the bike in the first pic as a 85 GS550, but the engine # is GS850-143248. She is a shaft drive, dual disk front brake, single disk rear. She has the stepped seat, chrome fenders, smaller tank, and pulled back handlebars of the GS cruisers.

My understanding is that they did not make an 850 on 85, but the 550 was a chain drive, and not offered in a cruiser model. Is there something I am missing? Is this a factory oops, or did someone to an awesome job at a custom build? Is there a way to identify what year the engine actually is?

What would be the advantage disadvantages of stuffing an 850 engine into a 550 frame?