New guy from southern Ohio

[Redman]

ND,

Welcome to GSR.

Nice looking 850.
Looks all stock, but I dont think I have ever seen such a color on any G.
Maybe other folks can say if that is stock or not.

Chillocothee OH to Bedford Indiania is 225 miles.
Look for the "Brown County" rally posting.

Are other GSR members there in central Ohio.
Mr Steve has chimed in already.
Will be a handfulll of GSR members headed to Bedford, some probably going bye not too far from you.

My son-in-law is in Navy, so I guess that makes me Navy-Dad-In-Law.

Do tell us more of your adventures.

.

[NavyDad]

ND,

Welcome to GSR.

Nice looking 850.
Looks all stock, but I dont think I have ever seen such a color on any G.
Maybe other folks can say if that is stock or no

.

Thanks for the welcome. Bike has been painted and the story is that that first owner had it painted when he bought it. It is a quality paint job and I will leave it as is. I am going to try to match the color because there are a few small dings I would like to touch up.

[AMK]

Another welcome from Ohio.
That 850 will look nice assuming you do it like the cb650. I think I would have kept that one.

[NavyDad]

Another welcome from Ohio.
That 850 will look nice assuming you do it like the cb650. I think I would have kept that one.

I intended to keep the 650, but sentiment got in the way. My wife and I had another couple that we rode with frequently, they were very dear friends on and off the bikes. The wife became ill rather suddenly and riding was no longer an option and her husband was NOT going to ride without her. He sold their bike and bought a small camper which she really enjoyed until she passed. Jay was at the house one day when the 650 was basking in the sun and commented how he missed riding and started tossing numbers at me. Because he was a good friend and I know he will keep the bike in pristine condition (he does) I accepted an offer and sent it home with him. My 34" inseam actually made the Custom a bit uncomfortable for me and it fits him to a tee, plus that gave me the funds to start looking for a vintage "standard" bike that fit me better. The 850 fits fine.

[rkroby]

My brother and I are just starting a restoration of a 1980 Honda CB 650 Custom. Forum member chuck hahn are rebuilding the carbs as we speak. I have been spoiled by this forum with all its insight and information. Can't seem to find much info on the Honda and parts are very difficult to find. Don't think it will ever look as good as your 1981. Great work.

[AMK]

I intended to keep the 650, but sentiment got in the way. My wife and I had another couple that we rode with frequently, they were very dear friends on and off the bikes. The wife became ill rather suddenly and riding was no longer an option and her husband was NOT going to ride without her. He sold their bike and bought a small camper which she really enjoyed until she passed. Jay was at the house one day when the 650 was basking in the sun and commented how he missed riding and started tossing numbers at me. Because he was a good friend and I know he will keep the bike in pristine condition (he does) I accepted an offer and sent it home with him. My 34" inseam actually made the Custom a bit uncomfortable for me and it fits him to a tee, plus that gave me the funds to start looking for a vintage "standard" bike that fit me better. The 850 fits fine.

Oh yeah, that's the way it had to be then.
You do nice work.

[NavyDad]

My brother and I are just starting a restoration of a 1980 Honda CB 650 Custom. Forum member chuck hahn are rebuilding the carbs as we speak. I have been spoiled by this forum with all its insight and information. Can't seem to find much info on the Honda and parts are very difficult to find. Don't think it will ever look as good as your 1981. Great work.

If you are not familiar with this site http://www.sohc4.net/ you need to sign on. It is to SOHC Honda's what this forum is to the GS. It doesn't help in that lots of parts on the 650 Customs won't cross between the years. Made it interesting finding the correct parts.

[kerrfunk]

Nice looking bike.

I am just 75 miles west of you, we'll have to meet up some time.

.

I am in Huntington WV, about 90 miles SSE of Chillicothe. Some of my favorite rides are between you and me. Welcome!

[rkroby]

Thank you for the Honda website. Looks like it will be very useful.

[NavyDad]

Once I got into the disassembly of the 850 I found some paint issues that I didn't want to live with so I decided to have my buddy paint the bike. I chose the colors and told him to have fun with it. This is what he did. I like it.

paint.jpg

[NavyDad]

Front fender

paint2.jpg

[Steve]

Nice. I would have gone for blue instead of red, but it's your bike, not mine.

I like the pattern. My son is looking for something to do to his 1000, we will likely use a similar pattern, with different colors.

.

[alke46]

Nice choice of colors. That bike will stand out in a crowd. Hint, hint there will be a crowd at Bedford in June. Hope you can make it.

[wymple]

My 81 GS850 has done me several years of yeoman duty on a small budget. I think 81 is the best year to have, starting with one of the best stock seats ever made. Do the normal upgrades and you'll have a great keeper that will grow on you. My only complaint is that I am short and it's a bit top heavy.

[NavyDad]

All of my bikes over the years have been blue or a combination with blue in it. My wife suggested I walk on the wild side for a change, so I did. As far as upgrades there won't be much that isn't updated or gone over as I plan on doing some traveling on this bike. I am going to have more in it than I could ever get back, but if it's going to be a keeper I can live with that.