Alternate Gear Ratios for GS850??

[Guest]

I was curious, after reading about some of the 2-cylinder guys going 1-tooth larger on their front sprocket for long highway rides and was wondering...

Were there, or are there, options on the final drive ratios for the various years of GS850Gs out there??

[Tim Tom]

Given enough time and money invested I'm sure you could find a way to change the gearing, however I'm not sure why you would want to. If your 850 is running right it should have no problem at highway speeds, or getting there.

I'm imagining your idea is to be able to cruise the highway at a lower rpm? and therefore get better fuel economy?

I do a lot of highway riding on my GS850 and I have no problem cruising at or above highway speeds. The bike is happy to run at 80 mph at 6000 rpm all day. That's actually just under the kick in your pants power-band which makes passing all too easy.

Like I said, I'm sure there is a way, only question would be why use the resources to do it?

[Darin Jordan]

Like I said, I'm sure there is a way, only question would be why use the resources to do it?

Likely wouldn't... just curious...

What you describe sounds good to me! Might sound a little better if I had a small fairing of some sort, but until I do, I'll just keep my visor down and hang on!!

[Steve]

You might want to check out this thread to see what might be available.

Keep in mind that some parts are not directly interchangeable, regardless of ratio. I know that the 1100 secondary drive does not fit into 850 cases, there will be other issues, too. The final drive swap appears to be the only "easy" upgrade.

.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I found this on some guy's website.



All of these final drive units are interchangeable. So if you can find a later model GK drive unit it can, for example, be used on an 850 to lower the RPM at highway speeds.

My 850 will run at 5000rpm and 70mph all day long without a care. I just had a 1768 mile weekend at renobruce's rally with no trouble. Balance your tires, adjust your valves, sync your carbs and it will be very smooth, no "buzzy-ness".


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff