GS850 final drive??

[Hacked850]

I just bought my 4th 850,this one is a 82 model.I bought it to put my sidecar on.I'm building a RTW combo ( Round The World) and I'm selling my 2007 Vstrom 1000,it is to complex and I need a simple reliable bike for this trip.My question is this,is there anyway to LOWER the final drive gearing??.I'm wondering if there is another GS model with lower gearing that I can swap in my 850??.I think it will be ok for most of my riding but steep hills,and some offrroad would be easier with lower gearing.ANY help would be great.

[Nessism]

There are two gear ratios for the big shafty bikes, and yours already has the lower of the two.

[7981GS]

What size rear tire is on it currently?

Daniel

[Dakotakid]

Find a 130/80-17 rear tire instead of the usual 130/90-17. The 80 is about an inch shorter as viewed while on the bike and this translates to somewhat of a gearing change. I ran a Continental Conti Go 80 series this summer for awhile and the rpms at highway speeds were about 300 to 400 higher.

[SqDancerLynn1]

You could also use the "L" model 16" for a slight lower gear ratio

[bwringer]

You could also use the "L" model 16" for a slight lower gear ratio

Yep. Depending on the mix of years, you may have to shim the brake disc with washers, but the smaller wheel would help a bit.

Also, keep in mind that the 850 engine is designed to spin hard. Just leave it in 4th gear if you like...

[1948man]

Yep. Depending on the mix of years, you may have to shim the brake disc with washers, but the smaller wheel would help a bit.

Also, keep in mind that the 850 engine is designed to spin hard. Just leave it in 4th gear if you like...

Changing the wheel size on my GL (I went to a larger wheel for lower hwy rpm's) made enough difference to notice for sure. Only a little over 6% reduction in revs but it's noticeable. I would try to get an 850GL rear wheel of the same year as your model to reduce the headaches.

[Hacked850]

All I really need is a lower 1st gear for hills and such.5th gear feels good on the highway so I will just leave it alone for now.Here is what I have now,I'm selling the big V ,so this sidecar is going on the the new GS.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. Hacked850,

Sorry I'm late with this. Let me dump a TON of information on you and share some GS lovin'.

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Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. This is what NOT to do: Top 10 Newbie Mistakes. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed. I will put you on my prayer list.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Dogma]

Changing the wheel size on my GL (I went to a larger wheel for lower hwy rpm's) made enough difference to notice for sure. Only a little over 6% reduction in revs but it's noticeable. I would try to get an 850GL rear wheel of the same year as your model to reduce the headaches.

Not every 850L out there has a 16" wheel, so make sure before buying.

[Hacked850]

Also,what lube should I use in the rear diff ??.I'm sure it has never been changed so while I'm freshening up the rest of the bike I want to change it out.

[Nessism]

Also,what lube should I use in the rear diff ??.I'm sure it has never been changed so while I'm freshening up the rest of the bike I want to change it out.

Info like that is in the factory service manual. Free download at Basscliff's website...http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Hint: gear oil