diifrence in gearing between years and models

[Guest]

Hi I have a brother that bought a 1979 gs850g and I have a 1982 gs850gl and we noticed it seems like his bike has a higher top speed and better gear ratios than mine is this true or is it in my head

[Datsa Noydb]

Nessism has put together a chart showing all the different ratios for the shaties.

The 850L has a very slightly taller 5th gear ratio, but has a shorter tire, which effectively cancels the difference.

[Charger739]

Well isn't that something my bike usually runs around 6k rpm at 70 mph it sounds like it's gonna blow clean up

[Steve]

If you are turning 6k at 70 mph, you need to upshift to fifth gear.

My wife took this picture over my shoulder a couple of years ago, at the Red River Rally. This is on my '80 850G(K).



At 70 mph, you should be turning closer to 5k.

.

[Charger739]

I just wonder what would cause my bike to run at those kinds rpms it just dosent make any sense

[Charger739]

Hey while we are on the subject personally what kind of mileage are or were you getting on your 850?

[Steve]

General running around (in town) will yield 38-40, out on the road (keeping speed under 70 mph) will be 41-44 mpg, even riding 2-up.

.

[Charger739]

Well I'm only averaging about 33 mpg so idk what's the deal the bike sounds great and runs great but has a vance and Hines headers and exhaust and also has a k and n air filter

[boingk]

Check your clutch, mate.

Is it adjusted properly?

- boingk

[Steve]

Before we sold it, my son's '81 850 had what we believe is a Jardine pipe and a K&N filter in the stock airbox. When driven sanely (spirited, but sane), it was usually in the 40-45 range. Before we sold the bike, I swapped pipes and carb jets with my 850. Have not yet run my bike with the pipe, so we will see.

Here is my son's former bike:



.

[Charger739]

Beautiful bike Steve and what did boingk mean by adjusted my clutches properly

[Steve]

If your clutch cable is adjusted a bit too tight, the clutch will not be able to do its job properly and will slip.
That will cause higher revs, but the slippage would be rather noticeable.

.

[Charger739]

Well I mean I am noticing after shifting gears if I'm really giving the beans to the bike it seems to slip slightly is this normal also I haven't changed my trans or final drive fluid since I revieved the bike

[gs850cafe]

my 850 g has the gsxr tach/speedo...at 75 mph on it i think its around 6 or 7k rpm

and not to hijack but is there any gears or anything i can change in my 850 trans for more lower rpm down the highway?

reason i ask i have my spare engine split currently

[Charger739]

Yea I have no Idea why mine gets the mileage/speed problems its having