Newbe GS 850L question. Tach reading at 70 MPH ?

[Guest]

This is the first Suzuki that I have ever owned. Got it last month. It is a 1983 GS 850 L with 12,800 original miles. What a great Motorcycle. After a little detailing, some new Spark plugs and some Startron treatments, I was able to get out for a Highway ride. How many RPM should I be turning at 70 mph ??? I was at almost 5,000 @ 70 mph. Is that too high, or tach reading is incorrect. Thanks.

[tkent02]

That's probably about right. These engines like to spin.

[76_Mike_82]

Thats real close to my 850G. I pull just above 5000 at 70 and somewhere very close to 6000 at 80.

[JerseyJohn]

Thank you for your help. Ride Safe.

[Steve]

This might help a bit. My wife shot this over my shoulder a few years ago on my 850G(K).

[JTGS850GL]

might help to let us know what gear you were in?

[bwringer]

Spin to win!

Grip it and rip it!

Yes, seriously, the GS850 loves to spin. The real fun begins at 6,000 rpm. These bikes are an absolute hoot once you unlock the secrets of the top third of the tach.

No, you're not going to hurt a thing. These engines are extremely durable -- you can spin 6,000 rpm at 80mph all day and all night if you need to. Or, for the most fun, tackle a tight twisty road, notch down a gear or two, and keep the engine boiling above 6,000.

Here's a demonstration (yes, that's the bone-stock exhaust, although I think the camera was picking up some vibes that made it sound much louder than it actually is):

https://youtu.be/o9v8AdkwRFM

And yes, what you report is pretty normal RPM/speed (see Steve's pic above). Bear in mind that 35 year old instruments are not exactly the most precise, so all we can say is "yeah, that's about right".

Stop putt-putting around like a little old man (even if you are). Put aside low-tech Harley-based thinking and embrace the rev religion. Join us on the high side of the tach...

[tkent02]

No, you're not going to hurt a thing. These engines are extremely durable -- you can spin 6,000 rpm at 80mph all day and all night if you need to.

And they will last for hundreds of thousands of miles doing this. Chugging small, air cooled engines designed for high RPM use does them no good. Wastes fuel, wears the engines out, bores the rider. Wind it out!