Rear Fender mod GS850

[Grif]

I've got a 1982 GS850G sitting in the garage. I love the look of the rest of the bike, but the '82 G's have a lot of plastic housing the taillight and seat latch above the fender that I'd like to get rid of. This looks like it will require a new taillight assembly at the least, maybe a completely new back fender and seat.

Does anyone have any experience in this area? Would the fender from an 850GL fit, or possibly another model without the plastic lining?

Thanks,
Grif

[mkaczmarek]

I've got a 1982 GS850G sitting in the garage. I love the look of the rest of the bike, but the '82 G's have a lot of plastic housing the taillight and seat latch above the fender that I'd like to get rid of. This looks like it will require a new taillight assembly at the least, maybe a completely new back fender and seat.

Does anyone have any experience in this area? Would the fender from an 850GL fit, or possibly another model without the plastic lining?

Thanks,
Grif

I have an idea of what you're thinking of doing. I saw an 80's Kawasaki (not sure what model) but it had the similar look which you're going for. It makes the bike look that much more muscular as it shortens it and gives the rear tire more presence. I have been trying to find the Kawasaki which I saw with no luck as of yet. Perhaps it was a custom job...

Anyways, I just thought I'd mention it, unfortunately I don't have a solution for you, but I would be interested in hearing of a solution if you ever come up with one as I'd love that look as well.

==================================================
1979 GS1000E

"The less you know, the more you believe."
"We thought that we had the answers, it was the questions we had wrong."

[Detman101]

I fit the rear fender of a Honda Rebel-250 onto my GS and used the stock taillight mounted right under the lip of the bobbed fender. You will have to get ahold of a sawzall to trim the fender to fit the shape of your tire but the mounting holes should fit perfectly.

After trying harley fenders the honda one was Perfect!

[ruddy]

Boy, am I with you on this one! I love the chunky, muscular look of the standard 850G with the big gas tank, but I would greatly prefer a plain rounded rear fender. I don't know how to do that without replacing the seat assembly along with the rear tail section and fender. I'll be watching this thread for sure. ;-)

[Grif]

I fit the rear fender of a Honda Rebel-250 onto my GS and used the stock taillight mounted right under the lip of the bobbed fender. You will have to get ahold of a sawzall to trim the fender to fit the shape of your tire but the mounting holes should fit perfectly.

After trying harley fenders the honda one was Perfect!

Thanks Detman! Do you have pics?

[Detman101]

Thanks Detman! Do you have pics?

Mock up.





Tear down and repaint.

[Detman101]

[Grif]

Thanks again! How does it look on the bike?

[groundnpound]

rear end mod on my 1980 gs750

I was also thinking about shortening the rear end on these bikes for a few years. When I got my first bike a few years ago, I started formulating a plan. Since my current bike is the 80 750, I did itthis winter. I cut/shortenned/(raised) the rear subframe probobly 8 inches, then move the rear bodywork forward, which really emphisises the tire but also makes other stuff better....I'll get into details later but here is a pic to get started. I am almost done but the plate mount is different now, and I added a small portion of a plate mount under the taillight..............

[mkaczmarek]

I was also thinking about shortening the rear end on these bikes for a few years. When I got my first bike a few years ago, I started formulating a plan. Since my current bike is the 80 750, I did itthis winter. I cut/shortenned/(raised) the rear subframe probobly 8 inches, then move the rear bodywork forward, which really emphisises the tire but also makes other stuff better....I'll get into details later but here is a pic to get started. I am almost done but the plate mount is different now, and I added a small portion of a plate mount under the taillight..............

Nice Job!

That bike looks nice and muscular now, one question though, it looks like a single seater really, so if you want to take a passanger on do they end up sitting on the tail section? if so is it strong enough to take the weight of the rider without damage to it?


==================================================
1979 GS1000E

"NEVER MESS WITH A GS"
"The less you know, the more you believe."
"We thought that we had the answers, it was the questions we had wrong."

[groundnpound]

It is a single seater now, so it would have to be right for the person...My wife won't go near bikes....A healthy fear of dying I guess....

[Grif]

Update: Well, I think Ive found the fenders I want. The local salvage shop has a pair of old 850s (not sure if theyre GLs or just old school). Theyve got chrome rear fenders instead of the plastic crap on the back of my '82. I've got to take some measurements, but Im thinking it might just be a straight swap.

I'll let you know how it goes once I double check where the seat mount sits relative to the rear fender, and decide if the stock seat will look goofy minus the casings.