Looking for confirmation that I am indeed an idiot

[Skaat]

So, a while ago i bought some used side covers for my 81 gs650 gl. thinking that there existed some side cover emblems that actually read "GS650GL", I promptly sold the "GS650L" emblems that came with the used side covers... and I think I'm now coming to the realization that these were indeed the correct emblems for my bike. DOH! anyone have any information that can confirm or refute this "revelation"?

[TheCafeKid]

You're an idiot. Is that what you wanted??


Seriously though, i dont think any of the "GL" models actually said "GL"...well, except for one of those GoldWing things..

They, from what ive seen, and mind you, ive only come into close contact with a few different model of L, only say "L"

[jbs80106]

FWIW mine only says GS650G.....not GS650GLZ which is the full designation for the 650 shafty.......

[DanTheMan]

My 850GL says GS850L on the side covers.......Maybe you're not an idiot, but maybe the GS650L didn't do the same at some point in time. Only the Shadow knows.....

[Planecrazy]

You could mod it with a custom 650GL decal ... then you'd be the ONLY one with a "properly" designated 650GL!

If I'm not mistaken you may still be able to order brand new replacements, so all is not lost.

Regards,

[Dave8338]

They DO say (on my 83) GS 650 gL.
You have to look twice to see it however...it is there. It is in script writing, lower case g, upper case L. Have a look:


NO...this is not my side cover (beaten with an ugly stick)... a pic I stole from fleabay

[tkent02]

Wow, I never noticed that. The gL thing is very cool. It's enough to make me completely rethink my opinion of the "L"adies models.

[Steve]

Seriously though, i dont think any of the "GL" models actually said "GL"...well, except for one of those GoldWing things..

You picking on ME???

Yeah the Wings had a GL on them, but it was before the size, not after it. For example: GL1500.
(Mine happens to be a GL1500 SE. That's Special Edition, as in fully-loaded.)

FWIW mine only says GS650G.....not GS650GLZ which is the full designation for the 650 shafty.......

Actually, that was the full designation only for the 1982 650 shafty.

The Z at the end signified that it was an '82 model. An '81 would have been a GS650GLX and the '83 would have been GS650GLE.

.

[Dave8338]

Wow, I never noticed that. The gL thing is very cool. It's enough to make me completely rethink my opinion of the "L"adies models.

Yeah...you would!!!!! Can still teach OLD Dog(s) new "tricks"...

Jealousy will make you say the darndest things!

[sachsaca]

Kinda aggrivating isn't it, everything I look up on my GS 100 L says GS 1000 LN. My title says 1980 but for all purposes it's a 79. Sucks I know. Relax go with the flow, you know it's a GL so don't worry, be happy. It's yours

[Steve]

Kinda aggrivating isn't it, everything I look up on my GS 100 L says GS 1000 LN. My title says 1980 but for all purposes it's a 79. Sucks I know. Relax go with the flow, you know it's a GL so don't worry, be happy. It's yours

Look on the steering neck at the label. What does it show there? Should show the production date and the full serial number, including the letter suffix.

If it is, indeed, a '79 "N" model, it would have a production date probably between 9/78 and 8/79, would also have VM carbs and a speedo that reads over 85 mph.

It's also possible that it was one of the last of the '79s, and did not get sold and titled until 1980, so the dealer might have marked it as '80 on the title application.

.

[Flaming Chainsaws]

They DO say (on my 83) GS 650 gL.
You have to look twice to see it however...it is there. It is in script writing, lower case g, upper case L. Have a look:

Now that is awesome. I have never noticed that before. But that doesn't apply to all bikes. My GS450L has the same emblem but is not shaft driven

[Dogma]

Now that is awesome. I have never noticed that before. But that doesn't apply to all bikes. My GS450L has the same emblem but is not shaft driven

Excellent point. It appears that the appearance of a G is not the same as a G appearing. I think I just ruined "appear". It appears to be spelled wrong now.

[Buster-boy]

According to Babbits Online Parts Fiche for 81 GS650GL, the emblem says GS650L

[Dave8338]

According to Babbits Online Parts Fiche for 81 GS650GL, the emblem says GS650L

So...do I need to call Babbits and inform them, as well?