Trying to find the right red 1979 GS850

[Guest]

I ordered the pin stripe that matches the original on my 79 gs850. It is colored burgundy-orange-burgundy-gold-burgundy. Is that burgundy color on the decal the color that the paint should be? My original paint is so faded that it looks pink and I am trying to do a full restore for collectors insurance.

[azr]

I'm trying to remember the pain schemes that came with the 79' 850, black was one for sure, I seem to think the maroon didn't come out till 1980 but I'm sure someone with more info will chime in. Just so you know, you don't need to be too worried about the colour when it comes to ICBC, as long as there's no rust showing anywhere, no visible dents and the paint isn't something weird they will pass it. Hard to tell from the photo's but your paint doesn't look that bad. Oh...just noticed. ICBC will not pass pods.

[AndrewinVictoria]

I am not running the pods anymore. They were scrapped awhile ago, stupid purchase, they fell apart. I was just waiting for the airbox boots and filter. The minute i put the airbox on it started running 10x better. The clear coat on my paint is in nice shape but the paint under is faded very randomly, almost like camo. Very weird, my father had someone repaint it a long time ago but it now looks like crap. I am okay with it but would love to put money into the bike to get cheaper insurance in the end, kind of a win win in my eyes. Another question, Does anyone know where to find the exhaust that will help it pass, I found the MAC one and am willing to buy it but Im not sure if it will pass with the turnouts at the end instead

[azr]

Trevor's had bikes pass with V&H pipes 4 into 1. Don't by the Mac products, they're crap. I've had a 79' 850 pass before with welded on Dunstalls to the stock 4 into 2.

[charger]

I painted my baby.

Here is mine:

http://i.imgur.com/EhuxYqG.jpg

[Rob S.]

...would love to put money into the bike to get cheaper insurance in the end, kind of a win win in my eyes.

What am I missing? Putting money into a 1979 motorcycle is an investment?!?

[AndrewinVictoria]

What you are missing is that this bike in particular has been in my family since 79 with a great story along with it. Also it is very fun to ride. I am youngish and want it to last a long time, also I make too much money and have no kids, so what the hell, why not?

[azr]

The 850's are great bikes!! smooth like butter and will outlast virtually anything out there, great all round bikes. And when I had my 79' 850 I rode that thing at 8'000 RPM all day long. Sure they won't 'snap' like a chain drive but then again you don't need to worry about a chain period

[BigD_83]

What am I missing? Putting money into a 1979 motorcycle is an investment?!?

$250/year versus $750. The $250 covers multiple motorcycles, but you can only have one plated at a time.

Can't use for work.

[BigD_83]

I'm with Rob on the colour. I saw a blacked out Virago with collector plates and a number of things that didn't fit the scheme. The owner might have done it after getting the plates, but I don't think so.

[Rob S.]

$250/year versus $750. The $250 covers multiple motorcycles, but you can only have one plated at a time.

Can't use for work.

So you just move the license plate from bike to bike, depending on which you want to ride that day?

[BigD_83]

So you just move the license plate from bike to bike, depending on which you want to ride that day?

You've got it.

[AndrewinVictoria]

Perfect, about the color not being identical. I found a beautiful candy apple red that is so close to the burgundy that i think its supposed to be. Not being able to take it to work, well, who really works these days anyway. I know I try to work as little as possible, except now that i have a suzuki, I am always working, on it, but that is fun. Thanks guys for all of your input.

[geol]

This site has pics of the 79 GS850G:

http://www.suzukicycles.org/All-Suzuki/all_suzuki_models.html

Appears to be red, blue and black offered in 79. The red doesn't look burgundy to my
tired eyes....