mods for my '79 GS850G ???

[Anonymous]

I'm new here, but have check the 9 pages of this forum and not found what I'm looking for. I just bought a nice used GS850G and put 1000 miles on it this past week. It wore me out. I'm thinking that I want a lower seat, so what will fit? I want to change the rear shocks to shorter ones, and problems? I need to repair the front fork seals, any helpful advice? Thanks in advance.
Bob

[jonr]

Bob,

Concerning your shorter shocks, I just ran across a set of shorter ones at Cycle-Recycle:

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

Click on "Accessories" on the left panel. When that comes up, click on General accs, then scroll down until you see the "Chrome short shocks".

These are 11" shocks with either an eye or clevis mount. Most shocks on our old bikes are 12-13". Should drop it down for you a bit. I don't know if you'll bottom out or not or whether your bike has bumpers to alleviate the hit. here is good article on lowering.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/lower0106/index.html

Another general article on fork seals:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/forkseals/index.html

I'm not sure about your seat. Hopefully someone will pipe up about that.

good luck-
Jon

[Anonymous]

thanks a bunch Jon...I read the article and it stated that 1" was a good place to start when lowering, so I bought some 11 1/2" Sportster shocks that will lower it 1 1/2". I found a seat I like that is off an 82 GS850, but I'm not sure yet if it will fit. If it does that will be about another inch lower, if it doesn't I may modify the one I have. I also looked at the article on fork seals and will order some soon. I just have to find the best place to order them. Thanks again.
Bob

[Anonymous]

Seat mod

There is a place that does custom seat mods for a pretty good price. I am going to have mine done, because they replace the foam and fabric. http://www.sargentcycle.com/ They can change the shape, so that it fits better too.

[Nerobro]

I dunno, their prices seem a little steep for what amounts to a VERY simple reupholstering job. I wonder where's a good source for suitable seat foam...

[Anonymous]

I was quoted $275 to lower the front and re-do the cover. My wife says that she can sew a new cover...so I may try that. I read that an auto seat shop might be easy and cheap too...? I'm thinking that the foam cut, replace the lowered driver half with a higher density foam, and then recover...might be doable.
thanks,
Bob

[Anonymous]

well...I just added HD sportster 11 1/2" shocks and dropped it 1 1/2"...feels way better when I ride. Last night I pulled the seat cover off and took about 2" of foam off with a knife, the put the original cover back on...now I'm another inch or so lower...
I'm thinking about taking the little trunk off the back of the bike, going with a chrome fender, bobbing it off several inches, and then adding a tail light right behind the seat... 8)
Bob

[SqDancerLynn1]

I'm 5"8 I don't have any problems with my 850GN How short are you