whats the diffence between the gs850g and gs850gl models?

[Guest]

Just curious, what's the real difference between the two models?

[Burque73]

The L has a smaller tank, stepped style seat, and handle bars that bring your elbows in/ bend your wrists at an uncomfortable angle. More chrome on the L too!

[maddman]

I think the handle bars are comfortable. Be it they could be a little higher. How much bigger is the g tank compared to the gl?

[Burque73]

I think the handle bars are comfortable. Be it they could be a little higher. How much bigger is the g tank compared to the gl?

Cool, glad you like the bars. I had my wrists hurting and hands numb in twenty minutes with them. The L holds 4.5 gallons and the G 5.8.

[bwringer]

GL has:
leading axle front fork
Different tank -- smaller, more of a "peanut" tank shape.
Different brake caliper brackets
Slightly different frame with plastic covers behind steering stem
81+ GLs have 16" rear wheel
Chrome rear fender
Stepped seat
Different side covers
Different instrument cluster
80-82 GL has electronic ignition with mechanical advancer; 82+ G has electronic advance.
Slightly different 5th gear
Slightly different exhaust
Different handlebars, as mentioned, but the stock handlebars on all models were awful and pretty much always got changed.
Chrome front fender
I think the airboxes may be different.
6" chrome headlight
Different turn signals some years

G models have:
Painted front fender ('79 G has chrome front fender)
17" rear wheel
Plastic rear tailpiece and plastic inner rear fender.
Flatter seat
Larger tank
7" headlight with black plastic housing
Different side covers
All differences noted above.

This is not an exhaustive list; when in doubt, ask here or compare part numbers. Most mechanical parts interchange, most cosmetic parts do not. And there are many year-to-year differences I haven't detailed here that you will need be aware of if you're buying or looking for parts.

Remember that no one selling parts on fleaBay has the slightest idea whether they have a G or GL model. If you ask, they'll just try and tell you what they think you want to hear. The GL seems to have sold a lot better than the G back in the '80s, but nowadays the more "standard" G is more sought after.

Despite what some here will tell you, with appropriate suspension updates and reasonable handlebars, both will handle extremely well and indeed feel pretty much the same. The main difference in motion is that the stepped seat of the GL puts you a little closer to the ground. And you'll be stopping for gas more often thanks to the smaller tank.

Here's my 1983 GS850G in a view that shows many of the differences. Never mind the doofy air seat and floppy tail pack... My bike is also wearing a chrome aftermarket headlight assembly. Stock for the G is black plastic with a chrome ring.


Here's a 1983 GS850GL for comparison (again, there are many year-to-year detail differences we're not covering here):

[Burque73]

Wow! Oh I left out a couple of things
Ok, a lot of things

[maddman]

Very informative, thank you.

[Joe Garfield]

And most importantly, the G's are a lot cooler

[bigsmellyfred]

It appears the "G" needed a kickstand or center stand to stay upright, while the "L" stood upright without any mechanical assistance. (as per above pictures)

[1948man]

L for Level.

[geol]

I am not sure what it means, but when you look for a GS of any displacement, you will see a lot more GL models than G on CL.

[DohcBikes]

Common knowledge to some i'm sure, the L stand for 'Lowslinger'. Which in Suzuki talk translates to 'custom' aka 'we tried to make it look like a harley'. The G means shaft drive.

[Wingsconsin]

I was looking for a GS850 for a long time--
There was rarely ever any G models for sale around here..
But I did find an L model and then spent some time working it into an acceptable ride (for me)
The seat on the L is torturous but I had mine re-done to a more suitable riding comfort

[Lowflyer]

And most importantly, the G's are a lot cooler

Yes but the L's are a LOT faster !