Gs1100l fueltank on a gs850l

[Guest]

Would a fuel tank from an 1100 fit an 850?

[maddman]

Does anyone know?

[gordinho80]

From experience, the tank from my 83 GS1100G did not fit directly onto my 81 GS850G. The C notches on the tanks were off slightly and the way the tank bolts to the frame were different. 1100G has 2 bolt holes that are kind of horizontal. The 850G tank uses 1 bolt that is more perpendicular. With some work to frame/tank, it would work, I guess. But I don't know if the L tanks are different.

[AMK]

If the 1100 tank is an '82 or '83 it will fit.

[Steve]

Would a fuel tank from an 1100 fit an 850?

We have to combine information from several sources here.
- Your subject line mentions 1100L and 850L
- Your question only asks about 1100 and 850
- Your signature mentions you have an '83 850L

Combining all that, if the 1100 tank is, indeed, from an 1100GL, yes, it will fit.

I have to specify the GL because there was an '80 GS1100L that was chain-driven, its tank would NOT fit on your 850L.

.

[maddman]

Okay, thanks guys. I'm looking to increase fuel capacity.

[AMK]

If they're both "L" tanks you will not increase capacity. If the 1100 is not an "L" tank it won't fit.

[Steve]

Okay, thanks guys. I'm looking to increase fuel capacity.

If they're both "L" tanks you will not increase capacity. If the 1100 is not an "L" tank it won't fit.

Very true. The only difference between the '82/'83 850L tank and the '82/'83 1100L tank is PAINT.
The fuel capacity is the same, at 4.5 gallons.

Just like the 850 and 1000 shafties for '80/'81, the frames, tanks, side covers, seat, gauges, lights, handlebars, wheels, tires, ... well, let's just say that almost everything except the engine and driveshaft are the same. Yes, even the final drive is the same, just the shaft between the engine and the final drive is different.

.

[maddman]

Well, crap the bed. What are my options for inceased fuel capacity? The 1100E tank an option? 4.5 gallons must be for the g models, because mine only holds a bit around 3 gallons.

[Steve]

If you have a stock '83 GS850GL fuel tank, it holds 4.5 gallons. My wife has an '82 version of the same bike and that is the same tank.

If you fill the tank and run it until you have to move the petcock to REServe, then fill it right away, you will put in about 3.4 gallons, but the overall tank, including REServe, is 4.5 gallons.

Yes, it limits range a bit, but we don't have to switch to REServe until about 140-150 miles, and that is 2 1/2 to 3 hours on a local ride. About that time, we are looking to get off and take a break anyway.

If you REALLY want to add another gallon of capacity, be prepared for some work. First, you will have to relocate the rubber-padded mounts on the frame, just behind the steering stem. Then you need to remove the entire fork assembly and replace it with the triple clamps, fork tubes, calipers and fender from a non-L model. If you don't do that, you will have some really nice "custom" dents in the front of your tank that will reduce its capacity by several ounces.

That is a lot of time, money and work involved just to add another hour of riding time between fuel stops.

.

[maddman]

Fair enough.