Wiring harness for '81 GS850L ....

[XXWoodmanXX]

If I get one, what OTHER yrs are compatible with my bike's?

IE: If I find an '82 that's less than HALF the price someone is asking for their 81 harness, is it basically the same? (color code and all?)

I ask because the PO had what looks to be a carb fire under the tank, and the harness is completely charred and cracking. Needs replaced pretty badly, so I'm really working on borrowed time here. lol Thx

[XXWoodmanXX]

Bump. Thx.

[Steve]

All the colors are the same on the '82, but the wiring itself is not.
The '82 harness also has provisions for a kickstand warning light that is not there for earlier years.

I have found that some of the connectors that are under the tank on my '80 and my son's '81 850G are in the headlight bucket on my wife's '82 850GL.
Might be because it's an "L", might be because it's an '82, I can't say for sure.

If you don't mind cutting wires several inches beyond the connectors and splicing them into your current, damaged harness, go ahead and get the '82 harness.

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[XXWoodmanXX]

K. I saw some ads that said 79-84 or 79-86, etc. Figured i would ask first before committing. Thx!

[Steve]

Harnesses for a '79 will be different, too. They had points, later ones had electronic ignition. They also had a different turn signal flasher, which required different wiring. I can't say for sure, but they might have had separate rectifier and regulator, later ones were combined.

Other than the addition of the side stand light for '82 and the change of a few connectors (type and location) for R/R and ignitor in '83, most of the non-'79 harnesses might work for you, but try to get one from '80 or '81, and an L, if possible, since that is what you have.

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