1980 GS850G and 1981 GS850G Fames

[mike63078]

Hello there

are these frames identical??

[Steve]

As long as they are both G and not GL, yes, they are identical.

.

[mriddle]

How about 1979 ?

[Steve]

How about 1979 ?

Interesting search results there.

The '80 and '81 850 frames have the same part number, and they share it with the '80 and '81 GS1000G.

The '79 850 frame is one digit different, and a cross-reference check shows that it is not shared with anything else.

Not sure what changed in the frame from '79 to '80, but evidently the frames are just a bit differentl.

41100-45100-019 is the frame number for the '79 850
41100-45101-019 is the frame number for the '80 and '81 850 and 1000.

.

[bwringer]

1980 and 1981 GS850G frames bear the same part number, so they are identical.

1979 GS850G frames have a slightly different part number, so they are not identical.

What the difference is, I don't know. It may be only a legal or cosmetic distinction, but without the frames side-by-side, there's no way to know.

I know all the bodywork and running parts will interchange except the carbs and airbox -- the engine mounts the same, and the swingarm, forks, wheels, etc. all mount up the same.

If I had to, I'd hazard a guess that perhaps the airbox mounts a bit differently, or there's no difference other than legally -- 1980 ushered in several new emissions regs.



Oh, and you can look up NLA part numbers here: http://alpha-sports.com
Their prices are batspit insane, but their interface is useful. If you're rich, keep buying stuff from Alpha-Sports so they'll stay online.

[tkent02]

My guess would be the '79 frame is shaped differently to go around the area of the engine where the kick starter is.

[850 Combat]

According to old magazine road tests I collect, the '79 G had 1 degree steeper of steering angle than a 1000G. I question that, though. They feel the same to me. I think the '79 has a different airbox though. Perhaps it is related to that, or some different relating to the '79 not having an electronic ignition, or a different choke cable tab for the non CV carbs. Who knows.

[kochic]

the seat is hinged on the '79 and the gas tank mount are not the same.
Marc

[Steve]

My guess would be the '79 frame is shaped differently to go around the area of the engine where the kick starter is.

The '80 and '81 engines have that same bump on the back of the cases where the kickstart used to be, so I don't think that's it.

the seat is hinged on the '79 and the gas tank mount are not the same.

The seat is also hinged on my '80 and '81 850s.

Can't tell about any mounting difference in the fiche, have not seen a '79 in person.

My three 850s are '80G, '81G and '82GL.

.

[terrylee]

my sons' 79 has same airbox as my 80, and I'll have to look real carefully again, but I don't think I remember any difference in the frames. terrylee

[kochic]

seat with hinge

Ouppss, the big model change are '82 and up if i understand.
what year they started the gas tank with 2 rear mounting bolts?
Marc

[Steve]

what year they started the gas tank with 2 rear mounting bolts?
Marc

That would be '82.

.

[850 Combat]

There were big changes from '80 to ''81, too though.

Out with the round chrome turn signals and in with the rectangular black ones. Dual filament bulbe in the front turn signals!

The color brown was finally available!

At least thats what I remember about the '81 850G I owned in the mid '80s