GS850 model

[Guest]

I seen on here that the last letter in the model designates the year. I bought a bike that I was told was a 1981 GS850GLT, I see parts for sale for a 1980 and 1981 GLT. On here the post said that T designates 1980. Is that correct? I have the frame and engine #'s but nowhere on bike is year.

[Big T]

Check the head stock. There should be a decal that includes a manufacture date, like 11/80

Probably not much difference between those 2 years

[eil]

There is a 1980 GS850GLT and a 1981 GS850GLX. The "T" means 1980 model year, the "X" means 1981. However, just like car model years, your "1980" bike might have been build/sold in 1979, of it's it's a 1981, it might have been build/sold in 1980.

In the US, the easiest way to tell whether you have a 1980 or 1981 is to look at the VIN on the headstock. If it's a 17-digit VIN, it's a 1981. If it's much shorter (similar in length to the engine number), then it's a 1980.

Other than that, pictures are worth 1000 words. Here's my 1980 GS850GLT:

[Steve]

Probably not much difference between those 2 years

On the contrary, the '80 850GL was a one-year-wonder. Eil just posted a picture of his '80 L. Great picture of the rectangular chrome caps on the airbox and the (sorta) triangular side covers that I was describing yesterday. The same airbox covers were on the '80 and '81 850 (and 1000) G, but only the '80 L had them. Starting in '81, the L had covers like these, shown on my wife's '82.



Those airbox covers and side panels were also on the '82 and '83 850G and 1000G. '81 was the only year that had different airboxes for the G and the L.

As suggested yesterday, look at the size of the rear tire. The '80 was the only L that had a 17" tire.

Eil also mentioned the difference in length of the serial number.

Either give us a good description of these items or post a picture, we will be able to confirm what you have.

.

[wymple]

I think that 17 digit thing was kind of a hassle. My son bought my 81 a few years back, and while the frame had 17 digits the title did not, and that had to be fixed with an inspection because Iowa now requires all titles to have 17 digits, beginning with the 81 model year. I had the same issue with an 82 Virago.

[1948man]

On the contrary, the '80 850GL was a one-year-wonder. Eil just posted a picture of his '80 L. Great picture of the rectangular chrome caps on the airbox and the (sorta) triangular side covers that I was describing yesterday. The same airbox covers were on the '80 and '81 850 (and 1000) G, but only the '80 L had them. Starting in '81, the L had covers like these, shown on my wife's '82.



Those airbox covers and side panels were also on the '82 and '83 850G and 1000G. '81 was the only year that had different airboxes for the G and the L.

As suggested yesterday, look at the size of the rear tire. The '80 was the only L that had a 17" tire.

Eil also mentioned the difference in length of the serial number.

Either give us a good description of these items or post a picture, we will be able to confirm what you have.

.

Wasn't '81 the shiney model yr??

[Steve]

Wasn't '81 the shiney model yr??

ANY year in my stable tends to end up shiny.

.