How Do I Get An 850 Shaft To Go Fast?

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to get my big, heavy 850 to go fast? Are there more mods to be done other than pipe and jet kit?

Any and all answers would be appreciated.

One who thinks like others is not thinking at all.

[argonsagas]

The 850, as I understand it, is an opened up 750 engine, with a shaft drive. It was intended for touring, not speed, and unless you and/or your partner are fairly heavy, it will perform quite well. Jetting and exhaust will help, but won't turn it into a monster. Probably the next step is to bolt in an 1100 engine.

Before doing that, though...why not decide on your priority...if dependable and comfortable transportation powered by a rock solid engine meets your needs, you have it. If FAST is what you want most, why not sell the 850 and buy an 1100E or 1150? Or compromise with an 1100G, and have a quicker bike, but still a solid engine and excellent touring machine?

[Anonymous]

For heaven's sake, don't try to make the fine ole GS850 into something it isn't. The 850 is, along with the 1100G and GK, the best standard motorcycle ever made. It was designed for longevity, long-distance touring and commuting, economical transportation, and dependability. Try to mess with it, you'll lose much of the latter. The frame and suspension are adequate for the power of the engine. More power from that engine will result in dangerous handling. Keep in mind these bikes are 20+ years old, and vast advances in frame and engine technology have taken place since.

I had four successive 850's between 1986 and 1999. I was never hurting for power. Rode them a total of 120,000 miles during those years, and enjoyed them very much. The only time I wished for more power was on long interstate stretches, when the rpm's were awfully high at speeds beyond 75. The 850 feels and sounds buzzy at those speeds. The GS1100GK is much more sedate at those speeds.

You wanna go fast? Get yourself a fast bike, either a 16-valver GS1100E, or, better yet, a Hayabusa or such modern bike. Keep the 850 the lovable motorcycle it was always meant to be.

If your 850 runs the way it should, the way it was designed, the power is there. Want more? Go tire kicking.

Nick

[SqDancerLynn1]

I agree with Nick 6k rpms is 90 mph on my GS850. what more do you need, Its not a sport bike. if thats what you want buy a gsxr1000. and save the GS for touring

[Jay B]

Dont know about yours but mine is plenty fast enough for her age. I get plenty of get up and go and theres even enough in there to show a Hardley her tail lights once in a while. Don do anything to mess with that or you might regret it. You want more power and speed get yourself a bigger bike and save the 850 for the lazy days.

[Clone]

I have a 750 and it flies, has a great punch when you snap open the throttle in fifth at 120 km/hr. If an 850 is an opened up 750, it must not be running right or is pretty tired to have a lack of power.

[Anonymous]

Big ? Heavy ? GS850??? I guess it all depends on your preception! My wife's 850 is more adgile than my 1100... When I ask my wife how to may my bike go faster she tells me to lose some weight
GY

[Anonymous]

Thanks on 850 info

Thanks guys. maybe thinking my bike is big, heavy and super slow is all in my head. I'm not gonna do any frame mods but I am thinking about a streetfighterish Gixxer or late model sportbike tail conversion.

Be cool. 8)
Warren

[arveejay]

The 850 if tuned to factory specs is fast. Mine will out run my sport model 650-4. If your thinking about these newer crotch rockets and you want to compete with them, forget it. It will never compete with them, no matter what you do. To echo the above contributions, the gs850 is one of the finest, most dependable CRUISERS ever built. It was never designed to race a sport bike. Enjoy your bike, fix it up, and most important of all, Enjoy it for what it is.

[Anonymous]

Hey you could ride that 850 lead sled out of an air plane and it still wouldn't be fast. Hee hee I crack my self up

[Anonymous]

I used to have a 1100e and now have an 850.. 8 more valves and 250 cc makes a big difference... Sell it.. get a 16 valve motor get an 1100.. do it.. you'll never regret it..

[Anonymous]

Well guys, I think i'll keep it until spring and get a 16 valver or an oil cooled gixxer 1100. but I'll keep everyone posted on my current project progress. 8)