850 w/6 gears?

[Anonymous]

My Gs850G is a 6 speed. is that rare for a 1979 GS?

[Anonymous]

what do you have? Reverse?

Just kidding. I think my gear indicator light goes up to 6, but my bike doesn't have 6 gears. maybe some years or models have 6 gears. I'll look into my factory service manual for info.

[Anonymous]

No GS850G is a six-speed. For one such bike to have a six-speed transmission, some major, highly skilled work had to be done. Usually it isn't worth it.

[Anonymous]

I just checked.

None of the GS 850's in my manual have 6 gears. They include GT, GLT, GX, GLX, GZ, GLZ, GD, and GLD. Maybe someone swaped out the motor, or gear box at some point.

[Anonymous]

How many gears does my GS1100EX have? I saw a dyno report showing 5 gears but I thought the chain drive bikes had 6. I feel kind of ripped off, even my 400 has 6

Steve

[Anonymous]

Smaller bikes like the 400 and 550 have 6 gears because they need them. Powerbands are very narrow on those bikes, and the gearing must be close in ratios.

A big bike like the GS1100E needs 6 gears like a hole in the head. My GK doesn't either. Torque is more than adequate, and therefore gearing can be spread out more. Keep in mind that a 6-speed transmission will take up more space and weight. Manufacturers must keep that in mind when designing a bike.

What big bike has 6 speeds? The Concours and the newer BMW oilheads. The Concours doesn't really need 6; its main competitor, the Honda ST1100, has a 5-speed transmission, perfectly designed for high-speed sports touring. The 6 gears on the Kaw Concours are not necessary at all. They are, however, much more necessary on the relatively underpowered BMW twins.

So don't feel ripped off. The GS1100E is one helluva great motorcycle as it's designed. Ride it a lot, and enjoy it for what it is. It doesn't cheat its owner out of anything.

[twhite]

With the torque curve on a GS850 I think I could get away with about 2 gears if I had to. 2 and 4 are the only two ratios you really need.

[Anonymous]

That reminds me of my first bike a Suzuki GT380, two stroke triple cylinder. I had it for months before I accidently shifted it into 6th gear on the highway! I had always went to 5th and thought that was it! What a surprize! Sort'a like finding an over-drive!
GY

[HiSPL]

I park next to a gt380 everyday...he has a bumpersticker in it that says "Jesus loves bikers too".....Too funny

[Anonymous]

I think people get confused because the gear indicator window is the same part used over and over. My 750 has the spot for number6 but it isn't used.

Jon Kram
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81 GS750EX and proud of it!!