What Model?

[twobigdogs]

Hi to all, can anyone help me I have just bought a GS850G but I dont know what model it is.The documents state manufactured 1987 but is on a number plate as a W reg(1981?)It has the later type brakes(slotted discs) with air forks and electronic ignition.It has pulled back handlebars rectangular indicators mph speedo and with a 55mph marking in the speedo.Its all original paint (blue) with a metal painted front mudguard.I assume it was an import from America/Canada?Engine number...GS850G 149699.....FRAME NUMBER JSIGS71G3B2105808....If anyone can help I would be most grateful.........regards mark

[shortlid]

Souinds interesting sounds like my 1980 GS850G here in the US but the pulled back handle bars sound like a GS850GL??

[KGB]

yea an 80 or 81 850 from the states.
Canada used KPH

55 mph marked in red? LOL RIP nixon.........

Back in the old days that was a poor man's chopper, meaning adding pull back bars.
can you take pic and post it?
Does it have a very pronounced step in the seat?
If yes, than it may be an "L" model

[BRycraft]

Model

There is a website that is All Suzuki Models Ever Built and thye have a engine and frame id section. According to that site the 10th digit in the registration indicates the year of the bike
The B in your registration number indicates its a 1981, A=1980 and so on...

http://www.suzukicycles.org/All-Suzuki/all_suzuki_models.html

This is the site with pics of the bikes from all the years, very good info, though not sure if it is all up to date...

Your bike is either a G or GL
G-Shaft Drive
L -Crusier
Sounds like a Cruiser and should have a step down seat compared to a all flat seat, the step down the pax sits up behind a little higher then the driver...

Bill

[Steve]

Adding to the mystery...he mentioned "a metal painted front mudguard". I am thinking that the G models had the painted fenders and the GL models were chrome.

Now, in the "For what it's worth" department...
my '82 850GL was manufactured in November, 1982
engine number is GS850-156486
frame number is JF1GS71LBC2103910

According to Bill, the 10th digit indicates that it's an '82, and I concur.

By the way, pix will soon be posted in the gallery and will also be submitted for Bike of the Month.


.

[twobigdogs]

What Model?

Hi thanks for all the relpies......when I mention pull back bars they are bigger than standard but not as big as the L model.Here is a pic ....hope it helps........cheers Mark

[KGB]

Looks like a G model.
Those look like the standard bars Suzuki used.
Kinda generic or "sit up straight" bar.
Nothing wrong with them at all. They give you options as to attaching a windshild or not. Very comfy type of bar.


As to the air forks, Suzuki used this on many models from the early 80's, my 1980 GS1000S has em, to the late 80's, early 90's.
Be careful if using air. It's easy to blow out a seal or put in too much and the forks lock, no rebound or compression at all.

Good looking bike by the way.

[rustybronco]

1981 GS850G, except for the turn signals it looks bone stock.

[twobigdogs]

:-D Hi thanks for the info .....cheers .mark

[marvinsc]

1981 GS850G, except for the turn signals it looks bone stock.

Exactly, I have an 80 Model in the Garage!:-D