Side cover interchangeability

[G man]

Anyone know what side covers are a physical match to the '82 GS850GL? I was hoping that at least the '82-'83 GL1100GL would be a match. What about the '80-'81 GS850GL or GS1100GL?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Alan Schlosser]

I checked the part numbers for the 82-83 1100L and they're the same. 47111-45310 for the RH and 47211-45310 for the left. I have to belive that these would be the same for the 850L as cosmetically, they're the same bike. I don't think the 80-81 would fit as they are more triangular shaped. possibly because they were the earlier chain drive models. I do remember seeing a side cover for an 1100L on eBay this morning but didn't get the item number. Good Luck.
Al

[Anonymous]

Alan, all GS850's, regardless of year and also whether a standard or an "L" model, are shaft-driven models.

The 82 and 83 GS850G and GS1100G have incredible parts interchangeability. The same for the 82 and 83 GS850GL and GS1100GL. Most body parts are totally exchangeable.

Not so the earlier GS850G's and GL's. A 1982 GS850G will have more parts in common with a 1982 GS1100G than it will with an earlier (79 thru 81) GS850G. Chances are an earlier GS850GL sidecover won't fit an 82 GS850GL.

Nick

[Alan Schlosser]

Thanks Nick. I don't want this thread to stray too far (like they usually do) but didn't they make 850 chains? I looked at the model chart and there was a listing for an 850L not GL. Is this a mistake? It also shows an 1100L for 1980 which I believe was a chain drive. I'm confused.

[Anonymous]

All 850's were shaft drive only and in 1980 (only year) Suzuki did make the GS1100L with the 16valve motor and chain drive.
Axel

[Anonymous]

Alan, all GS850's are "G" models. "G" means shaft-driven. No chain ever disgraced the GS850, that noble steed, other than the cam chain. An "L" model like yours is a GS1100GL. If your bike is a 1982 model, it's a GS1100GLZ.

So, all GS850's are GS850G's. Some are GS850GL's. The last letter signifies the model year. N for 79, T for 80, X for 81, Z for 82, D for 83.
I've owned two GS850GZ's, one GS850GN, a GS850GT, and now a GS1100GKE. The K means touring model with stock bags, fairing, and trunk. E means 1984.

The "G" means, of course, it has shaft drive, which is an absolute requirement for old fogies like me.

N

[Alan Schlosser]

Nick,
Thanks. I'm fairly clear on the model and year designations. What threw me is that the model information page on this site shows an 850G, and 850GL and an 850L for years 79(N) through 84(E). Take a look at it. Why do they list it like that??