GS650 shaftie gear upgrade??

[Christo]

I have an '82 gs650l, and I'd like to go on a road trip. However the thought of long straights at 70-75mph at 5500+ rpm is not sounding like fun. What do I need to do (or is there anything I can do) to get a taller gear in the shaft? will another bikes gear swap in and if so, which one?

Thanks - Chris

[omaharj]

I don't know of any way to change gears in a shaftie. However, if your carbs are synced there's almost no buzz at 70-75mph. Go and have fun! (I don't know if a larger rear tire is possible)

[Christo]

still, 400-500 hundred miles at 5500+ rpm....well thats just gonna get old real quick. I'd like to have a taller final gear. better for those long cruises.

[brveagle]

nothing really possible...

shoulda got a chain

[Steve]

What's wrong with hundreds of miles at 5000 rpm? We went from southwest oHIo to Durango, Colorado last year with our '82 850GL. Can't say the trip was without problems, but they were not rpm-related. We hit some really rough roads in Oklahoma and lost a rear turn signal (and mount) when a bouncing luggage rack sheared the mounting bolt. The speedo drive in the front wheel broke. The ignitor died in Colorado, so the bike ended up coming home in a U-Haul. All that is fixed now, and the bike has traveled about 3000 miles so far this year and is going to do another 2500 or so next month.


.

[duaneage]

Bigger rear tire,

You'll drop rpms 250 for every size you jump.