Shaft drive 83 850's

[Anonymous]

I've got 2 of them. One was a basket case and therefore begging for mods. (only 300 orig miles on it too) But anyway here's my questions.

I noticed that everyone here has either 1100's or 750's and lower. Is there a reason for that I'm not seeing? :]

My other question is about the shaft drives. Is there a difference between the 850 and 1100 tire widths? That seems to be the major drag with a shaftie... you can't go very wide on the rear tire.
Also does anyone know the difference in the gear ratio between the 850 and 1100 diffs?

[argonsagas]

Actually, there are quite a few people who have 850's. Despite your suggestion of mods, I think you should divest yourself of that idea. They don't lend themselves to too much, except for airfilter, pipes and jetting.


The GS850 started out with the GS750 engine, and got, but Suzuki also made it (as well as the other shafties) as reliable as they could.

When they got to building the 1100, they continued the idea, keeping the 2 valve per cylinder configuration, and reliability was a focal point for them at that time, as they wanted touring people to adopt the bike.


You are correct, you cannot go much wider with rear tires...only one size up. (although that depends on what is presently mounted)

Many parts are interchangeable between the 850 and 1100, within the same year ranges.

I am sure Nick Diaz will be along soon to give a more definitive reply.

[Anonymous]

The differences between the 82 and 83 GS850G and GS1100G are minimal. They share the same front and rear wheels, brakes, fuel tank, and many other body and engine parts. The rear ends are totally interchangeable.

Everything argonsagas says is correct. Lots of 850 owners on this forum. I owned four of them (two 82's, one 79, one 80, in that order). Terrific motorcycle. In my opinion, the 82 and 83 are superior years for both the 850G and the 1100G.

Nick

[mcconnell]

I believe Suzuki changed the gear ratio in the differential for the 1100G in 1983. They even put a sticker over the old final ratios in the owners manual to reflect the change. I know it's not the same as the '83 850; the 1100 engine gets to spin slower; better for high speed cruising.

[Anonymous]

Jim, I've heard the same thing about the 83 1100G. I guess my 1984 GK has the higher gearing also.

[mcconnell]

Nick, on the 83 1100G in 5th gear, it does about 4,100 rpm at 70 mph. I think the 82 1100G and 850G (82 & 83) at turning at about 4,500 rpm at that speed. Is this right?

[Anonymous]

4100 at 70 sounds just about right for my GK. I forget what it was with my 850's.

N

[Anonymous]

Listen to what Nick says!
GY

[Anonymous]

There's a lot of 850 owners here. The 850 is a slightly bored out 750, but with a gs 1000 cam. IMHO, it's the perfect gs.

[Anonymous]

I'm a proud owner of an 850.......

[Anonymous]

So..... while were on the subject(?) who can tell me where all the fuel and vacuum lines go between the tank, airbox and carbs? Since my GS was acquired in boxes of parts I've never seen where they go. This is my last task before it's road worthy.

Another thing, does the gas cap have some function other than a closure device on my bike?

It is a 1980 GS850G

This site has been spectacular and everyone has been helpful, especially skip[. He has had to listen to all my questions, progress etc. He stopped by to look the unit over and point out any safety issues. He is even willing to go with me to the Marcus Dairy event at 10mph! That's dedication. (Although I did promise him that I would rent one of the international runways for him at Bradley airport for the weekend so he could burn off some steam.)

[frosty5011]

As far as the gearing goes.........I just tested mine today, and I am turning 5500 rpm's at 75 mph (in 5th). As far as I know, everything on mine is stock. (and at 4500 rpms.....it's moving along at 60 mph)

[lhanscom]

Tube off engine side carb 2 goes to small vacuum port on petcock, between carbs 1 and 2, and between 3 and 4 are 2 vent tubes that just lay over the air box, but don't connect to anything. The remaining port is for gas, so connect that to your petcock.

[Anonymous]

Wow, Thanks Luke, I never would have figured the one that was not connected!!

[Guy]

The way I figure the 850 G does 14mph for every thousand RPM in 5th gear: 5000 RPM=70mph. My bike is a US import and the speedo only reads up to 85mph which is a pain in the arse.