gs850 generel perfomance questions

[zblip2]

Hi

I own a gs850g 1982. In city traffic it behaves ok, but I went for a ride on the highway and found that the motor was a bit buzzy and sort of straining. It's like I was constantly in passing mode. I used to own a xs 1100 and at highway speed, it would settle into a nice power zone, as if the motor was electric. The same could be said (but less) about the cb900 I owned before the GS. Is it normall for the GS850 motor to be working hard like this on the highway? I don't mind it turning fast as long as it is smooth, wich is not the case.

When I bought the bike, the carbs had not been cleaned not synched since a while and I wonder if what I am sensing is a result of that.

Just to know where I stand, I'd like to know how your GS850 feels on the highway.

[Dave8338]

Sync the carbies and your bbbuuuuuuuzzzzzzzzzzzzzing will all but go away! :-D

[bwringer]

Almost 6,000 rpm at 80mph is completely normal, and the bike will happily eat up interstate at that pace or above for days on end.

So basically, the answer to the question is "quit sniveling". It ain't a tractor -- it's built to spin.

[Dogma]

I have enough power at that range to accelerate quite easily. Until my wind-sucking petcock starves the crabs, that is.

[flyingace]

The motor turns fast at highway speeds - it would be nice to have a 6th 'overdrive' gear on the 850. But as Brian sez, it will cruise along all day like that.

Running at 6K (which I very rarely do), my bike is very smooth. At that RPM, power for passing is darn good for such a heavy old bike.

Synch the carbs. Beyond that I guess a compression check would be next on my list if my bike felt underpowered.

[marvinsc]

Can't add much more, that is the Lament of almost All 850 Owners "Wish it had a 6th gear". Synching the carbs will smooth it out but as stated already, it's going to wind on the Highway but is Happy and Capable to do it All Day if You are.:-D

[zblip2]

Thanks for the replies guys.

From what I've heard, carbs that are not totally clean and well synched can cause vibration. Is this a myth? Before spending the money to undergo these procedures ($$$), I just want to have a better reference point on wich to base my decision. That is the perpous of this thread. What I would need to do, in the best of worlds, is to try another gs850 to get a feeling of it.:?

[twr1776]

Try running some Seafoam, Chemtool B-12, or Wurth. I used the far right bottle in the link below from Wurth on a spring startup when I was getting missing and hesitation and within a mile of my house the motor smoothed right out and ran great the rest of the season without touching the carbs. It is hard to find but worth it IMO if your carbs are not really gummed up.

http://www.wurthusa.com/project/en/leftnavi/catalog/product.php?path=04.0140.jpg

[gazingwa]

Replace the carb boot o-rings, sync and reseal your airbox. My 82 850 is a whole different machine now, smooth, willing to rev, and much easier to start, you'll never regret it. Also, check your valve clearance.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. zblip2,

I second the carb sync and the valve clearance adjustments. These two procedures will allow your motor to run smoothly. On my daily commute at 70-75mph, (5000-5500rpm) my bike is as smooth as glass. I get the slightest bit of mirror vibration at 6000rpm (80mph) but I think that's mostly because I need new mirrors, my left one is loose. I have literally ridden all day at 5500-6000rpm down the highway with no problems. If it's buzzing, it's because something needs a little adjustment and TLC. There a carb sync guide on Mr. bwringer's site and a valve adjusment guide on mine. No need to pay someone to mess this up for you.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[psyguy]

vibration is generally a sign of a poorly tuned engine or a worn one (or a combination)
if the mileage is not high it is safe to assume (for an 850) there isnt much wear to the internals (unless the bike has often been pushed really hard or raced)
as for the tuning... this would be the sequence:
- valve clearances and a compression check
- intake seal-off
- carbs adjusted and ballanced (cleaned first if it hasnt been done recently)

[Nessism]

vibration is generally a sign of a poorly tuned engine or a worn one (or a combination)

Suzuki found the sweet spot with the 850 with regard to engine vibration. In line four cylinder engines tend to buzz some, particularly as the displacement increases. Manufacturers often try to counteract this by adding a counterbalance shaft inside the engine - such as that employed by the GS400/425/450/500 engine family. The 850 doesn't need a balancer but from what I've heard, the 1150 could use one.