GS850 vs GS1100 NEED ADVICE

[Guest]

I have owned my 79GS850 since new. It runs like a sewing machine, smooth and quiet. I have recently been looking to move up to an 82 or 83 1100.
I have taken two out so far and both ran more like a diesel engine , or a big block 2 cylinder,compared to my 850. Rather disappointing, as I was expecting a smooth rapid acceleration with simply more horsepower.
Does the bigger bore motor run rougher or could there be a problem?

Piston720

[Steve]

The larger motors are more susceptible to carb imbalance, which would make them buzz a bit. I have ridding my wife's '82 850L long enough to get a feel for what is 'normal', and I have also ridden an '82 1100G for a bit, and I can tell you it should be just as smooth, and yes, more powerful.

.

[lurch12_2000]

I have owned my 79GS850 since new. It runs like a sewing machine, smooth and quiet. I have recently been looking to move up to an 82 or 83 1100.
I have taken two out so far and both ran more like a diesel engine , or a big block 2 cylinder,compared to my 850. Rather disappointing, as I was expecting a smooth rapid acceleration with simply more horsepower.
Does the bigger bore motor run rougher or could there be a problem?

Piston720

I would say there is a problem with the 2 you test rode.
When I first got my 1100G there were flat spots and delays in power band, but I replaced the intake boot o-rings and adjusted the valves and it was night and day. Which models of the 1100 did you test?
If your 850 suits your needs then why change?

[Nessism]

From a theoretical standpoint, vibration from an inline four cylinder engine increases with reciprocating mass (which increases with displacement). For that reason, modern large bore I-4 engines commonly have a special counterbalance shaft(s). The GS engines don’t have a counterbalancer (other than the 400/425/450/500 twins) so again, from a theoretical standpoint I’d expect the 850 to be smoother than an 1100.

[JayH]

I have owned my 79GS850 since new. It runs like a sewing machine, smooth and quiet. I have recently been looking to move up to an 82 or 83 1100.
I have taken two out so far and both ran more like a diesel engine , or a big block 2 cylinder,compared to my 850. Rather disappointing, as I was expecting a smooth rapid acceleration with simply more horsepower.
Does the bigger bore motor run rougher or could there be a problem?

Piston720

Maybe the 1100's that you rode weren't stock so your seat of the pants indicator didn't sense the smooooothness like that of you 850G? Maybe the 1100's weren't as smooth BUT you should have noticed better acceleration than your 850G.

[tkent02]

No Brainer. Get one of each.

[TheCafeKid]

No Brainer. Get one of each.

Tom, have I ever told you I like the way you think??? heheheh

[Piston720]

Good Morning and thankyou for your comments, they are helpful.Both models were 83 1100G, one had stock exhaust, jammer and krauser bags, in Toronto, the other had a four into one exhaust and was in Ottawa.
The one in Ottawa ran better but still had the rougher big engine feel. He was asking $1800 in Ottawa and $3400 for the one in Toronto( A dreamer).
I will keep looking and trying, and if one comes along that is ALMOST as smooth as my 850 I'll go after it.
You are very right about the 850 meeting my needs, and it has for the past 28 years. Maybe another 79 with low miles or Km to keep my 84000Km company would be the answer and I will have a spare parts bike if need be.
Thank you All and have a great day.
Piston720

[Grandpa]

My 1100GK is as smooth as any of my four 850's that preceded it.

Go for the 1100G. As I mentioned, I've had 850's and now the GK, and there's no way I would go back to the lower-geared 850 that screams at 80 mph. The 1100G has all the virtues of the 850, but the power is oh soooo sweeet!

[seuadr]

I have taken two out so far and both ran more like a diesel engine , or a big block 2 cylinder,compared to my 850. Rather disappointing, as I was expecting a smooth rapid acceleration with simply more horsepower.
Does the bigger bore motor run rougher or could there be a problem?

Piston720

i agree with the other guys.. it's gotta be a problem with those bikes. i just got my 82 1100g dialed in and that thing with pop the front tire off the ground in every gear up to and including 5th with a quick blip of the throttle. once warm, it idles so smooth, you can't tell it's running if you are farther than 15 feet or so from it.

[Piston720]

Thankyou all.
Well I guess I am back looking for a GOOD 82 or 83 GS1100G.
I have a lot of time to wait for the right one as my 850 is still running extremely well. If anyone hears of a good one let me know.
All the Best
Piston720

[Nessism]

Built this table to highlight differences in the large shafty gearing.



.