Before I go part shopping...

[kspencer]

Obviously an igniter from another 81 GS850 will work on mine. What I'd like to know is what years I have to limit myself to, if I can look at other models (750, 1000, etc), that sort of thing.

Thanks.

[doctorgonzo]

Obviously an igniter from another 81 GS850 will work on mine. What I'd like to know is what years I have to limit myself to, if I can look at other models (750, 1000, etc), that sort of thing.

Thanks.

A 1000 will work, and I have one (81 GS1000) if you're interested PM me.

[kspencer]

Thanks, and replied pm.

[Nessism]

Starting in ’82 for the 850 and 1100G, the ignition went to the new type ignitor with the spark advance curve built in (both models shared ignitors too). Not sure about your ’81 but I suggest you check the part numbers to judge interchangeability.

[kspencer]

Thanks, Nessism, that's along the lines of what I thought. And no, mine has the mechanical advance on the signal generator.