I don't know if I have a 79 GS1000 E, N, L...

[mklang]

does it matter which version I have when obtaining a new set of carbs?

[tkent02]

Post a pic, we will let you know what it is.
Carbs are interchangeable, with any '79 or earlier 750, 850, 1000.
Jets need to be changed if they are from a 750 or 850.

[Nessism]

Sometimes the throttle/choke linkages are slightly different in addition to the jets between different models.

[mklang]

Great, thanks. I am on my way to Maine Cycle Warehouse to try to get some carbs. How do I identify the VM26 carbs that I need? They are 27mm correct?

[Steve]

Methinks that if they were 27mm, they would be VM27s, right?

Not sure about the VM series, but with all of the BS carbs I have worked on, the number indicated the size.

I just checked two sets of carbs that are on my bench right now. The set from a '79 750 measured 26.3mm, the set from a '79 550 measured 24.2. It appears that the throat is tapered just a bit, so if you measure right at the opening, it might be close to 27.

.

[emjay]

... I am on my way to Maine Cycle Warehouse ...

My favorite hangout! They aren't cheap, but do have a pretty good selection. Surprisingly I found a barely used exhaust system there a couple of weeks ago. $250 was a little steep for me, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

So, I gather you're from Maine, what area? I'm in Portland.

[hampshirehog]

Great, thanks. I am on my way to Maine Cycle Warehouse to try to get some carbs. How do I identify the VM26 carbs that I need? They are 27mm correct?

If they're 27mm at the cylinder head size they're VM26. (They are actually something like 26.9mm). Beware VM28s, which measure 29mm, being passed off as VM29s - different animals.

[mklang]

emjay - i am actually from NH, but living in MA now. i didn't make it up there today...too much work.

i am about to buy a set from a gentleman on this forum off of his gs 750...he said the measure 26mm...will this set work for me for my 79 1000? i am really paranoid about getting the wrong part... i hope this will work because i would much rather buy from someone on this forum than play the ebay game

[hampshirehog]

They'll fit but are set up differently and your bike won't run right. Easier to wait and get a set for a 1000.

[mklang]

is it just a matter of jetting? are they different sizes? i am going to rebuild and rejet anyway. what do you think?

[hampshirehog]

Different needle jets, jet needles and cutaways as well as pilot / main jets. Start replacing that lot and it'll set you back a bob or 2.