4-1 Exhaust cost/benefit analysis

[Skyboy8950]

Hey,

So could someone explain the costs and benefits of putting a 4-1 exhaust on my 82 850G? Also, what brand/model # would you suggest. Thanks!

[Mark M]

Costs:
- Whatever the exhaust system costs
- a jet kit
- your time to install the exhaust and the jet kit and get the jetting sorted
- Less ground clearance directly under the bike for speed bumps

Benefits:
- Looks better (IMO, eye of the beholder, etc.)
- Sounds better (IMO again)
- Lighter
- should have better cornering clearance

Mark

[Skyboy8950]

Thanks Mark M. Anyone else?

[TheCafeKid]

Less weight=less work for the bike=slightly better fuel economy. However this is likely offset by the better performance which would suck more fuel. IMO, aside from performance gains, appearance gains, and aural gains (which when you get right down to it, is it partially NOT one of the joys of these machines as well as part of the reason we ride them to begin with?) there is really nothing to be gained...lol. I have been back and forth with myself on piping and podding my GS1100G. It sounds good stock, nice litre bike gurgle at idle, and a nice "wooosh" on the throttle, but sometimes, i want it to sound and act a lil meaner. The battle continues...

[Mark M]

I forgot to add it should make a bit more power if you keep the stock airbox. With pods and the pipe, it can make significantly more power, and change the character of the bike, making it seem sportier and more aggressive.

Mark

[simon kuether]

I've got 4 into 2's because that's what the bike came with and I think it makes the bike look more balanced.Just personal.What everyone else has said is pretty much on the money.Depends on the look/sound YOU want for YOUR bike whether to go with 4/2 or 4/1.Get a photo up and you'll get more opinions(I bet it'll be 50/50).Cheers,Simon.

[Skyboy8950]

So...

In looking for a 4-1, I found a V&H for an 80-81 850, but I have an 82. Anyone else with an 82 that has a 4-1? Does anyone else make them for this bike?

Also, if I decide to do this, what kind of rejet do I need to do? I am capable of doing it, but don't know what kit to get. I have never rejet anything, though I have "rebuilt" two sets of carbs.

I would love to hear from someone with an 82 who has done this... Thanks.

[doctorgonzo]

So...

In looking for a 4-1, I found a V&H for an 80-81 850, but I have an 82. Anyone else with an 82 that has a 4-1? Does anyone else make them for this bike?

Also, if I decide to do this, what kind of rejet do I need to do? I am capable of doing it, but don't know what kit to get. I have never rejet anything, though I have "rebuilt" two sets of carbs.

I would love to hear from someone with an 82 who has done this... Thanks.

Not sure on the pipe, but for exhaust only the kit is a "Stage 1" as opposed to a "stage 3" that is for pods.

[Skyboy8950]

Hmmm. Still need to find the pipe, but thanks for the jetting info. If I did pods and pipes, a stage 3 would work?

[doctorgonzo]

Hmmm. Still need to find the pipe, but thanks for the jetting info. If I did pods and pipes, a stage 3 would work?

Work perfect. A stage 3 is actually a smidge rich (on my bike) pods only. I think I remember hearing the frame changed in 82, so not sure. Though on my bike the V&H said it fit up through an 80 only and I put it on my 81 without even having to touch the mount.

[Skyboy8950]

Interesting. I need a website that has a V&H reference chart... Might be worth the few hundred bucks to pod, pipe, and jet...

[Nessism]

I’m a stock proponent myself although if your pipes are rotted, a 4:1 seems like a reasonable way to go.

Suzuki changed the 850 frame, and way the exhaust mounts in the rear - from under the mufflers to above, in ’82. Not sure how the V&H mounts, but I’ve read here that if you fabricate a new mount, the early pipe will fit on a ‘82.

[Skyboy8950]

Searched for that information and came up with bubb-kiss. Anyone with an 82 850 with a 4-1? I'm starting to doubt it...

[doctorgonzo]

Searched for that information and came up with bubb-kiss. Anyone with an 82 850 with a 4-1? I'm starting to doubt it...

I think what Nessism was saying (and I'd agree) is that there is a pretty good (I'd say over 90%) chance it would fit, and worst case would be a change in the mount at the reaer of the bike, though it has some adjustment built in, just not sure if enough to handle the swith from bottom to top (or other way round can't recall).

[rustybronco]

Anyone with an 82 850 with a 4-1? I'm starting to doubt it...

4to1? wha choo talkin bout, HERESY?