What does the g,gx,gl,gz,gt, mean????

[Guest]

Hey guys, I thought I would throw this one into the ring and see if it can be explained to me. So, I believe my bike is a 81 GS650-GX...although the fairing is just gs650-G. I have been buying parts for the build I am doing and for the most part the gx model seems to be it. I have now come across my front master which is from a gz(1 piece body). And today after much effort I got my HEL brake lines from the UK only to find that the master to splitter line is almost 6 inches too short and the fittings are 90 degrees offset(doh!)(they need to be inline). Also the rear brake line has the fittings inline and the rear master side needs to be offset 45 degrees. And to boot, all the stainless banjo bolts are course thread(I need fine thread).
When I ordered these for a 1981 GS650-GX they had katana after the GX, but is that a totally differnt bike?? Is there a gx and a gx-katana?
I mean even if it is a different bike does it have clip-ons for bars? My bars are the european style now, which is lower than the original...so its not like I put ape hangers on it and then expected the line to fit.
So did I order them wrong or just get the wrong ones?
Also has anyone had any experiences with HEL brake lines?

Thanks All,
BriBird
Also I am trying to keep up with the pics of the build in my bikes folder here if anyone cares to see....

PS....dont even get me started about the Jama Laser Marshall Deeptone exhaust system....

[SqDancerLynn1]

EXcellent quality, but the top line was too short on my 850. Ask about the length
My guess is you ordered wrong

[SqDancerLynn1]

For 81 their are three choices
GS650E chain drive
GS650G shaft drive
GS650GL shaft drive cruiser
GX G model X year

[Steve]

What does the g,gx,gl,gz,gt, mean????

OK by now I am sure you have figured out that all our bikes are of the GS series.
And then there is the engine size.
But, what you are asking about are the letters behind the numbers.

If there is a G, it's a shaft drive.
If there is an L, it's a low-rider, chopper-esque style with the stepped seat, pull-back bars and other touches.
If there is an E, it's a sportier model.
If there is an S, it's even sportier. "ES" is probably the best.
If there is a T, is a more basic, sort of a 'commuter' version.
If there is a K, it is a full-dress touring model. These were only 1100s and were 1100GK.

The next letter will indicate the model year. Note that this is not necessarily the year of manufacture, as the '82 models might have started in October, '81 or so.
'76 - A
'77 - B
'78 - C
'79 - N
'80 - T
'81 - X
'82 - Z
'83 - D
'84 - E
'85 - F
'86 - G

So, your '81 GS650G indicates that it is a shaft-drive 650. (Yes, there were also chain-drive models, so you have to be careful ordering parts.) Because it's an '81, it would properly be called a GS650GX. Calling it a 1981 GS650GS would actually be redundant, because the X indicates '81.

If you happened to have an L model made in the same year, it would be a GS650GLX.

The only exception to the above nomenclature is the 450GA. It was not made in 1976, but from 1982 to 1985. In this case, the A signifies an automatic transmission. Actually a semi-automatic, as you had to shift betweeen two ranges, but there is no clutch.

Hopefully this will help you a bit.

.

[Loose Seal]

Let me say thanks too...someone recently asked me this and I had a tough time explaining all the differences.

[Bribird]

kayyy..., so when I am online at like crotchrocket.com and enter my bike info for an 81 then looking thru for parts like the right hand control it will give me 2 options...x model or z model...same for instrument cluster(I have no fuel guage) The z model I believe does.
So is that to do with the production date? And not the model year. So like an 81 gs650g built in november would be the z model, but if it was built in january it would be an x model? I am just confused with the way the dealer has it setup. If the z model is for an 82 it should just filter it out since I am in the 81 section.

"EXcellent quality, but the top line was too short on my 850. Ask about the length
My guess is you ordered wrong"

I just checked my order form and it says GS650-GX. So when you ordered yours for your 850 and it was too short, was that HEL's fault? How did you get it resolved?

[BassCliff]

Fyi

Hi,

If I may, it seems that many new forum members don't know that there is a GS Resources home page: http://www.thegsresources.com

On that homepage are links to some very complete, informative pages, like the model reference page: http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_modelchart.htm

If you need a quick link to the GS Resources homepage, you'll find one at the bottom of every forum page.

Just FYI.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[psyguy]

it's good to know you didnt put ape hangers on your bike

yes, there is a g-katana, same year, 81
yes, the handlebars would be lower on that model
weather the difference in the centre brake hose would be 12 inches well, i dunno (but it is possible)

[Bribird]

okay guys...thanks. I just got am email back from HEL telling me that is was a mistake on there part and they will make it right.



BriBird