Seat Compatability

[glstine]

Does anybody know if a 1982 GS550L seat will fit a 1980 with little or no modifications? The look similar in pictures but hard to tell exactly.

[duaneage]

Typically there are time lines where major design changes occurred. 1980 to 1981 was a major change, from 81 - 83 things were pretty compatible. Bet to compare side by side before spending money. If you are handy with a welder you can make almost anything work

[glstine]

Unfortunately I don't have a welder (it's on my wish list). I keep seeing pre 80 and post 80 seats in relatively good condition on ebay, but never an 80. Was planning on recovering mine, but the edges of the pan are jagged from rust so I don't know how well that would work out.

[Newbee]

I can confrim

From experience I can confirm the the year 1980 was unique for all L models as far as I can tell. There was also differences in the 8 valve and 16 valve 1980 L models.

I have a 1980 GS1000L 8 valve, a 1980 GS1100L 16 Valve and a 1980 GS750L 16 valve.

The 8 valve and the 16 valve use different seats because of differences in the frame. The 750 16 valve and the 1100 16 valve use the same seat.

I have tried to use later year L seats 81 and up and they are different from the 80 models.

I believe the 80L a unique model in several respects.

I have a 1982 550L seat and it will fit neither my 1980 1000L, 1980 1100L or 1980 750L.