Checkng out 82 GS850G

[GSJim69]

I am heading out to take a look at an 82 GS850G. Is there anything special I should pay special attention to?
It has 39,000 miles on it. Should this be a concern or do these engines last really long?

[bwringer]

Heck, that's just broken in. Seriously, a decently maintained 850G engine will last well beyond 100,000 miles with no issues.


The usual engine/carburetion issues come down to intake leaks, so hopefully it's wearing new-ish intake boots and o-rings, and the airbox is sealed. If it's not running quite right, ask questions about who's fooled with the carbs and whether they used the junk in the kits and where the stock jets went.

Bonus points for upgraded suspension and brake lines. If the tires are less than three years old and reasonably treaded, you might want to send it in to the Enquirer. It seems to be a federal law that used motorcycles must be sold with ancient shagged out tires.

The famed GS electrical problems all come down to crappy connectors. Test charging voltage and look for burned electrical connectors, then adjust price accordingly. Electrical problems are not hard to cure, but it takes a little cash and time.

[twr1776]

The 850 motor was one of the best ones Suzuki ever made if maintained properly. I would look at the overall condition of the bike. If it has been beat on, down, parts missing, lots of aftermarket parts, or abused it should be fairly evident. Look for oil leaks. Look at the exhaust for condition and blued pipes. If it has an aftermarket pipe or header ask if they had it re-jetted. Check the tires for tread and make. Take a voltmeter with you to check the charging system. Put it on the centerstand and roll the back tire listening for drivetrain noise and slop. Put it in gear and also check for slop in the rear end. Look at the carb boots to see if they have been replaced. Check the airbox to see if the filter is still decent or has been replaced. Look at the front forks to see if they are straight. Hop on it and see how firm the front end is, if you can dive it a lot or hit bottom the springs have not been replaced and will need to be. Check the rear springs, replacements or OEM. Pull the seat and sidecovers and see if the wiring has been butchered up. Ask if the PO had it serviced at a local shop or did it themself. If they took it in ask for reciepts. Ask if the spline has ever been replaced. Look at the nuts, bolts, etc to see if they have had a wrench on them before. If you like it and the price is right buy it, you should get many more miles out of it. Good Luck

[twr1776]

I see great minds are thinking alike again Brian.

[Griffin]

As was mentioned, the rear splines are something to look into, particularly with 39,000 miles on them. Make sure you ask the owner if he's had any issues or replaced them. If he hasn't owned it long, he may give you the deer in the headlights look.

Most (but not all, there are a couple of exceptions) of the '82-'83 big GS shafties stripped out their rear splines by 40,000 miles. It isn't a difficult or expensive permanent fix, but it is something particular to this model you should be aware of.

[TheCafeKid]

I see great minds are thinking alike again Brian.

Where is THAT happening? Ive always wanted to see that...

[GSJim69]

Well, I am now the proud owner of a new to me '82 GS850G for a whopping $700. The carbs need cleaned and as usual, the tires show the years. Not too bad cosmetically, a couple of dings, tear in the seat, but not too bad. The right turn signal does not flash. Once again turn signal problems. I still need to check the drive shaft for play. The guy I bought it from did not mention anything about doing anything to the shaft. Tank is clean as a whistle. It does have evidence of a small oil leak. I will clean it up so I can find where it comes from.

For $700, I think it is OK.

I'll need to add this one to my signature now.

By the way, it is due in great part to the super support of the folks at this message board that I decided to purchase another GS.

Thanks