GS1100 engine GS850GL swap or parts?

[frasermanx]

My GS850GL with Windjammer is a great cruiser given to me because owner could not keep it running. Bad petcock + rusty tank = clogged carbs. But that is now almost perfect -- but could use a better petcock -- any others that fit ??

Compression test #1 120 #2 100 #3 100 #4 120lbs

A buyer said that head gasket was leaking -- should I believe him ?

Engine Swap?
850 engine is ok but 1100 engine is tempting. Do the 1100 cylinder and pistons fit the 850 bottom end? And head ? Ex.pipes ?

Or does the complete engine need to be swapped out ?? If so too much work !!

thanks Fraser in Toronto

[Nessism]

You would have to swap the entire engine since the cylinders/pistons/head does not interchange. In order to swap the engine the driveshaft and carbs/airbox needs to be swapped as well. Yes, lots of work.

Regarding your 850’s poor compression, how long since your last valve adjustment? We trust you are keeping up but have to ask anyway.

[frasermanx]

Valves ?

Welll. I don't know the history of bike -- given to me. Yes I could attempt valve adjustment ... no too hard I expect.

Thanks for the info about parts swap -- I'lll look for a Gs1100 instead. I do have a 1990 gsxr 750 that might need valve adj. as well.

All this because my BMW engine started clanking -- lots of miles on it

cheers
Frz

[Steve]

Personally, I would think that there is less work in an engine/drivetrain swap than there would be in swapping the pistons/cylinder/head.

But, then, I have only had the cylinders off to change gaskets, so I don't know what else would be involved.

.

[Nessism]

Welll. I don't know the history of bike -- given to me. Yes I could attempt valve adjustment ... no too hard I expect.

Thanks for the info about parts swap -- I'lll look for a Gs1100 instead. I do have a 1990 gsxr 750 that might need valve adj. as well.

All this because my BMW engine started clanking -- lots of miles on it

cheers
Frz

GS Suzuki engines are tough as nails but if you don’t adjust the valves they will burn – might have already happened since the engine has been neglected.

[ironpan65]

Thanks for the info about parts swap -- I'lll look for a Gs1100 instead.




Frz

I rode this "DOG" bike last summer....79 850 frame with an 82 1100 engine...not sure how well the stock air box lines up though as this one is using pods .....
would be nice to read how it goes if you go that route....

[SqDancerLynn1]

One big advantage to the swap to a 1000,1100 is the gearing change