1988 GS850 compatable parts

[Anonymous]

Hi folks.
After many years - and a fair few bikes - I've finally returned to the fold.
I've got an '88 GS850G - last of the line even in the UK. Trouble is the forks are done for. I am trying to find out if earlier GS750/850/1000 forks are the same (or at least a straight swap) Ideally I'd like to get hold of a parts fiche, but cant find anything later than '85.
Any help/info gratefully received.

[Anonymous]

It's strange to see the year 1988 attached to a GS850G. The last model GS850G imported into North America was the 1983 model, the GS850GD. You guys in Yurp are lucky to have had them available as late as 1988.

Anyway, in answer to your question, the forks off earlier 750's, 850's, and 1000's will fit your bike with no modifications. Make sure they aren't off "L" models, because they'll require a different front fender; however, even those will fit nicely (if you can find the fender).

I had four 850's -- two 82's, one 79, and one 80. Great bikes all. If you can, post a picture of the 1988 GS850.

Nick

[Anonymous]

Thanks

Thanks for that.

The 850 was dropped from the range over here as well (85), but reintroduced in '87 - then dropped again in '88 (I think, anyway....)
And yes, I'll post a picture at some stage. The tank is different to the '79 model I had years ago, has cut outs for your knees (sort of) and I could do with finding one of those as well.

Thanks agin

Dave

[SqDancerLynn1]

From what I know they stopped making them in 85 after that there were quite a few made overseas from left over parts and sold as current models because of the demand for them in Europe

[Anonymous]

From what I know they stopped making them in 85 after that there were quite a few made overseas from left over parts and sold as current models because of the demand for them in Europe

That's correct. The Dutch Suzuki importer managed to build some GS850's in 1986, from spare parts.

[Anonymous]

From what I know they stopped making them in 85 after that there were quite a few made overseas from left over parts and sold as current models because of the demand for them in Europe

That's correct. The Dutch Suzuki importer managed to build some GS850's in 1986, from spare parts.

Just curious......what year are these bikes designated for registration and insurance purposes? I'm guessing the year of 'manufacture' would be based on the frame and perhaps engine numbers??

[Anonymous]

Just curious......what year are these bikes designated for registration and insurance purposes? I'm guessing the year of 'manufacture' would be based on the frame and perhaps engine numbers??

Don't know about other countries, but over here a bike like that would be an 86 GS850.
The first owner gets a registration with the bike, the moment he rides it out of the showroom.

I have a GS850GN (1979 type), but it was registered in 1980.
It's not uncommon in Europe to buy a new bike in autumn, and pick it up at the dealer next spring. This way you make sure to get the model that you want, and from the registration it looks one year "younger" when you want to sell it.

[Anonymous]

mmmmm.......

I can get a GS1100 front end at a reasonable price - is this also a straight swap? (Includes stems, if required). By the way bike is registered 1988, frame number (for anyone that knows) is XXXXXXXXXXX133404. And the tank is the same style as the '82 gs1100!

[Anonymous]

I believe that the GS(X)1100GK and the GS850 have the same frame; I'm not sure if the front end from any GS(X)1100 will fit.
Nick Diaz is the expert on this subject.