GS850 Head interchangeability

[shortlid]

My mods so far

Only mods i have done so far to my $300 '80 GS850G is I put a set of stock GS1100G pipes on it casue the four into pne sounded like poo, and was rotting out. I also put a K&N air filter on it. Do you think the 1100 pipes gave me some top end? :twisted:

[SqDancerLynn1]

I don't think their is much difference in the mufflers. You do need the drive shaft for an engine swap-- the part inside the swing arm that connects to the engine & you will need to modify the rear eng mount

[shortlid]

How much HP!!

Well how much HP am I going to get for the trouble?

[Guy]

A lot more. The GS1000 and 1100 have way more grunt than the 850, but then my 850 has a virtually open 4 into 1 pipe. It has lots of top end but it's a little flat at the low end. The bigger engines have a better spread of power.

[bwringer]

I've never ridden a GS1000 or 1100, but no one should get the impression that a GS850 is at all underpowered.

The bike will happily blast down the interstate 2-up at 90MPH if that's your bag. You also have plenty of grunt (and "oof", and "uuurrggh" and and "mmph") for anything else you might want to do with a motorcycle, including humiliating squids and Hardleys at every opportunity.

You just don't have that OMFG, shaking-hands-with-Jesus, wobbly knees, involuntary incontinence, kind of power. 8O 8O

The bigger bikes weigh almost exactly the same, I think, but it seems to me that a lot more power would more easily overwhelm the frame and suspension. I already get some frame flex when I push it hard in the twistys.

With that said, I would welcome the chance to get even more corrupted by more power! :twisted: :twisted:

I think another factor is that the 1000 and 1100 engines are more commonly modified and thus better understood. With any of the G models, I think it would be a mistake to turn that smooth, torquey powerplant into a peaky, noisy screamer.

[Guy]

[quote="bwringer"]I've never ridden a GS1000 or 1100, but no one should get the impression that a GS850 is at all underpowered.


No one's saying the GS850 is underpowered. It simply doesn't hold a candle to the bigger bikes. If you ever actually ride a GS1000 or 1100 you'll agree.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Their is no sub for CC 8) the 1000/1100 cruse at about 500 rpm less than the 850 if 5th

[Guy]

Absolutely! The 850 is a fine bike in it's own right, but bigger is better!