GSF1100G into a GS850G frame

[Grimly]

I know the GS1100G engine fits in, but as the original GS1100Gs weren't big sellers, this side of the pond, the later iteration of big Suzuki shaft 1100s intrigue me. I wonder if there's enough space for one to fit.
I suspect some other stuff will need done, with driveshaft alignment *or even modifying the bottom rear of the frame cradle to accept a larger swingarm, etc. To avoid radical surgery, I'd like to keep it twin-shock.
Basically, if one can be fitted without a major hassle, then all's good.
Now, just need to find the sizes of the 1100 engine.
If I thought it wouldn't take majory surgery to get one of the Boulevard cruiser lumps into it, I'd have a go.

[Charlie G]

If I can be of help measuring my 1100g engine let me know. I do know that the tank, side covers and seats from 82-84 1100g & 850's were interchangeable. Maybe the frames were as well, implying maybe the engines might have like dimensions.

The part # 41100-49400-019, is used for a 82 GS850g and a GS1100g.

[gsrick]

GSF1100G into a GS850G frame? Are you talking about the 91-93 GSX1100G engine in the earlier 79-81 850/1000 or 82 850/1100G frame? Well if you are I have all three. The 92 GSX1100G is in my garage and I also have an 80 850G out back. I also have both 82 850 and 1100G parts bikes, but they are both out in my parents barn 30 minutes away. I'll be heading out there tomorrow and can try to take some measurements if you want. Tell me exactly what you want and I'll try to do my best. I'm guessing that you want, horizontal and vertical between the frame rail measurements. Cross wise at the bottom of the engine and top to bottom from both bikes should give you what you need to know. It will be in inches, so you'll have to convert it yourself. I'm not sure how to give you the drive shaft position difference if there is any.

Edit:

Now that I think more about it, the only issue would be the shaft lining up, since the 850 was used in 79-84, all the frames will have the same dimensions and we already know the 850, 1000 and 1100 engine is interchangeable. I may be wrong, but the GSX1100G is the same engine as the GSF1100 Katana engine, but with the shaft. The early 1000 engine will bolt in the 82 1100E bikes and I know the Kat engine bolts into the chain drive 1000 bikes from 78-80 and the 1100E of 80-83 and the 1100G engine head will fit on that engine, so that makes me think it will fit as long as Suzuki didn't reconfigure the the placement of the output drive it should work. It was a good system to start with, so why would they go and change that dimension?

[Buffalo Bill]

Because the hardest part is swapping the engine, I would consider converting the GSX1100G frame to accept the GS parts; tank, seat and wheels.

[Grimly]

If I can be of help measuring my 1100g engine let me know. I do know that the tank, side covers and seats from 82-84 1100g & 850's were interchangeable. Maybe the frames were as well, implying maybe the engines might have like dimensions.

The part # 41100-49400-019, is used for a 82 GS850g and a GS1100g.

Well, I know the early 80s 1100G engine will go straight in, more or less, but they're not that common here. I've been keeping an eye open, but nothing's turned up yet. It's the most workable solution, though.

GSF1100G into a GS850G frame? Are you talking about the 91-93 GSX1100G engine in the earlier 79-81 850/1000 or 82 850/1100G frame? Well if you are I have all three. The 92 GSX1100G is in my garage and I also have an 80 850G out back. I also have both 82 850 and 1100G parts bikes, but they are both out in my parents barn 30 minutes away. I'll be heading out there tomorrow and can try to take some measurements if you want. Tell me exactly what you want and I'll try to do my best. I'm guessing that you want, horizontal and vertical between the frame rail measurements. Cross wise at the bottom of the engine and top to bottom from both bikes should give you what you need to know. It will be in inches, so you'll have to convert it yourself. I'm not sure how to give you the drive shaft position difference if there is any.

Edit:

Now that I think more about it, the only issue would be the shaft lining up, since the 850 was used in 79-84, all the frames will have the same dimensions and we already know the 850, 1000 and 1100 engine is interchangeable. I may be wrong, but the GSX1100G is the same engine as the GSF1100 Katana engine, but with the shaft. The early 1000 engine will bolt in the 82 1100E bikes and I know the Kat engine bolts into the chain drive 1000 bikes from 78-80 and the 1100E of 80-83 and the 1100G engine head will fit on that engine, so that makes me think it will fit as long as Suzuki didn't reconfigure the the placement of the output drive it should work. It was a good system to start with, so why would they go and change that dimension?

Sorry, yes I meant the GSX1100G (brainfart time, I knew what I meant to type).
This one https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mo...1100g%2091.htm
They were sold in Europe until '96 I believe.
Looking at the pic, I'm wondering if the engine is any taller than the air-cooled version, but it's hard to tell from the photograph.
I strongly suspect, like yourself, that Suzuki likely kept the shaft in the same position relative to the centre-line, which would be fantastic for me.
If so, and if the sizes match up it will be worth giving it a go, IF I can find an engine reasonably priced. They're now over 20 years old and there are a few in breakers by now.
It would be a great help to me if you could roughly measure the sizes and spacings, many thanks.

Because the hardest part is swapping the engine, I would consider converting the GSX1100G frame to accept the GS parts; tank, seat and wheels.

Only problem with that is bringing in yet another m'cycle that needs to go through the importation nonsense and paperwork (and expense), and I've already got a frame there (complete bike) which might take that engine if the gods smile upon me.

At the moment it's just an option, and I might just sling one of the spare 850 lumps together and put that where it belongs, but I've always fancied an 1100. If I do end up triking the 79 bike, an 1100 will be much better at it.