80 GS850G vs 1981 GS850L cylinder heads ?

[Sarnia Ron]

My first post on this site, I'm in need of a little technical expertise in regards to my 1981 GS850L which is in need of a new/gently used cylinder head.

I've found one 2 hours away for a 1980 GS850G which appears compatible. With my owners manual having a section specifically dealing with 1981 and newer, I'm concerned about the two matching but have been unable to find anything which suggests the heads wont match.

Any thoughts ? Thanks !!
Ron

[Nessism]

Part numbers are the same.

It's pretty easy to check by using a parts fishe like this one... http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

[blowerbike]

if you buy a head make sure you get the correct cam caps with it.
some people think the caps are all the same...not so.
they are line bored per head.

[will61310]

if you buy a head make sure you get the correct cam caps with it.
some people think the caps are all the same...not so.
they are line bored per head.

What if they're not the same? Is the head then worthless, or can it be saved?

[blowerbike]

it can be saved but the cost over rides the value of a 50-100 head.
if it was an 1150 head or a ported/over sized valve head then yes.. it would be worth it.
i have a large box of cam caps that i use to "replace" broken or lost cam caps.
i have these for 8 and 16v. heads.

i get a couple hundred and up for parts and labor to do this.
if i can't fix it then i don't charge anything.
anyways...
it cost more to fix then its worth in most cases.

[Sarnia Ron]

Thanks for the help. 23 years since I've had a bike or worked on one, I'm a little rusty. I love this GS850 and just want to do everything I can to keep her going..

[SqDancerLynn1]

Between 80-81 you should have no problem, 83GS850 they changed the cam cover bolt pattern

[rustybronco]

If that head two hours away doesn't pan out, PM me.

[Dogma]

Between 80-81 you should have no problem, 83GS850 they changed the cam cover bolt pattern

I think it changed part way through '82. I know I've seen the silver 850 motor with the later pattern.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. Sarnia Ron,

You'll find lots of GS 850G lovin' at my website. I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff