Info from VIN.

[peterd123]

Here is the VIN from my GS850, GS850-705913, what info can be got from it, and where would I find the correct paint codes/scheme?
Regards
Pete

[Hinermad]

What model year is your bike? I'm not sure things like paint codes are embedded in the VIN on old models. On my '78 it's just a serial number.

[peterd123]

It says on log book 79
gs850.jpg

[Nessism]

There is no info contained in the VIN that relates to color and model other than the "GS850" part.

The photo shows a bike with CV carbs which were introduced in 1980. I thought Suzuki switched to a 17 digit VIN for 1980? Maybe that was a USA thing though? Not sure.

[peterd123]

I was told that mine came from US. On the log book it has declared manufactured 79.

[Nessism]

I was told that mine came from US. On the log book it has declared manufactured 79.

It's a 1980 model year bike then, that came off the line in mid-late 1979. Sometimes such bikes are title by the date they came off the line instead of with the model year. Just don't ask me why.

[Steve]

The 17-digit VIN started with the '81 model year.

.

[Redman]

Here is the VIN from my GS850, GS850-705913, what info can be got from it, and where would I find the correct paint codes/scheme?
Regards
Pete

THat tells you nothing about paint codes.

For paint codes, you need to find a complete set of microfische (not just what is online at part suppliers) for that model and year. One of the first few sheets lists paint codes for the colors used that year.
Next subject will then be if those codes are usable by anybody.


SOme folks have found some listings of what frame serial numbers for what year.
My sus****ion is you have a 78 or 79 based on the fact it says GS850 (not GS850G or GS850GL), but that is half a guess.

As far as the year:
On the sterring neck, on opposite side where the numbers are stamped, is there a foil tag? If it is readable, it will have manufacture date, and model with the model including a date code.
Does it have kick start? If so is 78 or 79.

.

[Nessism]

THat tells you nothing about paint codes.

For paint codes, you need to find a complete set of microfische (not just what is online at part suppliers) for that model and year. One of the first few sheets lists paint codes for the colors used that year.
Next subject will then be if those codes are usable by anybody.


SOme folks have found some listings of what frame serial numbers for what year.
My sus****ion is you have a 78 or 79 based on the fact it says GS850 (not GS850G or GS850GL), but that is half a guess.

As far as the year:
On the sterring neck, on opposite side where the numbers are stamped, is there a foil tag? If it is readable, it will have manufacture date, and model with the model including a date code.
Does it have kick start? If so is 78 or 79.

.

The photo is up already. The bike is a 1980. Color looks to be 08E Pearl Black. Finding a paint formula for that color is next to impossible though so not sure that info will help you.

[Steve]

Just took a look at the photo, thought I would pass on a tidbit that nobody else has mentioned so far.

Your bike is a 1980 GS850GL. Yes, it's an "L". Some like them, others don't. I will just say that your particular model was a "one year only" model. The '81 850GL got a larger, sleeker gas tank and different airbox covers and side covers that were kept for the '82 and '83 model years. Yours was also unique in that it was the only "L" offered with a 17" rear tire.

The paint code is, indeed, 08E. I have the same color on my '80 850G. I don't know the official name of the color, but Nessism's description of "Pearl Black" is rather accurate. Under bright sunlight, it's easy to see the pearl colors, especially gold.

.

[peterd123]

No Kick start.

[peterd123]

Thanks for all the info, great to be able to build a history for the bike and to restore it to as original as possible.

[peterd123]

Also, what is it that some don't like about the L model compared to others?

[Steve]

1. VERY uncomfortable ergonomics, unless you happen to be one of the very few people the bike actually fits.
2. Smaller tank means more-frequent fuel stops.
3. As a personal preference, some don't care for the extra chrome.

Mechanically, it's the same bike. The wheelbase and steering geometry are nearly identical, certainly not different enough for mere mortals not notice.

.

[peterd123]

1. VERY uncomfortable ergonomics, unless you happen to be one of the very few people the bike actually fits.
2. Smaller tank means more-frequent fuel stops.
3. As a personal preference, some don't care for the extra chrome.

Mechanically, it's the same bike. The wheelbase and steering geometry are nearly identical, certainly not different enough for mere mortals not notice.

.

Lucky for me, so far it feels quite comfortable. I only do short runs, no more than about 50 miles. I feel lucky to have got hold of an almost 40 year old bike to look after and cherish.
Had new bikes, but not being able to do much on them is not for me. I like restoring something old rather than buying new. Plus as it only set me back ?2k, i'm not fretting on it sitting there not doing much or depreciating. looking forward to the better weather..