Info from VIN.

[peterd123]

Just found the label still in good condition. Here are two pics.20180403_185315_resized.jpg

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.

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[peterd123]

20180403_185627_resized.jpgthe other pic.

Just found the label still in good condition. Here are two pics.[ATTACH=CONFIG]54456[/ATTACH]

[Redman]

Just found the label still in good condition. Here are two pics..........

Yah, there is the foil tag I was describing.
See the manufacture date of 12/79, yep 1980 model.
(and now I see your pictures of the bike, yah 1980 L, GL actaully)

I think somewhere else on that tag, if it is not worn off by the cables, you will see "GS850GLT", G for shaft drive, L for L model, T for 1980 model year.
Is actaully listed in catalogs as a GL, but in talking we sometimes say L because that is what is on the side panel, and L is enough to distinguish from a G. But it is a GL.
Which can be somewhat confusing since there are other L that are L not GL.

[peterd123]

Thanks, getting there at last. Great help from everyone.. So when will it be historic as far as road tax is concerned. Some say April 1st 19 others say Jan 1st 19, As the log book just says Manufactured 1979.

Yah, there is the foil tag I was describing.
See the manufacture date of 12/79, yep 1980 model.
(and now I see your pictures of the bike, yah 1980 L, GL actaully)

I think somewhere else on that tag, if it is not worn off by the cables, you will see "GS850GLT", G for shaft drive, L for L model, T for 1980 model year.
Is actaully listed in catalogs as a GL, but in talking we sometimes say L because that is what is on the side panel, and L is enough to distinguish from a G. But it is a GL.
Which can be somewhat confusing since there are other L that are L not GL.

[Steve]

Yes, many of the chain-driven bikes had "L" variants, as well as the shafties. Although the "G" at the end of the bike model signified the shaft drive, Suzuki, for some reason, chose to not put the "G" where there was also an "L", so your side covers only say "GS850L". That was also true with the 650, 1000 and 1100 GL models.

Consider yourself fortunate that the bike seems to fit. For many of us, the angle of the hand grips puts our wrists at a very awkward angle, making them uncomfortable almost instantly. There are those who would also rather lean into the wind while moving, which those higher bars will not allow. Installation of a windscreen helps a lot, taking the wind pressure off the torso, meaning that you don't HAVE to lean into the wind, but that still leaves the awkward angle of the hand grips.

My wife really enjoys her 850L, but she is short, and the bike has been set up for her. It's low enough for her to actually reach the ground (but not quite as well as she would like) while still being a decent-size bike to be able to handle road trips well.

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