GS850G / GL frame

[nyitguy]

Hey all. I've been working on my 1981 GS850GL for the past few months, refurbishing various things to get it roadworthy. But, I'm sort of swimming against an ugly tide: I acquired the bike without a title. I found someone selling a 1981 GS850 frame and title on Craigslist (no sub-model specified, waiting to hear back from him), and was wondering if the frames are compatible between sub-models, G, GL, etc.?

Thanks!
Greg

[nyitguy]

Turns out the CL frame is a GS850G. Forum research leads me to believe the frames are close but not close enough to make the swap truly straightforward (I'm not interested in welding tabs and other such modifications). If anyone has additional thoughts or wisdom to impart, please lay it on me.

[Guest]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/suzuki-gs850-gs850gl-main-bare-frame-assembly-1980-gs850l-81-1981-82-83-/371492356380?hash=item567eab811c:g:GcAAAOxyXDhSgcvr&vxp=mtr

[bwringer]

Correct -- the frames are different. The forks, headlight, tank, seat, rear fender, brake caliper brackets, airbox, and a few other odds and ends are incompatible.

However, the engine and carbs from the GL would drop right in to the G. The exhausts are different but would interchange. I believe the '81 rear wheels are also different (16" for the GL, 17" for the G) but would interchange.

If the G is otherwise complete but has a bad engine, you could swap in the engine and have a running G. If all you have is a G frame, then you'd need to locate the rest of the parts to make a motorcycle.

Not sure whether the Vermont title would work for you in NY, but it's worth looking into.

[nyitguy]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/suzuki-gs850...hSgcvr&vxp=mtr

Wow, great find! Thanks!

[Guest]

If you just need a title I may have a 850GL title, can you make that work. Some people work "magic" somehow lol

[Guest]

Wow, great find! Thanks!

Yep, good luck.