Help with Model Identification GS650 G/GT/GX????

[canuck1969]

1st post as I am beginning my rebuild of a 1981 GS650G. All is going well and torn down to wheels and engine. Engine comes out today.

Started my list of part replacements and came across my 1st hurdle. Long time bike owner and this is the 4th bike I have restored in the last 3 years so not new to this game but this one has me stumped. Way to many options for a bike that was technically in production for 3 years.

The confusion comes in when I look up the parts diagram. The 650G on Partzilla or Suzuki parts house show the G having a different orientation for the air box. My filter is changed from the right side of the pike behind the panel. The G in those diagrams show if from the top. When I look at the diagrams on CMSNL, if I look up the GT model it shows the correct orientation but the serial numbers don't match what the diagrams are supposed to be for. To make it even more confusing CMSNL shows an oil cooler for the G model.

What the heck do I have here. Just want to be sure I am ordering the right parts for the right bike.

IMG_2995.jpg

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Burlington, what state or country?

[canuck1969]

Ontario Canada

[rphillips]

Go to home page, across to GS Info, then down to model information & you should find everything, but you won't. I just looked & there are 7 "81" 650 listings. 650 E is basic chain dr., 650 G is basic shaft dr., 650 GL is a shaft dr. cruiser "L" model, 650 GM should be shaft dr. Katana, 650 L is chain dr. cruiser, 650 M is chain dr. Katana. That dang 650GT has me stumped, as a rule anything ending in GT is a "G", meaning shaft dr. & "T" is, (I thought always) an "80" model should be an "80" model standard bike with shaft dr. No 650's in "80".... I just Du'no, not a clue.

[canuck1969]

That is where I pretty much ended up. Confused. If it was not for the air filter coming out the side I would be fine with the G designation but then the oil cooler throws me. Was not modified as all the screws to mount the box are in the correct orientation on the frame. The GT is an oddball. Perhaps European/Canadian.

pretty sure it is a G model with the X carbs. Perhaps someone else can comment on the air filter orientation being different. It is a Canadian model so that may make a difference?

[rphillips]

"G" means shaft dr. "X" means 1981 model. Is it chain or shaft dr.? Is it an "L" cruiser model? taller bars, 4" stepped seat, chrome rear fender, tear drop fuel tank? 0r standard 1" step in seat, plastic tail section W/ black plastic rear fender & lower bars?

[canuck1969]

"G" means shaft dr. "X" means 1981 model. Is it chain or shaft dr.? Is it an "L" cruiser model? taller bars, 4" stepped seat, chrome rear fender, tear drop fuel tank? 0r standard 1" step in seat, plastic tail section W/ black plastic rear fender & lower bars?

Not an L, that I am sure of. Share drive so it is a G. I suspect it is a GT. It makes no real difference. On difference I can see is the location of the air box. That is the confusing part.

[650Skull]

from the Clymer GS650 fours 81/82 models, G/E/L Shaft drive and chain drive
IMG_3197 crop shpn auto enhance.jpg

[650Skull]

from the Clymer GS650 fours 81/82 models, G/E/L Shaft drive and chain drive
IMG_3192 crop shpn Auto enhance.jpg

[650Skull]

Will need to right click and open in new tab to get the full size.........Sequence i order Post #10,#9,#8

from the Clymer GS650 fours 81/82 models, G/E/L Shaft drive and chain drive
IMG_3189 crop shpn Auto enhance.jpg

[650Skull]

From my understanding in 81 and 82 there was an X and Z model for each year. 81GX and 81GZ same as 82. Some of the differences are minor like Decals but also the Z models have a fuel gauge.

I have an 82E and it confused the hell out of me, Chain drive, shaft drive, crank roller bearings, crank shell bearings, a lot of changes in those 2 years...........Still a lo to learn.

[canuck1969]

Ok. That makes sense now. My shop service manual for the G also shows it on the side. Shaft is on the side. Chain is on the top. I suspect that some parts diagrams are referring to the 650 G Katana. When I went back and looked at the CMSNL parts diagram for the G and looked at the tank and side panels it was for a Katana. Just tells me that I will need to cross reference the part numbers just to be sure I am getting right ?G?. Thanks all. Will start to post my build in the project section once I get some time.

[canuck1969]

The XS was much less confusing.

I have the X model. That much I am 100% sure of. Even I can?t miss a fuel gauge.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Except that X isn’t the model. It’s the year code for 1981.

[canuck1969]

I did figure that part out. Some parts diagrams make it even more confusing by designating it as a GX and GZ. Go figure that Suzuki can mess up a 3 year production run.

I am good for now.