Best end weights for a GS850L

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  • Mr.Mom
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    Best end weights for a GS850L

    Hi,
    My bike has quite a buzz above 60mph. I figured I should check with the experienced riders here before buying end weights. Suggestions on brands, model # would be helpful

    Thank you
  • Nessism
    Forum LongTimer
    GSResource Superstar
    Past Site Supporter
    Super Site Supporter
    • Mar 2006
    • 35783
    • Torrance, CA

    #2
    What is an "end weight"? Handlebar weight?
    Ed

    To measure is to know.

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    Comment

    • jsandidge
      Forum Sage
      Past Site Supporter
      • Jun 2013
      • 1482
      • Norfolk, Virginia

      #3
      Are you sure everything is operating properly? Clean, synched carbs and valve adjust? Wheels balanced? That bike should be very smooth with no need for bar weights. Mine sure is.
      https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9zH8w8Civs8ejBJWjdvYi1LNTg&resourcekey=0-hlJp0Yc4K_VN9g7Jyy4KQg&authuser=fussbucket_1%40msn.com&usp=drive_fs
      1983 GS750ED-Horsetraded for the Ironhead
      1981 HD XLH

      Drew's 850 L Restoration

      Drew's 83 750E Project

      Comment

      • Mr.Mom

        #4
        Handlebar end weight

        Comment

        • Guest

          #5
          i agree, an 850 in proper tune shouldnt need bar end weights. i could balance a nickel on my 8 v 750 all the way up to redline.

          Comment

          • Steve
            GS Whisperer
            • Jun 2005
            • 35924
            • southwest oHIo

            #6
            I will toss in another vote for "do ALL the maintenance first".

            My wife's 850L needs no weights. My 850G(K) needs no weights. Both of them have rather stock bars.

            Both of my sons' bikes have lower (Superbike? Daytona?) bars on them, they are simply not long enough to vibrate, but are also very smooth.

            .
            sigpic
            mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
            hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
            #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
            #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
            Family Portrait
            Siblings and Spouses
            Mom's first ride
            Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
            (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

            Comment

            • Mr.Mom

              #7
              It does need new tires... The vibes improved after a valve adjustment. The mirrors still get blurred above 60+ mph though.

              Comment

              • bwringer
                Forum LongTimer
                Bard Award Winner
                GSResource Superstar
                Past Site Supporter
                Super Site Supporter
                • Oct 2003
                • 17066
                • Indianapolis

                #8
                Manic Salamander are the best, period. They use a unique metal-to-metal mounting system that works better than anything else.

                Their stupid bike selector just gets in the way -- just choose "Aftermarket Bars" and "7/8 steel".


                My GS850G is very, very smooth, but I still added Manic Salamander weights to make it downright buttery...

                Don't bother with the Manic Salamander throttle lock -- it's not strong enough to hold the throttle open on a GS, no matter what kind of grips you use.

                And FWIW, don't bother with Throttlemeister throttle locks either -- they're rubber-mounted (so they're not actually effective at changing vibration frequency) and although they're cleverly and beautifully crafted, the design is deeply flawed. The throttle lock sleeve moves only a very tiny amount, so it's basically impossible to calibrate the stupid things so they work without dragging dangerously. And you can't use heated grips, because the tiny amount the plastic throttle sleeve expands when the heat is on is enough to take up the clearance and make your throttle drag.
                1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
                2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
                2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
                Eat more venison.

                Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

                Celeriter equita, converteque saepe.

                SUPPORT THIS SITE! DONATE TODAY!

                Co-host of "The Riding Obsession" sport-touring motorcycling podcast at tro.bike!

                Comment

                • bwringer
                  Forum LongTimer
                  Bard Award Winner
                  GSResource Superstar
                  Past Site Supporter
                  Super Site Supporter
                  • Oct 2003
                  • 17066
                  • Indianapolis

                  #9
                  You might also need to add mirror dampers. These came stock on G model shafties, but not GL models. They're rubber bushings that will ensure your mirrors are smooth as glass.

                  One good source -- watch shipping costs...
                  http://www.partsoutlaw.com/oemparts/...e5ed/handlebar

                  CUSHION, REAR VIEW MIRROR
                  56700-45400
                  $13.37
                  Last edited by bwringer; 08-04-2014, 12:06 PM.
                  1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
                  2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
                  2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
                  Eat more venison.

                  Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

                  Celeriter equita, converteque saepe.

                  SUPPORT THIS SITE! DONATE TODAY!

                  Co-host of "The Riding Obsession" sport-touring motorcycling podcast at tro.bike!

                  Comment

                  • Steve
                    GS Whisperer
                    • Jun 2005
                    • 35924
                    • southwest oHIo

                    #10
                    Originally posted by bwringer
                    One good source -- watch shipping costs...
                    http://www.partsoutlaw.com/oemparts/...e5ed/handlebar
                    You can soften the blow of the shipping charges by typing "BANG" into the promo code box when you check out.
                    Shipping charges will be reduced to ZERO.

                    .
                    sigpic
                    mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
                    hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
                    #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
                    #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
                    Family Portrait
                    Siblings and Spouses
                    Mom's first ride
                    Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
                    (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

                    Comment

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