82 GS650L Rear Wheel Swap

[ninety8problems]

Hi All,

I was thinking about swapping out the rear wheel (alloy) to a larger diameter to better match the front. Are there any straight swaps?

This bike is a shaft drive with the alloy wheels. I believe the front wheel is 19" and I would like something comparable on the rear. Going for a cafe look.

Thanks,

Christian

[Guest]

You're limited to only one option, a wheel off a 650g, otherwise known as a 'standard', the other version of
your 650gl (the full description of your bike) -18".

[ninety8problems]

Thanks for the quick reply. Much appreciated.

Now, for my second question. Is the "L" the same as the "GL". I see these models online and it seems as though they are aliases for one another. Are they the SAME model?

[Guest]

Yes-'81-'83 only.

[TheCafeKid]

Yes. Technically your bike is a 650GL. "G" is the designation given for all shaft drive models. "L" was given for all the low seat, cruiser style models. And then there would be a final letter designation for the year. An 81 650L would technically be a 650GLX as X was the letter code for 1981 models. T was used for 1980, Z for 82, D for 83.. Etc. so an 83 650L would be a 650GLD.

[7981GS]

Thanks for the quick reply. Much appreciated.

Now, for my second question. Is the "L" the same as the "GL". I see these models online and it seems as though they are aliases for one another. Are they the SAME model?

E= triple disc and chain-drive
L=chain-drive cruiser
G=shaft drive
GL=shaft-drive cruiser

Does that make you all happy?
And yes the 650 only came in E and GL models Sheesh!



Eric

[Steve]

You're limited to only one option, a wheel off a 650g, otherwise known as a 'standard', the other version of
your 650gl (the full description of your bike) -18".

Right idea, slightly off on the dimension, Ken.

The L models had a 16" rear wheel, the "standards" had a 17" wheel.

Not aware that any of the 650s had an 18" rear wheel.

.

[Steve]

The L would indicate the cruiser model chain-driven models.
The GL would indicate the shaft-driven cruiser model.

Except for the one small detail that there was no chain-driven 650L. If your 650 is an "L", it will be a shaft-driven 650GL.

Note that there was a chain-driven 650E and a shaft-driven 650G, but no chain-driven 650L.

.

[ninety8problems]

Great info, Guys. Very much appreciated.

I have owned a KZ, XS, and CB, but I am new to the GS. Just starting my learning curve with the bike, and you guys have already been a great help.

Thanks again.

[DrunkenChekhov]

Right idea, slightly off on the dimension, Ken.

The L models had a 16" rear wheel, the "standards" had a 17" wheel.

Not aware that any of the 650s had an 18" rear wheel.

.

650E's came with an 18" rear.

E= triple disc and chain-drive
L=chain-drive cruiser
G=shaft drive
GL=shaft-drive cruiser

Does that make you all happy?
And yes the 650 only came in E and GL models Sheesh!



Eric

It also came in the standard G, not just GL.

[Guest]

Eggs/face

Right idea, slightly off on the dimension, Ken.

The L models had a 16" rear wheel, the "standards" had a 17" wheel.

Not aware that any of the 650s had an 18" rear wheel.

.

Absolutely right, Steve, my bad, and I KNEW that, too, just rattled that off without thinking