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    Is there a better or best GS850 year

    I'm new to the forum and there are 3 Gs850 bikes I'm thinking of looking at. All three have about 23000 miles, excellent condition as far as paint and chrome. All are around $1800.
    The 1979 is red and has vetter faring. The 1981 is the original owner but has recently be repainted the original gray he says. The 1982 is blue.
    So, is there anything better or special that would make me lean towards one bike over the other?
    The background story is that in 1981 I looked at a new Suzuki GS850 but family life wouldnt allow me a treat for myself. I'm 71 now and think I've earned the treat.
    I just got back to bikes last year and bought a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Special.
    thanks in advance for the help.
    tony
    Attached Files

    #2
    Here is the red 1979bike
    Attached Files

    Comment


      #3
      Hey Metalman, welcome aboard!

      Some pros and cons;



      79 has a kick start which they stopped in that year. I think it would be cool to have one.
      VM carbs in 79 as opposed to the 80 and newer with CV carbs which are self adjusting for altitude. Some like VM carbs for performance but this is an 850, not a real racer anyway.
      Points ignition in 79 newer have electronic ignition. There's probably no headlight under that fairing so if you ever remove it you'll have to source one, and some blinkers.

      81 is my least favorite year style wise. Just a personal opinion. It does have CV carbs, electronic ignition though. Your red bike pictured looks sharp with matching bags and fairing. The lowers on the windjammer would be nice to have I think.

      82 and 83 have similar styles. 82 had at some point a weak drive spline which was I believe a brass color and stripped out rather quickly. I like the choke location in these two which is under the left hand grip. The stock seat was higher in the back which some don't like but it works great for me. Your 82 pictured has an aftermarket seat so not an issue. This one in the pic has braided stainless steel brake lines which really helps eliminate spongy brakes. This one also has the headlight and front blinkers which I wish I had.



      All of them may need careful attention to the charging system. If you choose the 82 that drive spline can be changed out, or it may already have been done. I have owned a few 850's. An 81 when I was just out of high school and another 81 that I recently parted out. The current 83 850G I ride had 27k miles on it when I picked it up 7/16 now it has 43k miles and runs like a top.

      Good luck making your decision.
      Roger

      Current rides
      1983 GS 850G
      2003 FJR 1300A
      Gone but not forgotten 1985 Rebel 250, 1991 XT225, 2004 KLR650, 1981 GS850G, 1982 GS1100GL, 2002 DL1000, 2005 KLR650, 2003 KLX400

      Comment


        #4
        I currently have an '80, have had a couple of '81s. My younger son had an '81. My wife currently has an '82 L. Basically no problems with any of them.

        To choose among the three you present:
        The '79 pros:
        - It is fully-dressed and nicely color-matched.
        - It has a kick starter (some like it, I don't really care)
        The '79 cons:
        - It has a kick starter (extra weight that you will likely never use)
        - Points in the ignition
        - A unique (thank goodness) auto-cancel turn signal system that is prone to failure
        - Older-style brakes and non-drilled disks
        - Stock bike had sealed beam headlight, no telling what might be in the fairing
        - Older-style VM carbs

        The '81 pros:
        - Electronic ignition
        - H4 halogen headlight
        - BS series carbs (CV-style)
        - One owner
        - More likely to have wheels that are tubless certified
        - Updated brake calipers with drilled disks
        The '81 cons:
        - Repainted

        The '82 pros:
        - Updated styling of wheels, tank, sidecovers
        - Nice-sized saddlebags (but they might be installed on wrong sides)
        - Nice windshield
        - Possibly updated brake lines
        The '82 cons:
        - Potential weak spline in rear wheel (easily changed)


        If it was up to me to select, I would go for the '82 first, then the '81, finally the '79.

        .
        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


          #5
          The Vetter side bags on that red 81 are really nice to have. They pop off with the turn of a key so you can carry them into the house or motel while you're traveling.

          A down side to the windjammer is the mounting bracket. A minor issue really but when it's time to check valve clearances (which you should do or at least verify it has been done regularly) you'll have to remove the fairing and at least loosen the mounting bracket to pull the valve cover off. The tedious part for me is getting the bracket bolted/ clamped back on the frame perfectly level so the fairing isn't cock eyed. From a functionality standpoint I do like having a frame mounted fairing. On the other hand I've been tempted to install a SlipStream one I have on hand because it's so much of a cleaner look. Unfortunately the headlight has been removed so I'll have to find one.

          I also like the 82 and later gauge setup. Just personal preference, but the single piece unit on the 81 doesn't look as nice as the 82 and later three piece setup, IMO.
          Here are links to some online images to see the differences.

          81...


          82...
          Last edited by Burque73; 07-01-2018, 10:17 AM.
          Roger

          Current rides
          1983 GS 850G
          2003 FJR 1300A
          Gone but not forgotten 1985 Rebel 250, 1991 XT225, 2004 KLR650, 1981 GS850G, 1982 GS1100GL, 2002 DL1000, 2005 KLR650, 2003 KLX400

          Comment


            #6
            Yeah, what Steve said.

            I would skip the '79 entirely, and go for the '82 first.

            As he mentioned, you'll get tubeless wheels with the '82, and updated all-electronic ignition (no mechanical ignition advancer.)

            The windshield and bags are a matter of personal taste; not my cup o' tea at all, but easily removed/sold/swapped.

            The handlebar might be the original torture device; might want to consider replacement.

            Hard to tell from the postage stamp photo, but it might have updated suspension, or at the least seems to have updated fork springs (original fork springs sit lower when on the kickstand), which is a big plus.

            For $1,800 bucks with good to excellent cosmetics, grab it!

            Just leave some budget room for new tires (if the tires are more than three years old) and rear shocks and rear wheel driven spline if these haven't already been addressed, and budget some time for the traditional "laying on of hands" needed for any 36 year old bike. Sit down and review/clean/test the electrical connectors, check all the brakes/cables/fasteners, inspect for stupid PO stuff, check the valves, etc.

            And of course, if it doesn't start INSTANTLY and run FLAWLESSLY, then you may have some carburetor and airbox issues to address.
            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!

            Get "The Riding Obsession" sport-touring motorcycling podcast at https://tro.bike/podcast/ or wherever you listen to podcasts!

            Comment


              #7
              Thanks so much for all the quick replies and great information. I think I'll take a look at the '82 first. I checked the ad and he actually is asking more than the $1800, wants $2500.
              One more thing to throw out since this forum is such a wealth of information. There is a GS1100 that i see just came up for sale near me. It's not the original 850 I was so nostalgic about from my younger days but if it is hands down a better bike I would consider it. One additional piece of into. I'm only 5'7" and not what I use to be in my weightlifting days. So bike height and weight are a concern.
              here is the ad link.

              Comment


                #8
                Thanks! That was important info to know about the faring.
                I like the '82 gauges better also.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Wow! Great comparison spreadsheet. Can't thank you enough.
                  I just posted a link to a GS1100. Can I get your opinion on that one also. Quite a bit higher asking price too.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by Metalman22 View Post
                    Wow! Great comparison spreadsheet. Can't thank you enough.
                    I just posted a link to a GS1100. Can I get your opinion on that one also. Quite a bit higher asking price too.
                    That 1100 is an "L" and has very different ergonomics than the "G". The infamous "L" bars and seat put the rider in a position that leave most riders wanting a break in no time. Also a tiny fuel tank...
                    Roger

                    Current rides
                    1983 GS 850G
                    2003 FJR 1300A
                    Gone but not forgotten 1985 Rebel 250, 1991 XT225, 2004 KLR650, 1981 GS850G, 1982 GS1100GL, 2002 DL1000, 2005 KLR650, 2003 KLX400

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Just the kind of thing I needed to know. I'll scratch it from my list. I also noticed another bike and rusty cars in the photos. Warning signs to me.
                      Thanks ever so much.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        You're welcome.

                        If you get one of these old GS's you'll get hooked! The forum here cultivates a love for these bikes and I've found that a fascination develops to learn more about them.
                        Roger

                        Current rides
                        1983 GS 850G
                        2003 FJR 1300A
                        Gone but not forgotten 1985 Rebel 250, 1991 XT225, 2004 KLR650, 1981 GS850G, 1982 GS1100GL, 2002 DL1000, 2005 KLR650, 2003 KLX400

                        Comment


                          #13
                          I just got a photo from the '81 GS850 that was painted and is being sold by the original owner.
                          Attached Files

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by Burque73 View Post
                            That 1100 is an "L" and has very different ergonomics than the "G". The infamous "L" bars and seat put the rider in a position that leave most riders wanting a break in no time. Also a tiny fuel tank...
                            I agree on the "very different ergonomics", but some people desire, or even need them. The "L" bars can be replaced, but the seat is a bit harder to modify. And, ... the "tiny" tank was increased in '82 from about 3.5 to 4.5 gallons.
                            My wife has an '82 850L, which is essentially the same bike with a smaller engine. The fuel mileage is about the same, so you should expect to switch to REServe at about 140-150 miles. The G models will go another 30-50 miles before hitting REServe, so it's not all that much different.

                            .
                            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


                              #15
                              I think '79 has an oddball stator too.

                              On a tour, the harder throttle pull on the slide carbs is tiring compared to the easier pull on the CV carbs. '79 through'81 look alike. The revised frame was introduced in '82 model year. I don't have a problem with points, but OEM points are crazy expensive. Aftermarket ones not too bad. I replaced them on my '79 before I knew there were aftermarket ones.
                              sigpic Too old, too many bikes, too many cars, too many things

                              Comment

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