79 GS850 Project

[bob167881]

Hello all,

After many years of wanting to, I have finally decided to get my Dad's '79 GS850 running. Its been sitting on a back porch since 1986. Someone tried to take off the carbs and succeeded in losing the airbox, but other than that everything is pretty much as he left it.

I didn't do this earlier as I felt that it was too big a bike to start off with. I was looking at upgrading from my Yamaha V-Star 650, and then realized I already had the bike I was looking for.

I want to leave it stock as much as possible, but without the airbox, I might go for Pods instead. I also want to lower the seat an inch or two. Ill post some more pictures when I get her back to my garage

 

[sachsaca]

hit up e bay for an air box, got mine for 18.

 

[tkent02]

If it is a '79 it should have VM carburetors, it should not be too hard to dial in the jetting with pods. But a proper airbox would be better.

 

[Nessism]

Finding the proper airbox will save a ton of time rejetting the carbs. Regarding the seat, the 850 seat of that era is one of the most comfortable motorcycle seats of all time. I advise you to keep it stock if it's in good condition and look for something ratty to modify. A lower seat may be nice for around town but that stocker is the proper tool for the job if you are going to stack miles on the bike.