GS850G, 1100G, 1100GK frame differences

[WillieE]

Hi All,

I have a 1983 GS1100GK I acquired a few years ago. I'm not comfortable the frame is straight and have been wondering if it would be worth the effort to just acquire either a GS850G or GS1100G frame and swap everything over. I'm pretty sure the 850G and 1100G frames are the same but not sure the GK frame is different only in the mounting lugs for the fairing or if there is more to it or I'm just out of my mind....

 

[Steve]

The GK frame definitely has the mounting lugs for the fairing, not sure if there are other differences.
I know the engine mounts are a bit different, but not exactly sure HOW. I have heard there is a rubber bushing in the mount, but I don't know if that is in the engine mount, or the engine itself, or if the frame is a bit different to accomodate a different mount.

850G and 1100G frames of the same year range ('82-'83) are virtually the same (they share the same part number), the differences are in the bits and pieces that bolt onto the frame. I don't think you could use either one for your GK, as they don't have the fairing mounts.

What is making you think that your frame is not straight?

.

 

[WillieE]

Thanks Steve! It's a long story but the bottom line is I was told it was dropped from a standstill but the more I looked into it it seems like its possible the impact was harder. However, the bigger issue is when I bought it was after the owner died and apparently I am missing a form required by the state of PA that give power of attorney to an estate designee to sign in place of the owner. In this case it was his wife who I worked with along with her daughter, son-in-law, and Notary buddy. So I now have a title, a death cert and a notarized bill of sale but until I get the form the bike is a lump. Over the years I have tried to get a meeting setup but no dice as the daughter told me her mom is medically dependent and won't leave the house etc. So in my exuberance to own a GK I screwed myself. Taken as a whole I figured it might actually be easier to just get a donor bike to turn into a GK. I will try one more time in my cold heart thoughts, maybe mom is gone now and the daughter can do the form although I think she may be the one with the medical dependency.

Although, looking at your Jr GK may still be an answer as I had a 82 GS850G with an OMNI bags, rack and trunk along with the bigger Pacifico Shadow Classic fairing which I absolutely loved and why I wanted another 850G but the GK showed up and I figured why not. Hmmm, I wonder if I can locate Shadow classic fairing mount and get it modified for the GK fairing? If only I could weld!! ...