Hi, new GS850 owner from Oz, clipons, ignition coils, parts suppliers info?

[butterbeatsrecordstore]

Hi, new to this forum. Peace and respect to all members.

I am looking for recent info on general parts supply and advice on clips ons for my 1979 GS850.

Could someone be so kind as to let me know what diameter size are the forks?

Also can you members recommended parts suppliers for clip ons ....

for other parts obviously I use Ebay... plus for my other bikes Mikes XS/Z1 Enterprises... but any good recent tips. I have checked this forum, but clip on info is vague and is atleast 4 years old, discount vouchers out of date.

I just got a recently purchased $500 Aussie ($385 US $$) non runner 1979 GS 850, spent a few hours cleaning out carbs (3 times to get it right) new stator, spark plugs, general wiring clean (still trying to work out a few pieces of wiring as the harness was not original), new battery, got it running so now its time to tidy up performance and looks.

Parts I need at this stage

- petcock (fairly easy thru Ebay)

- Clips on ( most are shiznit on Ebay having bought a set for other bikes)

- new ignition coils I heard they dont like the black?? my spark is weak at the moment.... working but weak...

thanks

 

[Steve]

Greetings and welcome. :encouragement:

To answer your questions, and ask a couple of my own, ...

The forks are 37 mm. Not sure what condition your bike is in, but to install clip-ons, you will either have to slide the fork tubes up through the clamps (which will lower the front of the bike) or remove the stock headlight brackets because the clip-ons will be fighting for the same real estate on the tubes. Not sure where to recommend looking for them, as they have never been on my list of desired accessories.

You say you got a new stator. Hopefully it is a 12-pole stator, like the stock one. That is, unless you have also upgraded the rotor to match the 18-pole stator that most places offer. Either one will work, but you HAVE to have matching pieces. While you are playing with the charging system, your new stator will benefit greatly by upgrading your rectifier and regulator to an upgraded combined unit. The preferred R/R is a Shindengen SH775, which is typically found on Polaris side by side utility vehicle. It also has a Polaris part number 4012941.

You ask about coils. You mention "black". You asking about Dyna black coils? If so, they are great for a bike with points. In stock configuration, your bike has points. However, for just a bit more than replacing the points and condensors, you can install electronic ignition and not have to worry about points again. Electronic ignition is happy with green coils, as well as black ones.

.

 

[Redman]

Welcome to GSR.

Tell us what year 850 (could effect the coils).

I can confirm Steve's statement of "37mm", and also say that applys to most all GSes (except GK).

Weak spark could be marginal spark plug caps. They are replaceable, and do go bad over time/usage/heat. Caps go bad more than the coils do.
Maybe post a thread about that weak spark in appropriate technical section.

Thanks for introduction.
Do tell us more.
Pictures of bike will be good too. Yah, picture of bike out in the sun on a nice ride in scenic area with twisty road.... just to annoy us folks in the land of ice and snow.

.

 

[butterbeatsrecordstore]

1979 Australian import so the CV Mikunis. Spark plugs have been replaced. I replaced old coils with tested preloved units. I am going thru all electrical yesterday and today cleaning contact points. Lots of issues including home made neutral wire that is 65 cm long.... the rest of the gear indicator wires are hanging cut and loose...

as for cafe bars... I have 2 kids and a missus.... some most of my riding is quick runs.... my other running daily rider is a nice 1978 Yamaha XS400. Brought it back from the dead and slow as a turtle.... hence the GS850 ... bigger bike... bigger runs.

Also got a non runner 1979 GS450 have not done anything with.

Christmas day is was 90 farenheit..... so I guess I will upload some flix of some local mountain swimming holes that are popular with local riders.

 

[butterbeatsrecordstore]

Thanks for the food for thought...you are someone who obviously knows their GS... appreciate any time or comment...I have been riding on and off since 12 (47 now) but only really trying to bring bikes back from the dead the last couple of years..... I am learning allot..... but so much to know and experience seems the only way to learn....

The stator was straight of ebay...so I will double check. the rectifier is original I believe..I have an ebay rectifier generic but supposedly as described by seller a match... I change a piece at a time to minimise issues. Change the stator, see if it works, see how it charges.... .. I will research the R/R is a Shindengen SH775, ...

I love perfect original bikes... saw some flix on this forum.... a blue and white GS 1000 posted on this forum comes to mind as perfection... this bike was a bitsa so I do not feel too precious about originality..... although I wont be doing any brat seats.... skateboard deck / seat diy projects....

I like when the bike suits its time.... original plus cafe bars..... the original duck tail and seat, which I think and I am sure most of your forum agree too, has great styling... the whole GS series is really quite good.... still look cool and fast now.....

although I was staggered by the smallest circlip I have ever seen being used on the horn switch!! my stocky fingers had no chance with it....

BB

I will just shorten front mud guard, tidied up electrical, change bars....

thanks heaps

 

[Steve]

1979 Australian import so the CV Mikunis.

A couple items there that are begging clarification. Seems a bit petty, but it was an important transition from '79 to '80.

"Aussie import". Does that mean that Suzuki intended it for Oz or did it come in via private party?

In '79, most of the rest of the world had the VM carbs. The US started the move to CV-type carbs (the BS series) for the '80 model year, but many of those were ASSEMBLED in late '79. Check the VIN plate for assembly date.

Other items that changed from '79 to '80 include the ignnition (you say you still have points, so '79), brake calipers and a couple other small details.

.

 

[Redman]

Said "1979 GS850", but then said "CV carb".

So, need clarification.
THe fact that said "GS850", not "GS850G" makes me think could be 79.
79 side panel has GS850 even though is actaully GS850G.
80 side panel has GS850G (if is G) or GS850L (if is a GL).

The fact that said CV carb makes me think 1980.

Lots of changes from 79 model to 80 model: Ignition, charging, headlight, carburetors, brakes, and others.

.

 

[steve murdoch]

So i just had to look up Butter Beats Records.
http://www.butterbeatsrecordstore.com/
Do you work at the store?
A lot of us here still hanging onto our old vinyl.

Welcome to the site.

 

[Spyder]

Welcome BB, I won't clone what the boys here have already mentioned about this mystery 850. I will say that a picture would do wonders for clarification.

I too am a HUGE fan of vinyl, and am in the works of bringing my collection back up, as many have been lost or damaged during residential relocations... Sounds like a cool store...

Pictures of the bike please...

 

[Guest]

Kickstarter?

 

[Guest]

Welcome! Always good to see another local pop up on here!

If you're tempted by the cheap Chinese clip-ons on eBay, I've been warned off them twice now. I had a set for my Kat but am not going to use them. Apparently two people locally here have had issues with them, primarily due to the aluminium they're made of being such low quality that the mounts tend to stretch during use and therefore start moving on the fork legs.

Whereabouts in Brissie are you? The Katana Australia folk around here are quite the active bunch, and more specifically the north side guys get together pretty much every Saturday morning for a ride starting in Cashmere and usually heading up Mt Mee.

When I say Katana Australia, they're not (too) exclusive, and we regularly have riders on other brands including a fella on an old SR500, so you'd be more than welcome to join us on your XS. You may get a jibe or two but all in good fun

We have a couple of regulars on GS1100G's, and one of those fellas used to work for a Suzuki dealer back in the day and knows a thing or two about the GS/GSX range. They're a pretty switched on bunch!

Your 450... if it's a '79 surely that would make it a 400? Unless the date is the last half of '79 which would make it an '80 model and the first of the 450 series?

 

[Guest]

The stock bars from a Katana are 37mm and will work above the top tree if the tubes are long enough. Had a set on my '83 back in the 80's.

 

[butterbeatsrecordstore]

Pete, Hey thanks for the positive advice..I bought some ebay bars but would not trust them with my life ... literally.... . I live at Red Hill... I have a blue XS400 out the front.... unfortunately no garage..... my kid dropped my phone into a puddle and its getting repaired hopefully ... when its alive I will photograph both bikes, VIN plates... etc...

 

[butterbeatsrecordstore]

I own the place or rather it owns me...the Brisbane store that is.. I started it 20 years ago with 2 crates and a couple hundred dollars in my pocket... been a fun ride. . my friends run another Butter Beats at Southport right on the Gold Coast...

sometimes vinyl like bikes is a lifestyle choice.....

 

[Guest]

Good stuff, Musgrave/Waterworks Rd is my usual route home of an afternoon (I work in the Valley), so if you see my little old GS450 rolling through give us a wave.

Definitely let me know if you're keen to join us on a Saturday morning and I'll let you know the details. I typically get out about once a fortnight, but probably the 6th January is the next time I'll get up there.

Keen to see some pic's of the bikes for sure.

Oh, and for genuine parts, I can highly recommend Mick Hone down in Victoria. If you're not just buying an oil filter usually his price plus postage ends up the same or cheaper than the local dealers here and those guys give excellent service. They're Katana specialists so that makes it even more appealing for myself of course

 

[thebrandonbeezy]

Welcome! Always good to see another local pop up on here!

If you're tempted by the cheap Chinese clip-ons on eBay, I've been warned off them twice now. I had a set for my Kat but am not going to use them. Apparently two people locally here have had issues with them, primarily due to the aluminium they're made of being such low quality that the mounts tend to stretch during use and therefore start moving on the fork legs.

Whereabouts in Brissie are you? The Katana Australia folk around here are quite the active bunch, and more specifically the north side guys get together pretty much every Saturday morning for a ride starting in Cashmere and usually heading up Mt Mee.

When I say Katana Australia, they're not (too) exclusive, and we regularly have riders on other brands including a fella on an old SR500, so you'd be more than welcome to join us on your XS. You may get a jibe or two but all in good fun

We have a couple of regulars on GS1100G's, and one of those fellas used to work for a Suzuki dealer back in the day and knows a thing or two about the GS/GSX range. They're a pretty switched on bunch!

Your 450... if it's a '79 surely that would make it a 400? Unless the date is the last half of '79 which would make it an '80 model and the first of the 450 series?

could you please post a picture of the clip ons you decided not to use?

here are the ones i installed on my 1000g yesterday, theyre off of amazon and were cheap. but seem to be built rather well. no sleeve was needed for the fort tube to clip on flange like ive seen some of the ebay units require.
my bike only needed to be lowered 31mm but since mine still has the 19 up front and a 16 in the rear im not concerned with the steering geometry being to aggressive.

20171226_122144 by Brandon Hobock, on Flickr

20171226_122211 by Brandon Hobock, on Flickr

20171224_153248 by Brandon Hobock, on Flickr

20171224_153352 by Brandon Hobock, on Flickr

they have a slight rise built into them and are perfectly comfortable for me. i am long armed though.
hope this helps, and welcome to the forum!

 

[butterbeatsrecordstore]

Your bike looks tough.... practical and fast... eye catching without being an attention whore....

what pods are you using? how hard to do? rejetted the carbs? Was it worth it??

The clips on were similar to yours but the ends just had simple plastic plugs and no size marking.... the metal felt like I could bend it in my hands.... I just figured $35 for a learning experience..

 

[butterbeatsrecordstore]

trying to upload some flix of the bike... I guess non standard headlight, horn, handlebars?, clocks definitely off something else.....

 

[butterbeatsrecordstore]

I see holes drilled for two horns, 2 horns on the wiring diagram ... and this is my current horn. Which when connected to good battery honks quite like a loud goose.... but while on the current wiring system just a slight sound of engagement.... if a normal horn was 10 sound level it would be a 1.... this horn has dreadful connection points, round stubs as you might be able to see.

 

[thebrandonbeezy]

Has k&n pods. It came with them when i got it. I cant really comment on if it really made a difference because there are a number of things i need to address before i can get it tuned back up. (Its running rich) the big one is the head gasket is leaking., and second the gaskets for the header are blown out. My last 1000g had a cut air box and k&n drop in and a custom 4 into 1 and was faster, but that bike was tuned up really well. I used an exhaust sniffer to adjust jetting instead of plug chops. Now this bike doesn't run bad, its just really rich and i havent bothered to leant it out yet because soon as i fix the head gasket and exhaust and adjust the valves it will be a total different bike.