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Info from VIN.

  • Thread starter Thread starter peterd123
  • Start date Start date
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peterd123

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Here is the VIN from my GS850, GS850-705913, what info can be got from it, and where would I find the correct paint codes/scheme?
Regards
Pete
 
What model year is your bike? I'm not sure things like paint codes are embedded in the VIN on old models. On my '78 it's just a serial number.
 
There is no info contained in the VIN that relates to color and model other than the "GS850" part.

The photo shows a bike with CV carbs which were introduced in 1980. I thought Suzuki switched to a 17 digit VIN for 1980? Maybe that was a USA thing though? Not sure.
 
I was told that mine came from US. On the log book it has declared manufactured 79.
 
peterd123 said:
I was told that mine came from US. On the log book it has declared manufactured 79.
Click to expand...

It's a 1980 model year bike then, that came off the line in mid-late 1979. Sometimes such bikes are title by the date they came off the line instead of with the model year. Just don't ask me why.
 
peterd123 said:
Here is the VIN from my GS850, GS850-705913, what info can be got from it, and where would I find the correct paint codes/scheme?
Regards
Pete
Click to expand...

THat tells you nothing about paint codes.

For paint codes, you need to find a complete set of microfische (not just what is online at part suppliers) for that model and year. One of the first few sheets lists paint codes for the colors used that year.
Next subject will then be if those codes are usable by anybody.


SOme folks have found some listings of what frame serial numbers for what year.
My sus****ion is you have a 78 or 79 based on the fact it says GS850 (not GS850G or GS850GL), but that is half a guess.

As far as the year:
On the sterring neck, on opposite side where the numbers are stamped, is there a foil tag? If it is readable, it will have manufacture date, and model with the model including a date code.
Does it have kick start? If so is 78 or 79.

.
 
Redman said:
THat tells you nothing about paint codes.

For paint codes, you need to find a complete set of microfische (not just what is online at part suppliers) for that model and year. One of the first few sheets lists paint codes for the colors used that year.
Next subject will then be if those codes are usable by anybody.


SOme folks have found some listings of what frame serial numbers for what year.
My sus****ion is you have a 78 or 79 based on the fact it says GS850 (not GS850G or GS850GL), but that is half a guess.

As far as the year:
On the sterring neck, on opposite side where the numbers are stamped, is there a foil tag? If it is readable, it will have manufacture date, and model with the model including a date code.
Does it have kick start? If so is 78 or 79.

.
Click to expand...

The photo is up already. The bike is a 1980. Color looks to be 08E Pearl Black. Finding a paint formula for that color is next to impossible though so not sure that info will help you.
 
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Just took a look at the photo, thought I would pass on a tidbit that nobody else has mentioned so far.

Your bike is a 1980 GS850GL. Yes, it's an "L". Some like them, others don't. I will just say that your particular model was a "one year only" model. The '81 850GL got a larger, sleeker gas tank and different airbox covers and side covers that were kept for the '82 and '83 model years. Yours was also unique in that it was the only "L" offered with a 17" rear tire.

The paint code is, indeed, 08E. I have the same color on my '80 850G. I don't know the official name of the color, but Nessism's description of "Pearl Black" is rather accurate. Under bright sunlight, it's easy to see the pearl colors, especially gold.

.
 
Thanks for all the info, great to be able to build a history for the bike and to restore it to as original as possible.
 
Also, what is it that some don't like about the L model compared to others?
 
1. VERY uncomfortable ergonomics, unless you happen to be one of the very few people the bike actually fits.
2. Smaller tank means more-frequent fuel stops.
3. As a personal preference, some don't care for the extra chrome.

Mechanically, it's the same bike. The wheelbase and steering geometry are nearly identical, certainly not different enough for mere mortals not notice.

.
 
Steve said:
1. VERY uncomfortable ergonomics, unless you happen to be one of the very few people the bike actually fits.
2. Smaller tank means more-frequent fuel stops.
3. As a personal preference, some don't care for the extra chrome.

Mechanically, it's the same bike. The wheelbase and steering geometry are nearly identical, certainly not different enough for mere mortals not notice.

.
Click to expand...
Lucky for me, so far it feels quite comfortable. I only do short runs, no more than about 50 miles. I feel lucky to have got hold of an almost 40 year old bike to look after and cherish.
Had new bikes, but not being able to do much on them is not for me. I like restoring something old rather than buying new. Plus as it only set me back ?2k, i'm not fretting on it sitting there not doing much or depreciating. looking forward to the better weather..
 
Just found the label still in good condition. Here are two pics.20180403_185315_resized.jpg
Steve said:
Just took a look at the photo, thought I would pass on a tidbit that nobody else has mentioned so far.

Your bike is a 1980 GS850GL. Yes, it's an "L". Some like them, others don't. I will just say that your particular model was a "one year only" model. The '81 850GL got a larger, sleeker gas tank and different airbox covers and side covers that were kept for the '82 and '83 model years. Yours was also unique in that it was the only "L" offered with a 17" rear tire.

The paint code is, indeed, 08E. I have the same color on my '80 850G. I don't know the official name of the color, but Nessism's description of "Pearl Black" is rather accurate. Under bright sunlight, it's easy to see the pearl colors, especially gold.

.
Click to expand...
 
peterd123 said:
Just found the label still in good condition. Here are two pics..........
Click to expand...
Yah, there is the foil tag I was describing.
See the manufacture date of 12/79, yep 1980 model.
(and now I see your pictures of the bike, yah 1980 L, GL actaully)

I think somewhere else on that tag, if it is not worn off by the cables, you will see "GS850GLT", G for shaft drive, L for L model, T for 1980 model year.
Is actaully listed in catalogs as a GL, but in talking we sometimes say L because that is what is on the side panel, and L is enough to distinguish from a G. But it is a GL.
Which can be somewhat confusing since there are other L that are L not GL.
 
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Thanks, getting there at last. Great help from everyone.. So when will it be historic as far as road tax is concerned. Some say April 1st 19 others say Jan 1st 19, As the log book just says Manufactured 1979.
Redman said:
Yah, there is the foil tag I was describing.
See the manufacture date of 12/79, yep 1980 model.
(and now I see your pictures of the bike, yah 1980 L, GL actaully)

I think somewhere else on that tag, if it is not worn off by the cables, you will see "GS850GLT", G for shaft drive, L for L model, T for 1980 model year.
Is actaully listed in catalogs as a GL, but in talking we sometimes say L because that is what is on the side panel, and L is enough to distinguish from a G. But it is a GL.
Which can be somewhat confusing since there are other L that are L not GL.
Click to expand...
 
Yes, many of the chain-driven bikes had "L" variants, as well as the shafties. Although the "G" at the end of the bike model signified the shaft drive, Suzuki, for some reason, chose to not put the "G" where there was also an "L", so your side covers only say "GS850L". That was also true with the 650, 1000 and 1100 GL models.

Consider yourself fortunate that the bike seems to fit. For many of us, the angle of the hand grips puts our wrists at a very awkward angle, making them uncomfortable almost instantly. There are those who would also rather lean into the wind while moving, which those higher bars will not allow. Installation of a windscreen helps a lot, taking the wind pressure off the torso, meaning that you don't HAVE to lean into the wind, but that still leaves the awkward angle of the hand grips.

My wife really enjoys her 850L, but she is short, and the bike has been set up for her. It's low enough for her to actually reach the ground (but not quite as well as she would like) while still being a decent-size bike to be able to handle road trips well.

.
 
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