New Forum Member and Questions Regarding My "New" 83 GS850L

[jaytex1969]

Hello.



I am Jay, in Knoxville.

I've been riding just over 20 years and have had over a dozen different machines during that time.

My 2nd bike was a dogged out 79 GS550 that I continued to dog for about 2 years until it died.

Many years and bikes later, I now have a bit more knowledge, wisdom and common sense. (just a bit...)

My "big" machine, currently, is a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate. My "little" machine is a Yamaha Zuma 125 scooter.

My latest acquisition, the "medium" machine is an 83 GS850L.

I just picked it up last weekend. It runs well. It appears to be bone stock, down to the pipes. I think the hand grips are not OEM. That's all I can find.

It has 16.5K miles on it. Some minor seepage around the valve cover gasket. Runs strong.

The tires are old and hard. I slid around a corner or two on the way home. I've been a big fan of Metzlers, on the Valk, which weighs twice as much.

Just thought I'd ask for opinions here on my tire options.

Once my tires are safer, I'll begin going through it systematically to make sure it's generally fit for service.

You can look forward to my noob questions concerning shim & bucket valve adjustments, as that is new to me.



Thanks!

Jay
​

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Great looking survivor. Looks brand new. Welcome to the forum.

 

[rphillips]

First WELCOME, 2nd we Rarely see this nice and OEM looking. Congrats.. , 3rd I like what you wrote about yourself "I have a bit more knowledge, wisdom, and common sense"... Usually means birthdays. That being said, I can't help with tire choices, I've accumulated enough Knowledge, wisdom, and common sense, no aggressive riding any more. I usually just put on what's available and cheap, throw in some balancing beads and all is good. Gosh, I can't remember the last time I drug a peg or anything in a curve.

 

[Big T]

Welcome aboard!

You'll find this to be your best source for information on your GS.

Check the tire forum for information on tires.

 

[Rob S.]

I can't remember the last time I drug a peg or anything in a curve.

Then you haven't been riding an 883XL (Sportster "SuperLow"). irate:

 

[Baatfam]

Howdy from North Knox, neighbor...

 

[Baatfam]

Hello.



I am Jay, in Knoxville.

I've been riding just over 20 years and have had over a dozen different machines during that time.

My 2nd bike was a dogged out 79 GS550 that I continued to dog for about 2 years until it died.

Many years and bikes later, I now have a bit more knowledge, wisdom and common sense. (just a bit...)

My "big" machine, currently, is a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate. My "little" machine is a Yamaha Zuma 125 scooter.

My latest acquisition, the "medium" machine is an 83 GS850L.

I just picked it up last weekend. It runs well. It appears to be bone stock, down to the pipes. I think the hand grips are not OEM. That's all I can find.

It has 16.5K miles on it. Some minor seepage around the valve cover gasket. Runs strong.

The tires are old and hard. I slid around a corner or two on the way home. I've been a big fan of Metzlers, on the Valk, which weighs twice as much.

Just thought I'd ask for opinions here on my tire options.

Once my tires are safer, I'll begin going through it systematically to make sure it's generally fit for service.

You can look forward to my noob questions concerning shim & bucket valve adjustments, as that is new to me.



Thanks!

Jay
​

Hey! Hold the phone! :idea:

Is this the same Valkyrie Jay that came by to look at my Triumph Trophy for sale a few weeks ago?
Looks like you found a nice GS, and you found the right place for info.

Congrats....

 

[jaytex1969]

Hey! Hold the phone! :idea:

Is this the same Valkyrie Jay that came by to look at my Triumph Trophy for sale a few weeks ago?
Looks like you found a nice GS, and you found the right place for info.

Congrats....

It is I. Your Trophy kept calling to me, but I had set out for an 80's UJM and couldn't get that out of my system.

Family photo...

 

[rphillips]

OOhhh, Still room for a couple more... Congrats.

 

[jaytex1969]

OOhhh, Still room for a couple more... Congrats.

This makes 17 carburetors in my garage now! :tongue:

 

[Baatfam]

It is I. Your Trophy kept calling to me, but I had set out for an 80's UJM and couldn't get that out of my system.

Family photo...

That's OK. You got I nice looking bike. I picked my GS over the Trophy, also.

 

[Rob S.]

Family photo...

Multiple bike ownership was one of the true highlights of my life. It was only two bikes (Sportster & 11E) and it was less than five years, but both were always fully gassed, oiled and charged. On more than a few occasions, I was fully geared up and couldn't decide which for a long few minutes.

Or the 3 am visits to the garage in shorts and slippers just to sit with them...caress them. Insomnia didn't bother me a bit: it just meant more waking hours to gaze at their beauty.

Lovely family photo.

 

[jaytex1969]

I got to put 1100 miles on the red Valkyrie over the weekend, shooting up to Baltimore and back to see the parents. She's a real battle cruiser!

 

[gustovh]

Say I read dragging pegs and that’s right up my….quicker days when riding particularly well. Oh welcome to the forum. I like Metzlers and just about any sticky tire that I can find that will fit the rims. Choices are getting slimmer all the time.

V

 

[bwringer]

Nice! Not enough '83s around here, ya know.

I and a lot of folks I know are running the Shinko 230, or perhaps the 712 if you like the looks of that one better.

I get about 3,000 miles out of them, normal people get 5K or more. Great tires for the money, made in Korea. I push them VERY hard, and they handle beautifully in all conditions.

If you want to splash out for higher-end rubber, the Bridgestone Battlax BT-46, the Michelin Commander, or the Conti Go! are considered quite spiffy.

Somewhere around here's a newbie mistakes thread that should be a good general guide. After tires, suspension is probably the next priority if it hasn't been upgraded yet. I'm guessing it has updated fork springs at least. Can't tell about the shocks.

Most folks change those awful handlebars for something more comfy; it's pretty rare to see a set of originals.

 

[Who Dat?]

I and a lot of folks I know are running the Shinko 230, or perhaps the 712 if you like the looks of that one better.

I get about 3,000 miles out of them, normal people get 5K or more.

Yep, many are running the Shinkos and are happy with them. Bwringer says he only gets about 3k miles, but he also likes it that that bike gets fresh rubber every year. It's also nice that a pair of Shinkos are about $150. If you install them yourself, great, if not, you will have to add mount and balance.

If you don't mind paying a bit more for something that will last a LOT longer, Dunlop Elite 4. They have sizes to fit your L, but not other GSes. Those tires go over 20k miles on larger touring bikes (Harleys, Goldwings, Ventures, etc.), no idea how long they will last on a GS.

 

[Suzukian]

I run a Battleaxe in the back, I like them, they don't get a flat spot very easily, yet grip when leaned over, and because I have a 16" in the front, an Avon, which is actually very sweet.

Your GS850L is super clean. Those bikes have a lot of torque. I always liked that about the GS850 engine (plus no chain to clean up).

 

[jaytex1969]

Having been on larger machines, I've shied away from Shinko, Kenda, Chen Shing, etc. I've come to trust Metzler and Avon.

My one V-Twin, an 03 Sportster, had Dunlops and they steered like a turd. Switching to Metzler 880's on that machine nearly doubled the lean and maneuverability.

I've never tried Bridgestones. A local shop quoted about $325 for a pair of 888's, more to mount them.

I've been considering the Harbor Freight bike lift. I have enough 2 wheel maintenance to justify the purchase.

I can recoup a hundred bucks right off the bat by pulling the GS wheels off myself for tire mounting. Once I sell the "old" Valkyrie to my friend, I can fit the lift in the garage!

 

[bwringer]

Having been on larger machines, I've shied away from Shinko, Kenda, Chen Shing, etc. I've come to trust Metzler and Avon.

My one V-Twin, an 03 Sportster, had Dunlops and they steered like a turd. Switching to Metzler 880's on that machine nearly doubled the lean and maneuverability.

I've never tried Bridgestones. A local shop quoted about $325 for a pair of 888's, more to mount them.

I've been considering the Harbor Freight bike lift. I have enough 2 wheel maintenance to justify the purchase.

I can recoup a hundred bucks right off the bat by pulling the GS wheels off myself for tire mounting. Once I sell the "old" Valkyrie to my friend, I can fit the lift in the garage!

Shinkos are made in Korea, and don't belong in the same sentence as the horrible Chinese brands you mention. Whole 'nuther country and level of quality there!

Avon no longer makes tires for our machines.

Since you have a 16" rear, Metzeler has some good options. Same goes for Dunlop's Elite. I would avoid the Dunlop 404; it's a very cheaply made tire that never lasts long and gets very unpleasant as it wears.

 

[gtem]

FWIW I've mounted up 4 pairs of Shinko 712s in the last two years and have liked them just fine, jury is out on longevity as I don't put that many miles on any of my bikes currently but they mount up and balance well (minimal weight needed, sometimes none), and seem to grip the road well. Brian just mounted a Shinko Raven on the back of my Bandit 1200, balanced out without needing any weight, no complaints yet. I've also bought several pairs of Kenda K270 dual sport tires and they likewise are generally well regarded as a "value" tire (not just "cheap and crappy").