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Potential GS850L owner in UK - needs convincing to take the plunge!
G
Guest
Guest
Hi,
the 85mph speedo is just some type US spec for an L model, I think it was to do with the speed limit in Us, it will also have a surround around the 55mph mark, at 85 the needle just goes no further so one just have to watch the Tachometer. Grease the rear wheel splines every time you replace the back tyre with Moly 60.
the 85mph speedo is just some type US spec for an L model, I think it was to do with the speed limit in Us, it will also have a surround around the 55mph mark, at 85 the needle just goes no further so one just have to watch the Tachometer. Grease the rear wheel splines every time you replace the back tyre with Moly 60.
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Guest
Guest
The frame number starts 'JS1GS7......', so definitely not an '80 model. That series covers '81, '82 and '83. As most others think, it looks like an '82 model. Seller says he has the US title documents, so it should be easy to check.
G
Guest
Guest
Z is what your looking for, pull the right side bar back and look on the frame just under the speedo, should give all the details on the label inc the year, should say? GS850GLZ.
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ShaftCurious
Guest
You obviously have keener eyes than me, where did you pull that frame number from?
G
Guest
Guest
It's on the Ebay ad. Unfortunately there's a couple of pieces of wiring in the way of the rest of the number. It's on the right side of the steering stem.
G
Guest
Guest
Z is what your looking for, pull the right side bar back and look on the frame just under the speedo, steering stem, should give all the details on the label inc the year, should say? GS850GLZ.
also, now I found the Link. Seat is not 80 pattern is 82 and a different shape? 80 air box doesn't have rubber overflow hose through the gearbox at the rear driv.e shaft, 82 does, brake fluid container on an 80 is round not rectangular, 80 doesn't have a side stand warning light, 80 doesn't have warning lights in the tachometer they are in the dash, 80 dash is higher, 82 dash is lower, 80 doesn't have the choke on the handle bars as this does, handlebars don't look like 80s, not high enough, look 82, petrol tank looks like 82 shape and would have two fasteners "bolts" 80 would only have one, 80 filler cap is round 82 is not, tyres on an 80 are 19" and 17" rear, tyres on an 82 are 19" front and 16" rear. Could be totally wrong of course!!...but looks like 82 to me.
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dungdn93
Guest
It's on the Ebay ad. Unfortunately there's a couple of pieces of wiring in the way of the rest of the number. It's on the right side of the steering stem.
Steve
GS Whisperer
Chromedome has absolutely nailed all the points that I noticed regarding the year of the bike. :encouragement:
That is exactly the same year/model/color as my wife's bike when we got it. It has changed a bit over the years, though.
ShaftCurious: the three most common OBJECTIVE objections to the "L" model are handlebars, tank size and seat shape. Any other objections are purely SUBJECTIVE, such as: smaller headlight (might be hard to find a UK-legal version), copious amounts of chrome, etc. As you have seen, some people actually prefer the chrome or the slightly lower seat height, but almost everyone agrees about the poor handlebar shape. The rest of the bike is virtually identical to the G or Euro-spec bike, so handling differences are almost non-existant.
The stock "L" bars were engineered by the Marquis de Sade. There is no doubt about that. My wife's bike came with lower, flatter bars, but she is short and needed bars that came back to her, so we installed bars from a Kaw Z1300B, which are very comfortable (for her).
Bottom line, sit on the bike, see if it is comfortable, especially the handlebars. Handlebars are easily changed. The shape of the seat can be changed, but will likely require the services of a professional upholsterer. The headlight can be changed, but because of its smaller size, you might want to upgrade to a 7" bucket, which will also require different mounting arms. Not a hard job to change them over.
Bottom line: if it fits ergonomically and financially, go for it. :encouragement:
.
That is exactly the same year/model/color as my wife's bike when we got it. It has changed a bit over the years, though.
ShaftCurious: the three most common OBJECTIVE objections to the "L" model are handlebars, tank size and seat shape. Any other objections are purely SUBJECTIVE, such as: smaller headlight (might be hard to find a UK-legal version), copious amounts of chrome, etc. As you have seen, some people actually prefer the chrome or the slightly lower seat height, but almost everyone agrees about the poor handlebar shape. The rest of the bike is virtually identical to the G or Euro-spec bike, so handling differences are almost non-existant.
The stock "L" bars were engineered by the Marquis de Sade. There is no doubt about that. My wife's bike came with lower, flatter bars, but she is short and needed bars that came back to her, so we installed bars from a Kaw Z1300B, which are very comfortable (for her).
Bottom line, sit on the bike, see if it is comfortable, especially the handlebars. Handlebars are easily changed. The shape of the seat can be changed, but will likely require the services of a professional upholsterer. The headlight can be changed, but because of its smaller size, you might want to upgrade to a 7" bucket, which will also require different mounting arms. Not a hard job to change them over.
Bottom line: if it fits ergonomically and financially, go for it. :encouragement:
.
S
ShaftCurious
Guest
All great advice, thanks again guys.
Regarding comment above - what is a 7" bucket?..
Would a headlight from a G spec UK bike fit if I picked up mounting arms with it?
G
Guest
Guest
The standard G had a larger headlamp, with a black shell. L models had a smaller headlamp, with a chrome shell.
So in order to get an MoT, your options are:
Use a mask on the existing headlamp
Source a UK 'GL' lens and fittings
Upgrade to a standard G headlamp
So in order to get an MoT, your options are:
Use a mask on the existing headlamp
Source a UK 'GL' lens and fittings
Upgrade to a standard G headlamp
Steve
GS Whisperer
Answered by steveb922:
Not sure if you guys were "blessed" with the GL series or not, but you can certainly find the standard headlight bucket from a G or E bike. Because the L headlight was a bit smaller, you might not find a UK version if the L was never officially imported there. It might be easier to just change the whole assembly.
The bucket itself might measure about 8" across, but the headlight that fits inside it will be the standard 7" diameter, hence the " 7-inch bucket" designation.
I have upgraded my wife's 850L and my son's 650L with 7" lights. I just found headlight buckets and ears appropriate for each bike and installed them. The larger light does not look out of place at all, only the really observant afficionado might even notice.
.
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ShaftCurious
Guest
So I'm Just back from a second viewing. Had a good look and couldn't find any evidence of leaks. Engine and carbs are surprisingly clean, possibly after being steam cleaned I'd imagine.
tank had a few more knocks and scrapes than I noticed first time around, in fact the bike as a whole looks a little more tired in the flesh than the pictures make out. Which is where my issue with it lays, it would take a huge amount of time and effort to get it looking box fresh again - not that I would bother, just in terms of selling on again in the future - I imagine it would be hard to break even let alone make a profit.
so, do I want to commit to a long term future with it? I'm still undecided and may take the other half for a viewing tomorrow to gauge her opinion. I had a couple of sits on it and although initially comfy, I imagine the sitting position may possibly become irksome after a few miles - the bars feel 'cool' but perhaps in small doses.
It's likely to cost me ?2000 all in to get it roadworthy/licenced and there's an absolutely minty mint XJ650 Seca with 1600 miles from new available elsewhere for ?1975... Which I originally discounted for being over budget.
now I'm wondering if it would be best all round to stretch that budget and pick up an as new bike for used money - and save myself a bunch of time in the process.
incedently I asked him to check the papers and he confirmed that it is an 82 model. I took a photo of the frame number but it's largely obscured - starts JS1GS71... Ends 03
tank had a few more knocks and scrapes than I noticed first time around, in fact the bike as a whole looks a little more tired in the flesh than the pictures make out. Which is where my issue with it lays, it would take a huge amount of time and effort to get it looking box fresh again - not that I would bother, just in terms of selling on again in the future - I imagine it would be hard to break even let alone make a profit.
so, do I want to commit to a long term future with it? I'm still undecided and may take the other half for a viewing tomorrow to gauge her opinion. I had a couple of sits on it and although initially comfy, I imagine the sitting position may possibly become irksome after a few miles - the bars feel 'cool' but perhaps in small doses.
It's likely to cost me ?2000 all in to get it roadworthy/licenced and there's an absolutely minty mint XJ650 Seca with 1600 miles from new available elsewhere for ?1975... Which I originally discounted for being over budget.
now I'm wondering if it would be best all round to stretch that budget and pick up an as new bike for used money - and save myself a bunch of time in the process.
incedently I asked him to check the papers and he confirmed that it is an 82 model. I took a photo of the frame number but it's largely obscured - starts JS1GS71... Ends 03
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G
Guest
Guest
My thoughts on looking at the photos were that the bike was overpriced by 20 - 30%. Then you have to allow for getting it road-legal in the UK. A good GS 850 is a fine bike, and I don't have anything in particular against the Ls. That's just a question of personal taste, but it has to be said that they were never that popular over here, and that would be reflected in resale value. My thinking is that if you were to buy that bike and sort out the legalities, you could expect to sell it for maybe ?1100/1200.
On the other hand, if you were to buy it, and treat it as a rolling restoration, in the knowledge that you were not necessarily increasing the resale value by the amount of money spent, you'd still have a lot of bike for relatively little money.
On the other hand, if you were to buy it, and treat it as a rolling restoration, in the knowledge that you were not necessarily increasing the resale value by the amount of money spent, you'd still have a lot of bike for relatively little money.
If it's not jumping at you and you don't really want it badly, I would pass this time. You need to want that bike to put in the hours getting it up to scratch.
It's not a rarity, plenty of fish in the sea, for a while at least.
Better off regretting passing on something that might have be a good one than saddling yourself with something you don't really like.
It's not a rarity, plenty of fish in the sea, for a while at least.
Better off regretting passing on something that might have be a good one than saddling yourself with something you don't really like.
Not for Profit !
Not for Profit !
My GS850gL is way over budget.
I am so upside down on it I could own a much newer bike right now if I had spent the money differently
BUT --
I never bought it to make money - I just LOVE it.
I Like being able to work on it and make repairs
I enjoy tinkering with it as a hobby
The bike is fun to ride, and unique enough to draw looks from those who either remember wistfully or wonder what it is ...
The modifications and 'improvements' I have made are specifically FOR ME ; ABOUT ME and BY ME .
Mine has a salvage title - I can't even fully insure it -
I wanted to have a commuter bike ; something less of a hassle to ride in traffic than my Goldwing
I wanted to keep those commuting miles OFF the Goldwing .
AS an investment it is a terrible place for my money -- but as a HOBBYist thing to do -- Priceless
Not for Profit !
My GS850gL is way over budget.
I am so upside down on it I could own a much newer bike right now if I had spent the money differently
BUT --
I never bought it to make money - I just LOVE it.
I Like being able to work on it and make repairs
I enjoy tinkering with it as a hobby
The bike is fun to ride, and unique enough to draw looks from those who either remember wistfully or wonder what it is ...
The modifications and 'improvements' I have made are specifically FOR ME ; ABOUT ME and BY ME .
Mine has a salvage title - I can't even fully insure it -
I wanted to have a commuter bike ; something less of a hassle to ride in traffic than my Goldwing
I wanted to keep those commuting miles OFF the Goldwing .
AS an investment it is a terrible place for my money -- but as a HOBBYist thing to do -- Priceless
My GS850gL is way over budget.
I am so upside down on it I could own a much newer bike right now if I had spent the money differently
BUT --
I never bought it to make money - I just LOVE it.
I Like being able to work on it and make repairs
I enjoy tinkering with it as a hobby
The bike is fun to ride, and unique enough to draw looks from those who either remember wistfully or wonder what it is ...
The modifications and 'improvements' I have made are specifically FOR ME ; ABOUT ME and BY ME .
Mine has a salvage title - I can't even fully insure it -
I wanted to have a commuter bike ; something less of a hassle to ride in traffic than my Goldwing
I wanted to keep those commuting miles OFF the Goldwing .
AS an investment it is a terrible place for my money -- but as a HOBBYist thing to do -- Priceless
Well said. That's exactly how I feel about mine. With everything I have learned from this site and doing it all myself, it has been an investment in me - not in the bike.
G
Guest
Guest
Ditto, ditto.
