What's It Worth? 1980 GS850GT

[Darin Jordan]

Hey Gang. I was hoping to get an idea of what my 1980 GS850GT might be worth? It's been awhile since I've shopped around, so figured you guys/gals would have an idea.

Bike is as pictured, and includes several upgrades, including:

Relay upgrade
Twin-Pot Brake upgrade
Fork Brace
Fairing
New Tires
New Bearings
Progressive Springs
Heavy Duty Stator/Rectifier Upgrade (Big Harley Unit)
Waterproof 12V power source tap (two ports)
Custom Paint and Seat Cover
All Stainless Brakelines/fittings
New Head bearing
Full Carb rebuild and Jetting updates.
Recently adjusted valves and balanced Carbs.
​

Bike runs GREAT, and has about 32,000 on it at this point.

I've been considering selling it, as I have another project that I need to focus on, but I'm not really sure. Need to understand what the market looks like for a nice older bike like this.

Would appreciate some serious opinions.

Thanks,
Darin

 

[Darin Jordan]

Another angle:

 

[Darin Jordan]

Brake Upgrade:

 

[Guest]

Realistically, it's a $1000-1500 dollar bike, not collectible or really even "desirable". These poor 850's, although great machines, fell into that "nowhere land" between the 750's and 1100's and really weren't very popular. I would ask for $1800 and prepare to negotiate down a bit.

 

[Burque73]

That sure is a nice looking 850. I think $1,800 would be a fair amount to expect to get. I would pay that or more because I love these bikes. Nice GS 1100 GK's struggle to sell for less than that. The market is not kind to these bikes it seems.

 

[Nessism]

I'd ask $2500 or so for starters. You can always come down later.

 

[bobgroger]

I sold my very nice 20k mile 850 for 1800 last fall, and that was ALL the money. I have an 1100e I would be surprised to get 1k for. Occasionally you see a museum piece that brings good money, but it is not a daily driver. Price it right to start with and the sale will be much smoother.... Tell the lowballers to call back in a month and see if you still have it.

 

[wymple]

You don't see bikes this nice anywhere near 100-1500 when you're in the market. If I were I would easily fork out 2000. Take any nice 850 and get it to this upgraded condition, you'll have 3000 in it, plus your time.

 

[Steve]

It appears to be very nicely done, but it definitely would have to appeal to that one person that likes that color combination. I like the way it's painted, just not so sure about the colors. It has some other nice additions (brakes, pipe, pods), so price it a bit over $2k, see who bites.

.

 

[alke46]

I am in agreement with the rest of the crowd, and if I owned it my asking price would be in the $2000 -- $2500 range. As good as it appears to be, I would not let it go for less than 2 Grand. That is unless you really want it gone so you can work on other projects. GLWS.

 

[Darin Jordan]

Thanks for the honest opinions, Guys. Honestly, if I couldn't get at LEAST $2000 for it, then it's not going anywhere. Pretty hard to find something this nice for that price...

 

[1948man]

I've got an 1100Gl that I'm thinking about putting in a crate for long-term storage to leave to my grandkids. It's a great bike that I just can't stand to let go for the paltry sum it would bring. I have 2 other bikes that get the bulk of my attention and I need more space in my man-cave. I can identify with how you feel but the general public just won't pay much for your bike (as much as it may be worth more) when there are bikes 10 or 15 yrs old that sell for $2K.

 

[Guest]

Pretty hard to find something this nice for that price...

Ummmm. Not really. Not in the NE USA anyways. I can rattle off a dozen UJM's of that vintage that are better all around bikes than an 850 in every conceivable way, and easily found for 2K or less. That's why my estimate was closer to 1000-1500.

 

[wymple]

"Ummmm. Not really. Not in the NE USA anyways. I can rattle off a dozen UJM's of that vintage that are better all around bikes than an 850 in every conceivable way,"

We all have our opinions

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gs850g 81.htm