Which 79 GS850 do I own?

[jjtravis1]

I am trying to identify what sub model I own.

 

[Rob S.]

I'm no 850 expert, but I suspect even they will need a larger pic than the one in your signature. Scroll down from the body of your text as you enter it and click on "Manage Attachments".

 

[Steve]

If it is actually a '79 model, it's very easy. There was only one. 850G.

The '79 was also the only 850 that came with a chrome front fender, VM carbs and a kick starter.

It is also important to note that production of the '80 models started in about August or September of '79, so you will see '80 models with '79 production dates. Some states will register a bike by the production date, rather than the actual model year. It is also possible that your state might register it by the date it was first sold. If it was left over and not sold and happened to stay in the back room of the dealer and finally sold in 1982, some states would register it as an '82. Confusing, for sure, but the date on the VIN plate is the final authority.

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[rphillips]

Kind'f looks like a GS850GL, as the tank looks high in the front & sloped off in the back. The small picture makes it hard to tell.

 

[allojohn]

I am trying to identify what sub model I own.

C'mon man, post a decent photo...

 

[Steve]

C'mon man, post a decent photo...

Most of us are adult enough to handle an indecent photo, too. :-\\\

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[allojohn]

Most of us are adult enough to handle an indecent photo, too. :-\\\

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Careful what you wish for......

 

[salty_monk]

It's a G not a GL.... https://www.thegsresources.com/_for...t-motorcycle&p=2567617&highlight=#post2567617



Not sure if the 850 Sometimes adds the GT variant like the 1000 but they are all the same. The carbs say it's a 79. Does it have a kickstarter?

The fairing is all aftermarket stuff as is the seat.

 

[Redman]

Pretty much what everyone else said. (I would not doubt what Steve says.)

If it is infact a 1979 model year (carbs with lever on top not diaphram, chrome fender, headligh off/on, contact point ignition, kick starter) it is a 850G. Was not any other 850. Note: the sidepanel just says GS850.
When looking for parts, the model may be listed as GS850GN, but the N just means 1979 model year.

In 1980 model year was the 850G (generally like the standard 79) and 850GL (more chrome, stepped seat, pull back bars, leading axle forks). Both had carbs with diaphram on top, no headlight on/off. solid state ignition pickup, no kickstarter, and bigger charging system. Modelyear desination is T, so are GS850GT and GS850GLT. The G sidepanel said GS850G and the GL sidepanel said GS850L with the L being real big.


Look around on the steering neck. One side will have the serail number stamped (not exactly a VIN), the other side might still have the foil tag that has other info IF it is there yet and IF is still readable.

 

[Steve]

It's a G not a GL.... https://www.thegsresources.com/_for...t-motorcycle&p=2567617&highlight=#post2567617



Not sure if the 850 Sometimes adds the GT variant like the 1000 but they are all the same. The carbs say it's a 79. Does it have a kickstarter?

The fairing is all aftermarket stuff as is the seat.

OK, here is the picture from that post, all blown up:

Easy enough to see the VM carbs and only "GS850" on the side cover, so it's a '79, which was the only G with a chrome front fender.

Redman nailed the rest of the identifiers, no need to repeat them.

Appears to be a Vetter Quicksilver fairing, which was a bit smaller than the Windjammer. Not sure which one looks "better", as I personally don't really care for either one, but I really DO like that seat. :encouragement:

Jjtravis, if you ever want to get rid of it, let me know. Unfortunately, I don't have a stock one to offer in return.

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[jjtravis1]

more picts

more picts

More pictures

 

[jjtravis1]

more picts

more picts

more pictures

 

[Steve]

Just one more point here. When ordering parts, you will see "GS850GN". The N is merely Suzuki's code for the 1979 model year, it's not a "sub-model". In the case of the 850, there was only the G and the GL (but only the L showed up on the side covers).

To continue with the model year letters:
1979 = N
1980 = T
1981 = X
1982 = Z
1983 = D

There are more letters for other years, but those are the only years the 850 was available in North America.

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[Redman]

Other clue that is 79: solid brake disc (not slotted like all 80 and after).


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[jjtravis1]

Thankyou all for your input. This is my first motor bike. I bought it as is. I know it passed inspection in Feb 2018. It seems to have some electrical issue with it but I'm also considering rebuilding the entire electric harness for it. Does anyone have experience with the M Unit Blue?

 

[Steve]

There are a few threads here about the M Unit, at least one of them was the Blue. There were a LOT of questions about the install, I don't remember if anyone every posted abut their success. I'm not saying it didn't happen, just that they never showed the completed project.

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[Guest]

The 850 i gave to my son has a Quicksilver on it. And the bags and trunk from a 1100GK.

 

[MrGoldennuggets]

VERY helpful! Makes perfect sense when looking at mine! Thanks