Suzuki GS 850 G - Knowledge of

[xsilerating]

Is there anyone out there who has any knowledge of the Suzuki GS 850G (1982)? I.e. reliability, discussion groups (like this one), wiring diagrams, anyone who currently owns or has owned this model, etc. etc. etc.?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Ron

[randy]

Ron,

Try over here:

Suzuki Owners club

I had a Suzi 750E, it was pretty much bulletproof, except for the dual POINTS (!) ignition.

But by '82, I'd think they would have gone to electronic ignition.

Good luck

[Snow]

The GS engines of that era are generally considered "bulletproof". I believe most 850's around 82-83 were L's, or shaft-driven. My fav site when I had the '83 750T was http://www.thegsresources.com/
- it seems very similar to this site.

However, the big downside to GS's is they always seem to have charging issues (worse than XS's) and the normal fix usually includes a new R/R and maybe field/coil/whatever it's called in the generator from electrix.

[e.z.nightrider]

Just bought one ('82 GS 850 GL) for SWMBO. She loves it. Smooth ride, smooth trans, short enough for her and she doesn't fight to keep up with the XS 11 under normal rides. The "G" mean shaft drive and the "L" is for crusier styling.

Ed Z.

[xsilerating]

Thanks to you all for the valuable input. The one I'm looking at is a shaft drive cruiser with approx. 48000 km. Unfortunately, as mentioned, charging is an issue with this one so I'm hoping to be able to resolve it or at least understand it.
Again, thanks guys for the input. I knew I could count on XS'ers!javascript:smilie('')
big grin
Ron

[MacMcMacmac]

You'll get 100,000+ miles out that engine, easy. They were the biggest selling of all the GS's and were actually put back into production in Europe by popular demand a year after they were discontinued. They are porky (heavier than a GS1000) but absolutely indestructible. They are a larger bored 750, and not a destroked or sleeved down 1000 as many think, so they are actually somewhat revvy motors. You might try asking a guy named Dpep on the GS resources website about 850's, I believe he owns 4 of them. The charging issue is easily solved once and for all with a few upgraded components (which are actually cheaper then the inferior OEM parts).

[Snow]

Originally posted by xsilerating
Unfortunately, as mentioned, charging is an issue with this one so I'm hoping to be able to resolve it or at least understand it.

Ron, it's not really a big deal as long as you plan to fix it right away - you'll save a lot of heartache and swearing that way...trust me

The most sure-fire route to fixing a GS charging system is to replace both the stator and regulator/rectifier as when one goes, it generally takes out the other on those puppies (at least that was the consensus when I was still over there).

Also, it shows how long I've been away from the GS scene - Electrix is now called Electrosport.

Of course, it'd be cheaper to test both the stator and R/R before buying any parts.

[DiverRay]

Ron,
Don't forget, Geezer makes the R/R's for MOST Japanese bikes! He probably has the one for the Suzuki for about $120 US, and if it's like the XS11 model, it charges better as well!.

[xsilerating]

Thanks guys for the valuable responses. I was wondering if Geezer had parts for the GS's as well, so that's good to know. Unfortunately, the "not too bright" guy that's selling it doesn't understand the workings at all! We unsuccessfully tried to start it and while it turned over, there didn't seem to be any spark there. However, he hadn't stored it properly and the carbs were still full of 2 year old gas. He was suppose to drain them, get some fresh gas and try again. When I last spoke to him ( a couple of days ago) he supposedly had done that but, now he's removed the starter which, according to him, was not working. Fool! When I was there the starter was working fine... turning the engine over but not being able to get any kind of firing response. Now he says that if he's going to go through the expense of getting the parts and repairing it, then he might as well keep it!
Oh well, what's a poor XS'er to do?
Again, thanks to all, we'll see what happens.
Ron

[Geezer]

I don't have anything for the 78 and later Suzukis right now but it's something I'm working on.

The charging system on early Suzie fours was crappy at best and expensive to fix. It's too bad because they're nice handling and reliable bikes.

The GS1000 Shafty was very comparable to the XS11 but Suzuki had the better sense to make them available with either chain or shaft drive... I'd like the option of chain drive XS11 but I can't afford the conversion.

Geezer