1979 Suzuki GS850 review from United States of America
"Perfect, inexpensive, reliable bike to learn touring on"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
Battery died within 2 years.
28 year old seat finally split about 3 inches on a seam.
Nothing serious or expensive.
General comments?
For someone new to touring, this is the bike to ride. You can get accustomed to the touring weight and handling before going to a land yacht.
Reliable, trouble-free, and smooth, this bike just plain feels good. It's quite comfortable and stable, plus it has the classic 70s 80s transition look going on. All it really needs to reinforce this statement is a mullet!
Riding for 40 years, I've been through most manufacturers and types. The 850 is Marty's chair on the TV show Frazier: for personal comfort, it just can't be replaced without spending a lot of money and, even then, it just wouldn't be the same. It has the power to get you out of trouble, but not enough to get you into it; it's reliable so you don't have to shell out bucks to keep riding.
Recommended reviews
 | Superb |
 | Great value in a bike from this era |
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Acceleration marks | 4/10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Handling marks | 6/10 |
| Braking marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 23000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 29000 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Yamaha XT550J |
| Date of Entry | 13th October, 2006 |