1981 Suzuki GS850 Reviews

Head gasket needed replacing when I first got the bike.

I have owned this bike since 1996, since then I have replaced the seat, petrol tank, and numerous other.

As for the handling, I think for its age, it handles and performs remarkably well.

I have added some nice extras, which I think will be of interest to other Suzuki GS850 owners, namely an oil cooler, an engine oil temperature gauge, and an engine oil pressure gauge.

To see my bike look on youtube at.. Suzuki GS850GT with oil cooler.

Safe biking to you all, regards Mr Rookledge.

Right handlebar switch panel replaced.

Spark plugs replaced.

Tires replaced.

Battery replaced.

Starter replaced.

Intake boots (set of 4) replaced.

Carbs cleaned and synched at intake boot replacement service.

Bike came with a set of highway bars with fixed rubber pegs - I chose to replace the fixed rubber pegs with newer style metal folding pegs.

I chose to replace "Buckhorn"-style handlebar for one with a shorter bend, which relieves wind blast on torso, as well as more comfortable wrist angle for twisting throttle

I chose to upgrade the headlight bulb to a newer bulb, giving a whiter light and higher wattage (60/55W= 110/100W).

I chose to install a "Back-Off" module to make taillight flash in a 5-flash pattern when the rear brake is applied, making the bike more visible to other drivers.

I chose to add rubber sleeves over the clutch, and brake levers for improved grip

I chose to replace the factory round mirrors with an updated set of chrome teardrop-shaped mirrors.

My GS850GL has air assisted forks, which have held up great and ride well.

Overall bike suspension is excellent - the bike is very comfortable for long rides.

Bike handles and accelerates well for a bike of its size and weight.

Paint, seat and chrome on my bike have held up extremely well.

Highway bars and pegs give you a place to stretch out during rides.

Shaft drive has needed no maintenance at all, other than periodic gear oil changes as recommended.

Factory exhaust still working well and looking great.

Everywhere, I go the bike gets looks and favorable comments from other riders, as well as non-riders.

Factory optional backrest with the Suzuki "S" in chrome on the back side, and the "L" embossed in the pad, really adds to the look of the bike.

Check out photos at http://community.webshots.com/user/kmfarrell

The speedometer cable needed replacement at 17,220 miles.

The engine start switch housing was replaced at 17,220 miles.

The tachometer cable needs replacement; The part is currently on order.

The left side front cam end seal has a small oil leak; I have the parts and will do the job over the winter.

All four rubber carburetor runners need replacement; I will replace all four over the winter.

The motorcycle's seat is very comfortable, even on long rides.

The bike's seating position and location of the hand grips and foot pegs make long rides easy.

For a heavy bike it has plenty of power and will even lift the front wheel when accelerating from a stop.

The bike's seat, paint and chrome have held up very well for its age.

Brakes are excellent and the 2-rotor setup for the front brake is better than on many newer bikes.