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Suzuki GS 850 G motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
2719

Capacity : 850
Model : GS 850 G
Production : 1979 - 1983
Category : (R) Street Bike

SUZUKI

GS850 G · 1979

The bike that was too perfect

In 1979, Suzuki doubled its stake by launching this new shaft -drive 850 alongside its established 750 and 1000cc chain-driven models. Even though its conventional styling was similar to the other models, this 850 was aimed at an entirely different market. Its shaft drive and large (5.8 gallons) fuel tank made it a true grand tourer.

Twice Round the Bend

A year before the Katana 650, Suzuki revealed its first shaft-drive machine. In addition, it was a more difficult technical exercise; it involved an extra right-angle drive, and the four-cylinder engine was mounted transversely. Suzuki solved this problem adroitly by creating a transmission of great flexibility.

Lacking the Vital Spark

Though it was a touring machine, the GS850 was not in the least docile. It was nearly as fine -tempered as its chain-driven rival, the GS750. Soberly (but superbly) finished, it was stable at high speed and better-handling than most of its competitors, the GS850's only minor fault lay in its suspension, which was too soft and poorly damped. It certainly merited a more brilliant career than it enjoyed, because the GS850 was elbowed aside first by the 1000G in 1980, then by chopper versions. This range disappeared altogether in 1983. The problem with this practical bike was that it lacked the little spark of excitement necessary for a great commercial success.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 843cc (69x56.4mm) air-cooled transverse four-cylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 77.6 hp@ 9000 rpm

Valves: twin overhead-camshafts; 8 valves

Fuel System: four 26mm carburetors

Transmission: 5-speed, shaft final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: twin discs (front); disc (rear)

Wheels: wire; 3.50x19 inch (front); 4.50x17 inch (rear)

Weight: 557 lb

Maximum Speed: 121 mph

 

Shaft drive returned in full force at the start of the 1980s - it was also seen on the Yamaha XS750 and Honda CX- but progress in chain design quickly sidelined this feature once more.


 



Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.