Suzuki GS850GL
Thu, June 24th, 2010
Click image for larger view.
IT’S SUZUKI WEEK!
Featuring a different Suzuki street bike each day.
| 1980–83 Suzuki GS850GL | |
|---|---|
| Performance |   |
| When the 16-valve version of the GS750 was introduced for 1980, the older 8-valve version was bored out 100cc to create the GS850. It was no longer a superbike, but it posessed gobs of power and utter smoothness. Suzuki made the right call; the design was too young and too competent to be put out to pasture. | |
| Handling | |
| The shaft-drive was well sorted and the cruiser version's extra rake kept things predictable, but it's a big bike that was more tourer than sporter. | |
| Looks | |
| While the styling of UJM-based cruisers is frequently maligned, The 850GL's big, attractive Suzuki mill, restrained lines and nice paintwork elevate this one above the fray. | |
| Reliability | |
| Any bike this age will give you problems due to the dreaded 'rubber rot,' but the metal parts of the GS850 motor can easily go well beyond 100,000 miles without a hitch. | |
| Practicality | |
| Its too old and uncomfortable to eat up the miles it's capable of, unless you do a lot of maintenance up front. And you'll still have those goofy, uncomfortable early-cruiser ergonomics. | |
| Desirability |  |
| Yea, I like it, but not enough to own one. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| The GS850GL was perhaps the most robust and competent UJM cruiser. Which is like saying you've got the sweetest brand of pickle. | |